Buying Guide for Blueair Air Purifiers

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Points to consider when buying an in-room air purifier

Blueair

Use of air filtration not only makes air clean and pure, but also enhances a person's energy, alertness, and comfort. At the same time, it helps individuals with respiratory ailments enhance their quality of life. Air purifiers also help alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms.

With in-room air filtration fast becoming recognized as a legitimate tool for improving personal and public health, air purifiers are being used not only in the home, but also in offices, hospitals, laboratories, restaurants, hotels, and schools.

There are many different air purifiers in the marketplace today, some are frankly better than others at removing airborne pollutants in whatever size or form they come. We fervently believe the public should be able to make informed choices based on independent testing of individual air purifiers by an ethical and well-respected third party.

The air purifiers should be proven to be excellent at removing harmful indoor pollutants to the highest possible degree relevant to the size of the room as well as change the entire air in a room at the rate of five times an hour. All air purifiers should meet at the very basic level the desire of the consumer for a product that enhances health and well-being at an affordable price.

An important criteria to consider in selecting an air purifier is air cleaner performance. Factors (affecting the performance) should be advised before purchase.

Available Technologies

To understand how the performance of an air purifier is affected it is important to know what different processes and technologies are used in air cleaners. The two most common technologies used in air cleaners are mechanical and electrostatic precipitators or a combination of the above.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters use mechanical principles, straining, inertia, interception, and diffusion to capture particles of varying sizes. HEPA filters are recognized as effective by the American Medical Association, the American Lung Association, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Electrostatic filters use an electric charge to boost the force of attraction between particles and filter fibres. Passive electrostatic filtration charges the filter media, achieving high efficiency at first; as the charge decays, efficiency gradually diminishes. Active electrostatic systems continually charge either the filter fibres or the particles, maintaining consistent efficiency levels over time.

In its publication Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States notes that air cleaners using active electrostatic technology alone are ineffective in removing mid-range and large particles. Instead a combination of them both, hybrid systems, offer an effective solution. They combine mechanical and electrostatic technologies, often achieving significantly better performance than either method alone.

At Blueair, we employ a successful hybrid system. Our patented HEPASilent filtration technology utilizes the principles of mechanical filtration and adds electrostatic ionization to achieve higher efficiency in capturing particles down to 0,1 micron.

On the following pages we have listed tips and tools that can help individuals understand what an in-room air purification system can - and can-t - do. These tips can also help individuals compare performance between the hundreds of makes and models on the market.

CADR/Filter Efficiency

Buyers need not rely solely on a manufacturer's efficiency claims. Make sure that the unit's performance is third-party tested.

The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) program is sponsored by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), an independent industry organisation. It measures the total volume of air that a particular air purification system cleanses of a specific pollutant in one minute. CADR test results can be converted to cubic metres per hour (m3/h), with a number rating for three 'yardstick' particles: tobacco smoke, dust and pollen. The higher the CADR test numbers, the better the unit's overall ability to clean indoor air.

All results of tested air purifiers' overall room air cleaner performance tests are published. AHAM's performance tests are recognized as accurate and impartial by the EPA and the American Lung Association. Ratings can be found online at www.cadr.org.

Capacity

After filter efficiency, air volume capacity is key to selecting the best in-room air cleaner. The unit must be rated to handle the total volume of air in the room where it operates. As air is constantly bombarded by pollutants, the air purifier must be able to remove them at the same rate as they enter to be effective. This value is expressed as recommended room size and should be based on that the unit can make 5 air changes per hour.

Simply measure the room's length and width, multiply to obtain the room size, and compare with AHAM recommendations. But be sure to include ceiling height in estimating the unit's air processing capability. Ceiling height makes a big difference in the cubic metres of a room. AHAM room size assumes a 2.4 metre ceiling. If you have high ceilings, the extra step is critical to choosing an air cleaner with adequate capacity for the room.

Now compare your result to the AHAM recommendations.

Specific Health Concerns

With the exception of allergens and airborne pathogens, the size of a given particle determines the degree of potential threat to human health. Different air filtration processes have varying effectiveness in removing different contaminants. It is therefore important to identify which pollutants you want to eliminate. Generally, airborne particles are categorized by the EPA as small (0.1 to 0.3 micron), mid-range (0.3 to 0.9 micron) and large (1.0 micron or larger).

Mid-Range Particles

Mid-range particles (0.3 to 0.9 micron) include house and textile dust, pet dander, dust mites and their feces, many bacteria, auto exhaust, mold spores, and particles from laser printers and copiers.

Particles of this size present the greatest health concern because they are small enough to get past the cilia in the nasal passages but too large to be easily exhaled. Particles in this size range are more likely to become lodged in lung tissue and are suspect in a wide range of health problems related to indoor air pollution, from headaches and dizziness to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Look for an air filter with high efficiency for mid-range particles when respiratory conditions are present, when allergens are a concern, and when asthma is triggered by pet dander, mold, or dust mite allergen. HEPA filters generally capture mid-range particles, although efficiency varies among makes and models.

