Types of air purifiers. Air purifier for home: principle of operation and functions, types, selection criteria

Life in the city, in addition to the obvious advantages, sometimes brings non-obvious problems. One of these is not the best fresh air, which is especially noticeable if your home is located near areas with industrial enterprises. There can be a lot of dust or other particles in the air that make life difficult for people prone to allergies, and an established smell of tobacco can hover in rented apartments.

Devices such as air purifiers will help solve the problem with the air and rid it of allergens. In this article, we will talk about the main varieties of these devices and teach you how to choose an air purifier.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are many models of air cleaners, but all of them can be divided into two types - these are filtration and electrostatic. In relation to the latter, another definition is also used - ionizers. These two varieties are radically different in principle of action.

Filtration air cleaners

To understand the principle of operation of a filtration type air cleaner, it is enough to imagine a simple vacuum cleaner. The device sucks in air, passes it through the filter, and then releases it back. The degree of air purification, the volume of air exchange, as well as the types of particles that the device detains in itself, entirely depend on the filter used.

In some models of filtration air cleaners, it is possible to install various filters, thereby adjusting the device to different needs. There are also models with combined filters that work on the principle of all at once. Humidifiers and air ionizers can also be built into such air cleaners.

The advantages of this type of device include their flexibility: problems with a large amount of dust - we put one filter, it needs to be eliminated unpleasant odors- we put another. The main disadvantage of filtration air cleaners is their rather noisy operation; even expensive models cannot completely rid you of the sound of a rotating fan.

Electrostatic air cleaners

Electrostatic air purifiers follow a different technology. It is easy to figure it out if you remember the school physics course. The device releases a stream of electrons, thereby ionizing the surrounding air. So the dust hovering in it, aerosol spray products and other similar particles receive a negative charge. At the same time, negatively charged particles are attracted to positively charged particles - the air cleaner plates just have such a charge. As a result, all those components in the air that you would like to get rid of settle either inside the device or fall on the floor of your home, where they can be easily removed by wet cleaning.

In addition to cleaning, there is also air disinfection. And the ionized air itself can have a preventive effect, for example, in inflammatory diseases. However, electrostatic air cleaners should be used sparingly - a high degree of ionization can lead to negative effects. These devices also have one more drawback - they are not able to purify the air from volatile gaseous substances.

Otherwise, ionizers have solid advantages. They have small dimensions, they do not produce noise at all, consume little electricity and, at the same time, are relatively inexpensive.

Air cleaner filters

If everything is more or less clear with the principle of operation of electrostatic air cleaners, then the issue of filters in filtration-type cleaners remains open. And the first thing to understand when it comes to this design element - universal filters does not exist.

Let's dwell on them in more detail.

Other parameters

Also, before choosing an air purifier, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the following parameters:

Summarizing the above, it is worth noting once again that universal models that equally effectively eliminate all types of air pollution at once simply do not exist. When answering the question of which air purifier to choose for an apartment, focus primarily on your own needs, consider the size of the room, the noise level, how often you can change filters and whether you want to do it at all.

Well, if in general you doubt whether you need such a device, then you should know that on average one person takes about 23 thousand breaths per day, while according to statistics, people spend most of their time indoors. In such conditions, the presence of an air cleaner is not an additional measure to improve comfort, but rather a vital necessity.

home for modern people- it is not only "its own fortress". This is the place where we sleep, cook and relax from everyday work. And one of the main criteria for comfortable housing is the microclimate that is created in it. And to improve its quality, you should use the best humidifiers and air purifiers. After all, the state of the air that a person breathes at home (especially in a dream) largely depends on his immunity and health in general. The microclimate in children's rooms becomes archival.

The best solution would be not to wait for the doctor's recommendation (when problems have already arisen), but to take care of your own health and loved ones in advance. The solution would be to purchase a household humidifier-purifier. Thanks to such a device, it will be possible to prevent the occurrence of various respiratory diseases or to alleviate the condition of the body if they have already appeared.

