Household air cleaners: types, design features and filter functions, comparative characteristics of models, manufacturers and prices.
Household cleaners "Bobz" are able to remove not only dust from the air, but also tobacco smoke, viruses and bacteria
In the model "Super Plus Turbo" there is a special cassette on which the assembled dust is settled
An important advantage of household air purifiers is quiet working, the MC704VM model in the night mode "noise" is only 16DB
The lamp with a built-in ionizer is not only shining, but health takes
The use of an air cleaner to remove smoke will reduce the harmful effects of tobacco
Along with high-quality air purification, the GRACE models are characterized by a manufacturer - they are designed to fit the size of up to 90-100m3
Models of cleaners with ceiling type of installation are calculated on volatile pollution, such as tobacco smoke
The scheme of air generation in the room from the air cleaner (A). Daikin's experts recommend placing an air cleaner and air conditioning so that the airflow is first passed through the air cleaner, from there - to the internal unit of the air conditioner and only after it was returned back to the room (b). One of the possible air circulation schemes in the room (B)
In air purifiers, replaceable mechanical cleaning filters of HEPA (A) and coal air purification (b) are used. These filters must be replaced 1-2 times a year.
Plates of electrostatic filters As they are contaminated, you can wash in running water. In addition to the level of air pollution, this procedure is done 1-2 times insteps.
The air purification mode is convenient to control using the remote control
According to WHO experts, the city dweller conducts over 80% of its time in buildings. Modern houses often have good sound and thermal insulation, consistently working heat and water supply networks, but they are not always safe in them with clean air. How to be?
Today in many apartments the environmental situation is such that the air purification has become a "whim" in the urgent need. The cheapest and most accessible solution to solving the problem of polluted air will be the purchase of a special device for its cleaning - air cleaner.
These devices appeared in the domestic market relatively recently, but already in a short period of time managed to establish themselves as effective indoor dust, tobacco smoke, odors and other air pollution. But not all air purifiers are equally well coped with different types of pollution. How to choose an air cleaner who can trust his health?
Dusty: size matters
In order to correctly select a device for cleaning the air, you need to clearly imagine what invisible dangers take us in a home "atmosphere". In addition to the usual "fluffy" dust, in the air may be and something worse. For example, various "biology" - bacteria, viruses, the smallest detached particles of the epithelium, pollen of plants. In addition to the addition of radon gas, tobacco smoke, combustion products formed during the operation of kitchen stoves, other smells. This "cocktail" not only reduces the comfort of living in the apartment, but also may cause allergic reactions, respiratory diseases, increased fatigue, headaches and other ailments.The most disadvantaged with the composition of the air is the case in apartments located in a dilapidated, raw buildings, with a poorly functioning system of natural ventilation. The quality of the air is worse in the basements and mixtures, in apartments on the first and last floors of buildings. Many building and finishing materials are separated in air such harmful substances such as phenol, formaldehyde, aromatic hydrocarbons, asbestos dust. Kodrugym the most common and dangerous pollutants include carbon, nitrogen and sulfur, ammonia, benzene. Some of the listed are carcinogens (for example, formaldehyde, asbestos dust). Since "on the eye" is impossible to determine the presence of a pollutant, it is best to entrust the air assessment in your home by professionals. Now such a service (air analysis of chemical and biological indicators) provide many firms engaged in environmental impact assessment. Its value ranges from $ 200 (reduced air analysis of 4-5 components, most often it is phenol, formaldehyde, aromatic hydrocarbons, mercury) to $ 300-350 (detailed analysis of 13-18 components). In addition to the results, experts will give advice as a device for air purification.
| Type of pollution | Mechanical coarse filters | Mechanical Fine Cleaning Filters | Electrostatic filters | Photocatalytic filters | Coal filters | Ionizers of air |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household dust (more than 10.0 microns) | +. | +. | +/- | - | - | - |
| Bacteria (1.0-10.0 μm) | - | +. | +. | +. | +/- | +/- |
| Household dust (0.3-10.0 μm) | - | +. | +. | +/- | - | +/- |
| Pollen plants (0.1-10.0 μm) | - | +/- | +. | +. | +/- | +/- |
| Tobacco smoke (0.01-1.0 μm) | - | +/- | +. | +. | +. | +/- |
| Viruses (0.01-0.1 microns) | - | - | +/- | +. | +. | +/- |
| Gaseous pollution * | - | - | - | +/- | +/- | +/- |
| Ionic imbalance | - | - | - | - | - | +. |
| + good, +/- satisfactory, -pirly; * - phenol, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, radon IT.D. |
We are looking for liquidator
The design of the air purifier scheme is quite simple, it consists of a paddle fan running the air flow through the filter system. The air winds can be used by the effect of "ion wind" - the air flow is created due to the corona electrical discharge. This method of moving air masses has a number of advantage of low energy consumption, silent, but the performance of such devices is small. The fan, driving air through the filter system, is noticeably noise, but another way of high performance is not achieved.
