STACK #219 January 2023

TECH FEATURE

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FILTER FOCUS Different filters perform different tasks. The most popular type in domestic air purifiers is the HEPA filter, although some units will combine multiple filter systems in one unit.

HEPA: The most common type of filter, HEPA, is an acronym for High-Efficiency Particulate Air.

The filter is a multi-layered fine mesh

netting designed to catch various

sized particles. A True HEPA filter can capture over 99.97 per cent of pollutants. Carbon: A carbon filter is an efficient filtration system due to its porous nature. The absorbent material makes it ideal for gases and odours that HEPA filters can’t catch. Ozone : An ozone filter is excellent for neutralising odours but will not trap any other impurities in the air. UV: UVC sanitation has become more and more popular over the last two years for obvious reasons. In air purifiers, you’re most likely to find UVC technology working in conjunction with a HEPA filter. For example, as the air flows through the filter, the UV light shines, potentially killing mould spores, bacteria, and viruses as clean air exits into the room.

OK, I’m in. What’s the next step? Right, you’ll need a tape measure for this bit. Measuring the size of the room where the air purifier will sit will help you choose the suitable model for the job. An underpowered unit will under perform in a big space, and conversely, an overpowered unit will just chew the juice and add unwanted numbers to your electricity bill. The good news is that most models will openly display coverage rates in metreage. To work out the metreage, the formula needed is length multiplied by width. This will give the total area. So, if a room is five metres long and four metres wide, the total area is 20m2. Adjoining rooms that an air purifier will service will need to be calculated and added to the total surface area. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to buy an air purifier that will cope with a slightly larger area than the one required.

I keep seeing the letters CADR on air purifiers. What’s the deal? The Clean Air Delivery Rate, or CADR, is an industry-standard measure of how efficient an air purifier is based on the size of a room and the amount of clean air produced by the minute. The results are converted to cubic metres per hour when units are initially tested. The three pollutants used in the testing process are dust, smoke, and pollen. So essentially, the higher the CADR rating, the better the air purifier will perform. Bells and whistles Depending on the price tag, air purifiers come with a range of different features. Alongside the basics, some models can double as a heater in the winter or a fan in the summer. Some offer variable speeds for flexibility in filtering the air, and others have an oscillating head to cover more of the room area. If you’re a light sleeper, look for an air purifier with a quiet mode for overnight operation. As we’ve already mentioned, several air purifiers come with an inbuilt warning to replace the filter – a handy addition for a busy household. Establishing what features best suit your household is a great place to start before shopping.

Smart cleaning Smart technology extends to air purification, with some units offering Wi-Fi connectivity. This brings voice control into play and remote operation. Depending on the brand, information about the type of pollutant collected can be relayed to an app, and speeds can be adjusted depending on the job required.

34 JANUARY 2023

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