How to Choose a Commercial Air Purifier in 2022
Why a commercial air purifier has become a must-have for businesses?
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that air quality is much more important than we originally thought. It isn’t just viruses that are lurking in our air, however, everything from mold and fungi to bacteria and allergens can get into our HVAC systems and contaminate the air. In the business world, the need for a quality commercial air purifier has only increased in response to the need for better-quality air.
Air quality, of course, was an issue long before the current pandemic. One study has suggested that as much as 91% of people worldwide are in spaces where the air quality does not meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards. That can lead to major health issues, discomfort, a reduction in productivity for workers and, yes, cross contamination due to people spreading viruses and bacteria in spaces where the air isn’t effectively filtered.
Choosing a commercial air purifier is no simple task. There are many things that need to be considered, which is why we have put together this handy guide to help you pick the right purifier for your needs. Each of these considerations are necessary for picking the right one so that you have an air purification system that effectively and efficiently cleans the air people breathe in your space.
Start with the space
The temptation when buying a commercial air purifier is to get either the most affordable or most expensive model. Unfortunately, most of the price differences in these machines is related to the size of the space they can effectively purify and the efficiency at which they can do it. Therefore, it’s important to know about the space the air purifier will be used in before looking.
Start by simply getting the size of the room. Just like with air conditioners, many commercial air purifiers are rated on the space they can purify. Once you know the square footage, then you can start looking for the right model that will work in the area. Bear in mind that most commercial spaces will require multiple air purifiers working together to better purify the air and ensure proper airflow.
Look for multiple filtration points
HEPA filters are an incredible feat of human ingenuity, effectively removing 99% of many potential contaminants in a way that doesn’t severely impede air flow. But even the best HEPA filters shouldn’t be used on their own. They need to be used in tandem with other filtration points to ensure the maximum level of purification.
When looking for your commercial air purifier, look for one that has multiple HEPA filters. This is the easiest way to find a machine that will more effectively remove potential contaminants from the air. Essentially, these systems will get the air cleaner because there is a built-in redundancy. They can also help purify the air for longer because they have multiple fail-safes.
Think about airflow
One aspect of air purification not always taken into account is the “breathable zone” or the area where people generally draw breath. This key area in any indoor space is important when considering how air is taken out to be purified and put back in to be used.
Your commercial air purifier should consider the breathable zone in its design. Preferably, it should be drawing air higher up, purifying it and redistributing it lower down. That way, the air that’s been breathed is what’s picked up and air that’s purified is put where it can be naturally distributed.
Consider the reaction chamber
HEPA filters aren’t your only tool in air purification. There’s also the power of UV light. The best commercial-grade air purifiers use specialized UV reactor chambers to further purify the air and remove viruses, mold, fungi and bacteria, all of which can cause major health problems.
The next generation of virus-killing air purifiers
If you own a commercial space and want the best, most pure air possible, then make sure to choose a commercial air purifier that takes everything into account. From multiple filters and UV light chambers to considering airflow, everything must work together to create the cleanest, safest air possible. It’s the best way to kill viruses lurking in our air and help reduce the chances of health issues related to poor-quality air.