Small Particles

Small particles (0.1 to 0.3 micron) include many viruses, bacteria and exhaust particles. Although these small particles are inhaled and exhaled more easily than mid-range particles, even these minute particles may irritate already compromised breathing passages and lungs.

Look for high efficiency for small particles when respiratory conditions, immune disorders or cardiovascular disease are present, and when asthma is triggered by strong odors and fumes.

HEPA filters capture small particles; most electrostatic systems report high efficiency levels at this range. Blueair's HEPASilent filters capture 99.97% of particles at 0.1 micron and are among the most efficient in the industry.

Large Particles

Large particles (1.0 micron and larger) are usually trapped by cilia in the nasal passages before reaching the lungs. Large particles include house dust, pollen and some bacteria.

Look for high efficiency for large particles when sinus conditions or immune disorders are present, and when asthma is triggered by pollen. All HEPA filters capture particles of this size.

Airborne Pathogens

Airborne pathogens range in size from .018 micron to as large as 1.325 microns. While many bacteria and viruses fall within HEPA and electrostatic capture ranges, some pathogens that are capable of movement may be able to pass through the filter media.

Keep in mind that any air filter model's efficiency may differ for particles of different sizes. For example, the Blueair hybrid HEPASilent system is rated at 99.9% efficiency at 0.3 micron and 99.97% efficiency at 0.1 micron. The addition of active electrostatic filtration to HEPA filtration allows Blueair units to achieve higher efficiency for small particles trapped by mechanical forces.

Legitimacy of Manufacturer Claims

Health organizations and government agencies rarely endorse a particular in-room air purifier brand or model. When it comes to comparing individual makes and models, the most reliable source for unbiased information is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and the ENERGY STAR program of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

AHAM certifies performance testing results for home appliances, including room air cleaners, through a voluntary certification program. The organisation's standardized test of overall performance for air cleaners (known as ANSI/AHAM AC-1) is recognized by the EPA, the Federal Trade Commission and the American Lung Association. Test results and comparison information can be found online at www.ahamverifide.org.

In contrast, the ENERGY STAR program designates energy efficient products. This program's intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting an energy standard that helps consumers identify qualifying air purifiers (see www.energystar.org).

As with any appliance purchase, it's important to check the manufacturer's legitimacy and confirm performance claims before you buy. Common sense red flags might include uncorroborated filter efficiency and air volume capacity statements, unwillingness to submit an air cleaner for independent AHAM testing, lack of detailed information on filter composition or technology, or the promise of extremely long filter life when compared to similar units.

Indoor Environmental Factors

From dust and humidity to the types of particulates likely to be present, indoor environmental conditions vary widely. Consider which types of particles affect the patient's respiratory health and how environmental conditions might impact an in-room air cleaner's performance and maintenance requirements.

Dust

Some units include a built-in pre-filter, which can help strain out large dust particles before they fill the spaces between HEPA filter fibres. You can also trap dust by installing vent filters over central heating and air conditioning registers.

Humidity

Environments with high relative humidity levels (over 70%) are of concern when allergies or asthma are triggered by mold and mildew spores and when immune disorders are present.

Absorbent HEPA filter media retain ambient moisture and create an ideal internal environment for mold and bacterial growth. To combat this growth, some manufacturers recommend periodic filter sterilization or the addition of chemical based bacteriostats.

Hydrophobic filter media, such as the polypropylene employed in Blueair's HEPASilent filter, counter mold and bacterial growth by eliminating moisture retention in the first place. Water repellent fibres perform as well as absorbent fibres in the context of HEPA filtration, while remaining dry and free from water related mold and bacteria colonization.

Tobacco Smoke

Due to its pervasiveness and the complexity of its composition, tobacco smoke is a particular challenge for current air filtration technology, as are other gaseous pollutants.

Tobacco smoke is one of the three 'yardstick' pollutants in AHAM's CADR testing. When tobacco smoke is present in the indoor environment, study AHAM's CADR test results for the units you are considering. The higher the CADR results for tobacco smoke, the better the unit's ability to remove it.

Keep in mind: the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) notes that while HEPA filters can remove some tobacco smoke particles, none remove all of the 4,000 chemicals that comprise tobacco smoke.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous components introduced into room air through the indoor use of pesticides, glues, solvents and cleaning agents. They include a staggering variety of chemicals emitted as gases from petroleum basedsolids and liquids.

More often an industrial problem, VOCs are likely to be present in homes where graphic production, crafts involving glues and paints, photographic processing, and auto or other repairs involving solvents take place. VOC levels may rise during remodelling and redecorating, and following pest control or aggressive cleaning activities.