Even outdoors, moisture from the air is frozen out by cold in winter, and dried by heat in summer. In residential areas, the situation is even worse. Everyone knows that heaters “burn” oxygen and dry the air. It is this function that the radiators of the heating system perform in winter. In summer, the humidity in the room decreases due to the use of air conditioners (besides, the air entering the house is already dry).

Popular models of cleaners - humidifiers for the apartment

Venta air purification systems

Perhaps one of the best representatives among the "washers" of air. These German combined action systems are designed to purify the air from dust particles and other possible impurities that can provoke allergic reactions or cause respiratory diseases, as well as for effective humidification.

Venta LW-15. This device is designed for small rooms up to 20 m². Its maximum productivity is 2 m³ per minute. Simple, efficient, economical and fairly quiet device. Nothing extra. Its main function is to purify and humidify indoor air.

Venta LW-25. Similar to the previous device in terms of functionality, but with the addition of a flood indication, a larger water tank capacity (7 l) and higher performance. It is already 3.8 m³ per minute for this device. Therefore, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room that the LW-25 can process increases to 40 m².

Venta LW-45. hallmark This modification is that it is designed for large rooms (up to public) up to 75 m². This is due to the highest productivity among analogues, which is up to 270 m³ for an hour of continuous operation.

Advantages of Venta systems:

• No filters need to be replaced, the drum is simply washed.
• Simple, reliable and safe design.
• Antibacterial protection Venta-Hygienemittel.
• Optional connection of a humidity sensor.
• Auto-off in the absence of water.

Disadvantages:

• When turned on to the maximum mode, it makes noise (but at the minimum it is quite comfortable for night use).

Air cleaner with humidification Boneco Air-O-Swiss W2055D

This Swiss air washer for the home can easily handle rooms up to 50 m². In this device, for better air purification from small particles dust is pre-ionized, which will charge them and ensure their attraction to the rotating moistened disks.

The design additionally provides a silver ionizing rod Ionic Silver Stick for antibacterial protection, and it is also possible to use a flavoring liquid. One of the most economical devices in its segment (20W). It has a large water tank (7 l), liquid crystal display and humidity control device.

Advantages:

• Low noise (at minimum power it is comfortable for use at night).
• No additional consumables required.
• Device cleaning indication.
• Built-in hygrometer and humidity control functions.
• Large transparent water tank.

Disadvantages:

• Pretty big device.
• Laborious cleaning.

"Sink" for air Sharp KC-860E

This kind of air purifier and humidifier combination, according to the manufacturer, is able to cope with the air in a room up to 48 m². This indicator is provided by a rather serious performance of the device, the maximum value of which is 396 m³ per hour. The device is equipped with convenient electronic control. There is a traditional Sharp Plasmacluster air ionization system.

This home appliance has the most positive reviews. The presence of several high-quality filters in the device turns Sharp KC-860E not only into an effective humidifier, but also into complete cleaner air (as opposed to the bulk of the combined systems).

Used filters:

• Prefilter.
• HEPA filter.
• Carbon filter.
• Condensate filter.

Important clarification: The service life of consumables is quite long - the preliminary, carbon and HEPA filters are up to 5 years, and the condensate filter is about 2 years.

The main advantages of Sharp KC-860E:

• The device has 3 fan speed levels.
• Can be used in automatic mode.
• There are sensors for dust, odors and humidity.
• There is a “fight” mode with pollen (relevant for allergy sufferers).
• Indication of water level, air pollution and Plasmacluster ionization mode activity.
• Low noise level.

Disadvantages:

• Large dimensions.
• Filters, although very durable, still require replacement after a certain period.

Air purifier with humidification Panasonic F-VXH50

This model was originally developed for the Japanese market. characteristic feature this "washing" of air is the automation of the process. At the first start, this device is able to “analyze” the air quality in the corresponding room, and within 2-3 weeks it adjusts to the time when more often than usual large quantity indoor pollution.

Estimated area for effective use devices up to 40 m². Power consumption is quite low - 43 watts. Maintenance and cleaning of the instrument itself is carried out approximately once a month.

Advantages:

• Small sizes.
• Low noise.
• Function of maintenance of level of humidity of Econavi.
• Durable filters.

Disadvantages:

• The LED is too bright for night use (can be turned off).
• Expensive consumables.