The type of air purifier is determined by the design of the filters used in it. Among the many household aircraft systems, air purifiers with electrostatic and mechanical filters were widespread. Cleaners are also found equipped with photocatalytic, water, coal filters, air ozonization plants. Most often in air cleaners are used kits from two or three filters of different types (for example, HEPA and coal; mechanical filter of coarse cleaning, electrostatic and built-in ionizer), as each type of filter has its advantages and spheres of preferential use. Depending on the type of "main" filter, air cleaners are mechanical, electrostatic, photocatalytic, ionic, combined air humidifier cleaners.
IN mechanical air cleaners HEPA filters are used (Abbreviation English High Efficiency Particulate Air). According to international classification, there are 5 classes of HEPA filters: H10, H11, H12, H13 and H14. The higher the class, the better the quality of air filtration, HEPA H13 filters are capable of delaying particles up to 0.3 μm particles with efficiency up to 99.975%. Such filters made of fibrous material, externally resembling cardboard or dense fabric, are well coped with pollen, cement and asbestos dust, bacteria, worse with smaller viruses, tobacco smoke. HEPA filters need to be replaced once in 3-4 months, since the effectiveness of their work as the contamination is reduced. In addition, their fibrous surface represents a very convenient "bridgehead" for microorganisms, so manufacturers additionally impregnate it with a special chemical composition, oppressing the vital activity of bacteria (be sure to ask if such an impregnation in the filter selected) is provided. Among air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters, models 7162 (Boneco, brand brand of the Swiss company Plaston), HAP 260 (Bionaire, Canada), 6814 (Ballu, Taiwan), designed to premises with a capacity of 50-150m3 and worth $ 130-150. At the same time, the HEPA filters with mechanical coarse filters should be confused, which are usually a grid with minor cells. Such filters are used in the absolute majority of air cleaners for the delay of large saidels, animal wool.
For a long time, the role of basic fighters with mechanical air pollution (solid particles) was performed by vacuum cleaners. It turned out, however, that less the diameter of the dust, the worse the vacuum cleaner copes with the purification of the filter air, are not small enough to keep tiny dust, and a strong air flow arising when the fan operation of the vacuum cleaner contributes to the spread of the smallest particles on the room. The air paradox in the room after the work of obsolete models of vacuum cleaners is more contaminated than before work.
IN Electrostatic air cleaners A pair of or more metallic plates is used as a filter, which is supplied with a voltage sufficient to create a stable electrostatic field using the converter. Divues, passing along with the air between the plates, are attracted to them in the same way as the screen of the kinescope (many owners probably noticed how quickly "overgrow" dust screens of their TVs). Electrostatic filters can catch all particles that can acquire a charge, they have a much greater "sensitivity" than mechanical filters. Air purifiers equipped with such filters do not need to replace the filter cartridge, as models with a hepa-filter plate can be washed (which is more convenient for it - once every six months - a year to pay $ 20 for a new HEPA filter or every month of hand to clean the metal plates from the dust - Let the owner decide himself). In addition, model cleaners with electrostatic filters are distinguished by low levels of electricity consumption and silent. Most such domestic models include their relatively low performance (50-60m3 / h). To increase it, it is necessary to use electrostatic plates of a large area, which, in turn, leads to an increase in the overall dimensions of the cleaner and its cost. A bright example of this can be the instruments of the GRACE and Visionair series from the Dutch company EuroMate- highly efficient and expensive (cost more than $ 1000) electrostatic cleaners. More "democratic" examples of air cleaners with electrostatic filters can serve as "Super Plus Eco" ("Clean Air", Russia), Z7040 (Electrolux, Sweden).
Air purifiers with photocatalytic filters Designed and are actively introduced by the Japanese company Daikin (in Russia, this method is implemented in the devices of the Aerolaife series (for example, the Siewier-60 model) of the Information and Technological Institute, Moscow). This type of filters applies fundamentally new technology-photocatalysis. Its essence lies in the fact that harmful impurities of organic nature are not accumulated in the filter, and under the action of ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a photocatalyst (titanium dioxide) decompose to absolutely harmless components of the natural air. Photocatalytic filters are able to decompose the smallest particles comparable in size with large molecules, while the cleaning efficiency does not depend on the filter generation (in contrast, for example, from coal filters). The photocatalytic filters are less effective when cleaning air from large dust and when purifying severely contaminated air, therefore, for example, in the MS704VM model, Daikin air purifier, these filters are supplemented with a mechanical pre-purification filter and an electrostatic filter.