In environments where VOC sources may be present, look for a filter incorporating activated carbon compounds as a filter media.

Activated carbon compounds can effectively adsorb gaseous pollutants, notes the OAR in its publication Residential Air Cleaners: Summary of Available Information. However, filter replacement is critical to avoid the eventual release of VOCs from the saturated filter. The OAR recommends changing the filters as recommended by the maker to reduce the risk of outgassing.

Ease of Use

Filter change can be as simple as lifting the unit's lid and sliding filters in and out, or a complicated operation involving hand tools.

At Blueair we have designed our units for easy filter change, with no heavy lifting or tools required.

Operating instructions should include detailed directions for filter replacement and periodic internal cleaning. Internal cleaning is a particular issue with electrostatic precipitators, in which filters are cleaned and sterilized rather than replaced.

Operating Cost

Replacement filters are an on-going expense for the life of the unit. Check the manufacturer's recommended replacement interval and the filter cost, as well as any shipping charge. The OAR notes that the most effective units are generally also the most costly to purchase and maintain.

The operating expense most often overlooked when selecting an air cleaner is the energy cost. Filter efficiency claims are based on constant, rather than intermittent, operation. The energy cost of 24 hour per day use should be considered during the selection process. Look for the unit's energy use and if it's EnergyStar certified.

Bells and Whistles

Operating noise can be a significant factor when using the unit in a sick room or bedroom, or for that matter a restaurant or hotel, especially if the unit is run 24 hours per day as recommended.

Knowing this, a manufacturer may claim that their product is "whisper quiet" or "virtually noiseless." Confirm vague claims by requesting specific operating noise values, expressed in decibels. On the lowest setting (the typical operating speed), Blueair units are about as quiet as the average desktop computer - approximately 35 decibels.

The draft created by the unit's air processing system is not as easily quantifiable as noise or efficiency levels. Generally, a draft must be evaluated by seeing (or feeling) the unit in operation. Some in-room air cleaners direct a strong stream of air from one or two exit points, while others diffuse air through many exit points to mitigate uncomfortable drafts.

Construction Quality

In-room air filters are an investment. As with any appliance, look for a system with quality construction, especially internal moving components such as fans and blowers. Check the warranty to make sure it covers internal components. The unit should be listed with an organisation such as the Underwriters Laboratory or ETL and should meet U.S. standards for safety. Overseas, look for ETL Semko.

The durability of materials used for the cabinet is a strong secondary consideration. Because portable in-room units are subject to more handling than fixed systems, units with metal housings are likely to hold up better in the long term than units with plastic cabinets. Also, plastics generally resonate more with fans or other internal components; an air cleaner housed in a metal cabinet is likely to produce less operating noise.

Warranty

As with any appliance, choose an established manufacturer with a comprehensive, long-term warranty. Normally, warranties are made available at the point of purchase, even when purchases are made through the mail or online.

Consider both the length of the warranty and what is covered. Most in-room air cleaner manufacturers offer a limited warranty for a specific period of time. A limited warranty covers only those components specified, and may not cover the cost of diagnosis, labour and/or shipping in the event of product failure. Most warranties are less than half of what Blueair offers.

Conclusions

Evaluate the space required for the unit. Note that while cabinet sizes vary, it is not accurate to assume that a large unit is more effective or, conversely, that a smaller unit is less effective. Efficiency is generally unrelated to size. Your in-room air purifier selection should be based first on efficiency and air volume capacity; then, use space requirements to narrow the choice between units of similar efficiency.

Don't forget to check operating instructions for placement advice. Most units require specific clearance from walls and windows in order to operate effectively. Look for a unit that physically fits within the environment in which the unit will be operating.

Remember that air cleaning alone cannot adequately remove all of the pollutants typically found in indoor air. However, when combined with source removal and adequate ventilation, the EPA considers air cleaning a viable means of improving indoor air quality.

In conclusion, in-room air filtration is recognized as a legitimate tool for improving personal and public health by the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Medical Association, the American Lung Association, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. But, before you buy, do your homework. Make sure the unit's capacity matches your needs and of course your health concerns.

Our Philosophy

Blueair was founded on the belief that everyone should be able to enjoy clean air indoors, at home or in the workplace. We have become a global authority on how to remove indoor air impurities down to the tiniest particle thanks to our deep commitment to research and innovation. Our healthier air solutions work to clean more air faster, whisper quietly and using little energy, removing allergens, asthma triggers, viruses, bacteria and other airborne pollutants.

Innovated with love in Sweden to deliver cleaner, healthier indoor air, we have worked to develop the world's best air cleaners because we believe passionately that clean air is a basic human right.

Sold in over 50 countries around the world, Blueair air purifiers deliver cleaner indoor air for enhanced user health and well-being in homes and offices more efficiently than any competing product.