In conclusion, certain conclusions can be drawn. The popularity of the above models of humidifiers with the function of air purification (or vice versa, as you like) is not accidental. All the reviewed models have excellent functionality, excellent build quality and reliability. And most importantly, they almost flawlessly cope with all their declared capabilities and at the same time replace two separate devices.

Air is necessary for man to sustain life. Only when it is clean and enriched with oxygen, health is strengthened by improving the functioning of all organs and systems of the body. But the ecological situation in many settlements, and not only in large cities, does not contribute to this: their atmosphere contains various harmful substances. These contaminants often enter living spaces unhindered from the streets. Various types will help to cope with them. air purifiers. These devices can be installed in apartments, houses, public institutions and even in cars.

Classification of air purifiers according to the type of filters used

Air purifiers are divided according to the type of filters used, which determine the principle of operation of the devices. Moreover, each type of device is characterized by a certain effectiveness in the fight against various types pollutants, economy and safety. A wide range of models allows you to choose the device that is suitable for its characteristics.

Photocatalytic devices

The operating principle of the devices is based on photocatalysis. Due to the action of ultraviolet rays on the catalyst (titanium dioxide), organic air impurities are oxidized and decomposed to safe components: carbon dioxide and water. Previously, large particles of contaminants contained in the room atmosphere are retained by a coarse filter. The inner filter element consists of porous glass. Titanium dioxide is deposited on its surface with a thin layer. At the same time, the catalyst transmits light and retains the adsorbing properties of the surface.

Scheme of the photocatalytic filter

Photocatalytic devices purify the air masses in the room from the following contaminants:

• microbes, dust mites, molds and their spores;
• pollen, wool, skin particles;
• odors, dust, tobacco smoke, soot, steam;
• from hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and phenol fumes emitted, for example, by furniture.

The photocatalytic air cleaner is very effective in dealing with various kinds of impurities. Its advantages include low energy consumption, noiselessness, ease of maintenance (it is enough to vacuum once every six months).

Advice! The only disadvantage of photocatalytic devices is too deep cleaning, which absorbs neutral microorganisms necessary for strong immunity. For this reason, this type of cleaner is not recommended for long-term use in children's rooms.

Carbon cleaners (adsorption)

The operation of the devices is based on the fact that Activated carbon, due to its porous structure, has high absorption (adsorption) properties. Coal cleaners are good at retaining gas molecules, various volatile compounds with relatively large molecular weight . They also absorb bacteria, allergens, fungi, mold, odors. The maximum volume of substances that a filter element can absorb determines its resource. The efficiency (performance) of an adsorption air cleaner directly depends on the size of the installed filter: the larger it is, the more pores it contains through which suction is carried out.

The adsorption filter can be filled with two types of activated carbon:

• granulated;
• finely dispersed.

The filter element of the first type provides less resistance to the air mass sucked in, which increases its productivity (a larger volume of air is cleaned per unit time).

Important! There are pleated filters. They have an increased suction surface, so they absorb gases more efficiently than conventional consumables.

The charcoal filter should be changed at least semiannually so that the performance of the device does not drop. Otherwise, the level of air pollution may not decrease, but increase. It will not work to clean the filters, but the insignificant cost allows you to replace this type of consumables at the right time.

adsorption filter element often combined with other filters, for example, mechanical (preliminary cleaning), retaining large air impurities. This increases their working life, because the pores are filled more slowly.

Advice! Please note that devices with adsorption filter elements are not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity, because they quickly lose their adsorption properties due to saturation with water.

Carbon filters are used in paint and varnish production, in the manufacture of gas masks, are installed in household air hoods. But they are ineffective in the presence of small molecular compounds in the indoor atmosphere.

Air cleaners with HEPA filters

Such cleaners belong to the category of devices fine (mechanical) cleaning. HEPA filters are a fibrous material (fiberglass, paper or its derivatives) folded like an accordion. They are capable of capturing pollutant particles as small as 3 microns. Their efficiency reaches 99% due to the fact that the air is purified by passing through many layers of filter material. Dust particles, mites, allergens, mold with spores and other inclusions settle on its surface. But tobacco smoke and small viruses are not absorbed by the filter.