Coal filters Used in air cleaners as devices for air purification from "unwanted" gaseous compounds and unpleasant odors. The composition includes activated carbon used to absorb harmful substances in a variety of devices - from kitchen hoods to gas masks. However, it is necessary to remember that coal filters are capable of cleaning the air far from all contaminants, such cleaners, for example, will not save the owner of the garage from carbon monoxide poisoning. But with most domestic gas pollution, they will cope. Water air cleaners (7162, Boneco; Z7040, Electrolux; Grace Electrostatic, Euromate) The coal filter is included in the package, in others (Z7030, Electrolux) it can be installed as an additional option. In addition to coal filters, mineral titanium-containing filters (MS704VE, DAIKIN) are used to reduce the bacteria (MC704VE, DAIKIN) (model FU-40SE, SHARP).
Widespread also received Air humidifier cleaners , We were told about in detail in the article "Do not give yourself to dry!". Models of these devices worth $ 100-300 are issued by Air Comfort companies (Italy), Venta (Germany), Bionaire, Plaston and other manufacturers.
How to evaluate the effectiveness of the air cleaner? After all, it is clear that the device should not only eliminate air pollution, but also have sufficient performance. The device that gives the degree of purification of 99.99%, but at the same time not by pumping the required amount of air, will not be effective. Similarly, an air cleaner having high performance, but a bad degree of filtration, it will not bring much benefit. To take into account all these nuances, the American Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (Aham- from Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), the CADR index (Clean Air Delivery Rate) was developed, with which the amount of 100 percent of the clean air obtained during operation is measured. The higher the number of CADR, the more clean air produces an air cleaner in large quantities. The CADR index is measured for each device in three indicators (the degree of air purification from dust, tobacco smoke and pollen). Among the models certified by the CADR index - products of companies such as Electrolux, Bionaire, Delonghi (Italy), Sharp and almost all American manufacturers.
| Model, manufacturer | Power, W | Performance, m3 / h | Type of filters | Noise level, dBA | Gabarites, mm. | Mass, kg. | Price, $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Aeromaster", MBL (Russia) | 120. | Up to 120. | Nera, ultraviolet lamp, photocatalytic | There is no data | Embedded in furniture | There is no data | 340. |
| "OVION-C", "PULTEKS" | five | five | Air Cleaner-Ionizer | There is no data | 150120195. | 0,7 | 40. |
| "Super Plus Turbo" | fifteen | 47-56 | Ion air cleaner | There is no data | 140190270. | 2. | 85. |
| "SEEZH-60", "Information and Technological Institute" | 40. | 40 or 60 | Mechanical, photocatalytic | 24 or 34. | 540140140. | 2.8. | 125. |
| 7162, Boneco. | 10.5 | 220. | Nehra, coal, air ionizer | There is no data | 420330280. | five | 130. |
| BAP 825, Bionaire | 60. | Up to 160. | Nehra, coal, air ionizer | There is no data | 250160670. | 7. | 260. |
| AOS 2061, AIR-O-SWISS, Plaston | 42. | Up to 220. | Nera, coal, air flavoring | There is no data | 460600330. | 7,7 | 300. |
| Z7040, Electrolux | 20, 30 or 70 | 130, 230 or 330 * | Preliminary cleaning, electrostatic, coal | 31, 44 or 63 | 485480320. | eight | 460. |
| FU-40SE, Sharp | 39. | Up to 240. | Plasmacluster ion generator, coal filter, nera, coal, antibacterial (apatite) | There is no data | 415197572. | 6.6 | 600. |
| MC704VE, Daikin. | 220-240. | 60-420 | Coarse cleaning, plasma ionizer, electrostatic, photocatalytic (plus 2 ultraviolet lamps), mineral titanium-containing | 16-47 | 498400198. | 7. | 770. |
| Grace Electrostatic, EUROMATE | 60. | Up to 495. | Preliminary cleaning, electrostatic, coal | There is no data | 850380290. | fifteen | 1150. |
| * - purified air |
Work on ions
Studies of scientists have shown that the health beneficial air should contain the desired number of ions. Recommendation with accepted standards (SanPine 2.2.4: 1294-03 "Hygienic requirements for the air-based airline of industrial and public premises"), the concentration of negatively charged ions in the air of the premises should be at least 600 US3. This is the necessary minimum - in natural natural conditions, the concentration of ions can be hundreds of times more (air after a thunderstorm, which is so nice breathing, contains about 100,000 ICM3 ions). In case of insufficient ionization, a person feels fatigue, headache, decreases attention, worsens well-being.Ion air cleaners are used to optimize the ion air balance, for example, "OVION-C" from "Pulteks" (Russia), XJ-902 from Air Comfort, "Super Plus Turbo" from "Clean Air", BAP-825, HAP-260 Bionaire, FU-40SE, FU-21SE from Sharp. These devices not only allow you to maintain the necessary ion balance, but also have the ability to clean the air from dust and other contaminants. Dust in the process of operation of the device is deposited on special disintegration plates inside the cassette. Accordingly, it is not necessary to buy or change the filters, just once every 10-20 days take out the cassette and wipe the plates with a damp cloth. In addition to air cleaners, ionizers, there are also devices intended only for air ionization, such as the model of the Aeroion 25 series (Mordovian State University named after N.P. Harev) without a dust collector. They, too, to some extent are "air cleaners" - when operating such devices, dust particles flying in the air acquire a negative charge and settle on furniture, ceiling and walls near the device.
