So what is Layer Filtering? As you may already know, air purifiers are not all the same. They can have different filtering technologies, and these are the following.
Ionic purification
An ionic purification system exploits an effect that is similar to static electricity. It works through ionic filters that can produce negatively charged ions (called anions).
These anions are capable of attracting air particles so that when a particle is attracted by an anion, it is automatically removed from the air.
Ionic filters require maintenance, meaning that you need to replace them every once in a while (the device usually tells you when to do so.
Ionic air purifiers are usually the cheaper you can find, but they aren’t the most effective on the market.
Carbon filters
They are also cheap, but there are some more effective options available in the market. Carbon is often used as a filter (not just for air but also, for example, for water) because it is a very porous material.
When the air flows through a carbon filter, particles are trapped in the pores of the carbon, and they are therefore removed from the air.
UV filters
These work differently from the ones we’ve described so far because they don’t remove particles from the air but kill or deactivate pathogens.
The air in the device, in this case, flows in front of UV lamps that can kill bacteria, viruses, or molds.
These small particles aren’t trapped anywhere, but when the air is blown back into the environment, these pathogens are completely unharmful because they are dead.
HEPA filters
They are known as the most effective air purification systems. They can remove from the air up to 99% of particles, removing pathogens and pollutants. HEPA air purifiers are the most expensive. 1
Read: Dust Allergies: Symptoms & Treatment With Air Purifier
Multilayer Filters
An air purifier doesn’t necessarily need to have only one filtering technology.
On the contrary, combinations of the different filtering technologies available are always more efficient than a single technology on its own.
When air purifiers use more than one technology, the air – that is sucked into the device – passes through different filter layers (we speak about multi-layer filtering) so that almost any harmful particles are removed from the air that is successively blown back into the environment.
One of the most common multi-layer filter systems includes three different filters, that is to say, layers:
- Pre-filters: This layer is for capturing large particles.
- True HEPA: It helps remove smaller particles like 0.3 microns.
- Activated Carbon Filters: The activated carbon filter captures odors and smoke
There are also other versions, for example, a double-layer filter system:
- UV lamps to kill pathogens
- HEPA filters remove the smallest particles 2
Conclusion
Multi-layer filter air purifiers won’t be the most affordable. However, they’d be the most effective.
People who suffer from allergies or respiratory system diseases, and people who live in particularly polluted areas, should opt for this type of purifying device.
FAQ’s
Which air purifier technology is the best?
HEPA air purifiers are considered the best type of air purifier because of their capability to remove even the smallest of airborne particles and viruses.
Which is the most recent air purifer technolgy?
HEPA is the most recent and effective air purifier technology.
Is it safe to use a UV purifier?
UV purifiers are very effective in killing viruses present in the air, but it also produces ozone which is harmful to the environment.
Kylie has been studying air purifiers for the last 20 years and is an expert in the field. She tests and reviews different air purifiers, letting people know they are worth buying. Kylie writes blogs about the latest air purifiers, their features, health benefits, and more. When she’s not writing or spending time with her granddaughter, Kylie can be found testing new air purifiers to see how they perform.
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