HEPA filter supplemented by mechanical(coarse cleaning), which prolongs its service life, excludes the ingress of large particles into the device. Prolonged use of the air cleaner leads to complete clogging of the fibers and requires replacement. It should be done in about 3 - 4 months.

Devices with a HEPA filter are widely used in pharmaceutical production, in medical institutions. It is recommended to use such cleaners in a house where pregnant women, sick people, allergies, children.

Air purifiers with mechanical filters

Mechanical filters are a polymer or metal mesh that traps large contaminants from 5 microns: animal hair, hair, dust particles, grains of sand, poplar fluff. This is the simplest type of pre-cleaning (coarse) filter elements, necessary to protect people and the cleaners themselves.

Air purifiers for the home include a mechanical filter in their package and are complemented by others (coal, HEPA). Products for air pre-treatment, due to their simple design, differ durability, easy maintenance. The latter consists in removing the mesh for further washing with water or cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. If you do not clean it periodically, the device will become a source of air pollution.

Ionizing (electrostatic) devices

Electrostatic devices are small in size. They clean from dust, fungi, tobacco smoke, pollen, various fibers, odors. Their efficiency comes up to 95%. Such devices are well suited for an apartment. The principle of their operation is based on the fact that particles of pollutants, passing through the ionization chamber, become positively charged. Because of this, they are attracted to plates with a negative charge. The air stream leaves the device cleaned. The filter is reusable. Its care includes only regular washing of the plates with water.

Important! Please note that the operation of an electrostatic purifier releases ozone, which neutralizes tobacco smoke. But if the device is used excessively, its concentration in the air can reach unhealthy levels. Therefore, it is recommended to place the ionizing cleaner at a distance from the user.

Water air cleaners

In another way, water air purifiers are called sinks and. They are able to retain dust, pollen, animal hair, odors that are present in the air.

There are sinks that operate according to the following principles:

• cold "water bath";
• hydrofiltration.

The work of the former is based on the fact that with the help of a fan, polluted air is sucked in. There particles of inclusions become positively charged. Then they are attracted to the disk, which has a negative charge. Next, the pollutants are washed off with water, falling into the pan. Purified air enters the room.

Cold water bath principle

Hydrofiltration consists in the fact that the air stream is cleared of pollutants by passing through a sprayed water curtain. The retained particles settle in the pan.

The principle of hydrofiltration

The advantage of using a water purifier is that there is no need to change the filter: it is enough just to wash the device regularly with water. Washing automatically act as moisturizers, so they are used in greenhouses and in dry rooms.

Combined devices

Manufacturers often install several types of filters in one device to ensure the most complete cleaning of the room atmosphere. Such air purifiers can simultaneously purify, humidify, and ionize the air.

The most common addition is considered a humidifier. Connecting a photocatalytic filter to it allows you to simultaneously purify the air and increase its humidity.

If you wondered “which air purifier to choose for an apartment?”, It means that you already really imagine all the troubles that uncleaned air causes. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the level of air pollution directly in the room is 3-10 times higher than in the street. Headaches, allergic reactions, weakened immune systems are all signs that you need to buy an air purifier.

In the conditions of modern urban life, with its noise, constant stress and poor ecology, reurbanization - a massive outflow of population from a stuffy city to the countryside - is becoming a fixed idea for many people. How often do you want to drop everything and leave the city, where the air is clean and fresh, and you can leave your footprints on the sea sand in the morning or walk barefoot in the morning dew.

When the usual way of life does not allow replacing urban amenities with asceticism rural life, you can move to a calm and cozy suburb. Modern suburban areas combine the usual urban comfort with the silence of a sunny summer morning, the freshness of forest air and the sonorous crunch of freshly fallen snow.

If the desired move is still only a dream, you should not deny yourself the luxury of breathing air without harmful impurities. A modern air purifier will help to make a small Garden of Eden out of your apartment.

We hope that this article and the information contained in it will help you make an informed and right choice. We wish you success with the repair and arrangement of your home! We will be grateful for the likes in social networks, and of course subscribe - there will be many more interesting things.

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