Most air ionizers are able to generate negatively charged ions resulting from the "capture" of the electron oxygen molecule. Votychychi from them, SHARP ion generators split the H2O water molecules contained in the air to a positive ion H + (hydrogen), and a negative O2- (oxygen) ion. This process is technologically more complicated, but it allows you to achieve an ion balance in the air, almost completely identical natural (in natural conditions in the air contains both positive, and negative ions). Air cleaners with the technology "Plasmacluster" (Sharp) purify air from tobacco smoke and other unpleasant odors, deactivate for 2 hours of operation up to 99% of viruses in the air.
The disadvantage of the ionizers is the production of them in the process of operation of a certain amount of ozone (O3). This gas in high concentrations is harmful to humans, so the ionizers are not recommended to be used in continuous mode. It should be included only for 2-3 hours.
Clean air (inexpensive)
Choosing an air purifier, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the equipment of it with one or another type of filters, but also characteristics as performance and noise level (especially under the condition of its continuous operation). The performance of the device should be such that the air cleaner can "pump" 2-3 of the room in which it is installed in the speed of operation in the minimum power mode. For example, for a room with an area of 20m2 and with a 2,5m height ceilings, the air cleaner performance should be at least 100-150m3 / h.
Daily air purifier models can be a few fan speeds. For example, in Grace Electrostatic (EUROMATE) models, Z7010 (Electrolux) three speeds are provided, in the BAP-725 model (Bionaire) - four. The more speeds, the greater the possibilities of flexible performance regulation in the case of "force majeure situations" like a sudden visit of guests-in-depressed smokers. It should be borne in mind that most air purifiers are designed for permanent operation at minimal power, since it is in this case that the noise level produced by them will be minimal. Practice shows that for comfortable work "in the background" (person does not notice the working device) the air cleaner should not produce noise more than 30-35DB. More noisy are models of cleaners with non-filters, since more powerful fans are installed in them (in order to "push" the air through the dense filter fabric). The noise level produced by electrostatic and ion devices is much lower.
Air cleaners are performed in the form of floor (desktop), suspended and embedded devices. To clean the rooms from the "domestic" set of pollutants, it is recommended to place cleaners closer to the half-way, where, inhaled by air flow, large and relatively heavy dusty are accumulated. Exactly the same cleaner placed, say, on the closet will work with less efficiency. Separate models specifically designed for ceiling installation (for example, a series of embedded Visionair cleaners from Euromate) are designed mainly to neutralize volatile contaminants, such as tobacco smoke.
For convenience, some models of cleaners (Euromate, Daikin, Electrolux, Sharp) are equipped with an infrared remote control. This is especially convenient for those rooms in which the air purification mode must often be changed. Also, for convenience, some cleaners use power modes, dust, noise levels, the need for cleaning or replacing an electrostatic filter, such as, for example, in the Z7040 model, Electrolux (the filter contamination indicator is also in the BAP825, Bionaire model). This model provides the security system for switching on when there is no filter or lid removed.
The display shows the filter pollution indicators, noise level and other necessary information:
1- indicators of operation modes;
2-timer shutdown;
3- indicator of filter contamination;
4- air dusting indicators;
5- ionization mode;
6- indicators of smell level
Among the additional options, an air flavoring can be noted, for example, in the Visionair1 MediaMax model from Euromate and in most models of air humidifiers. The aromatic substance is placed in a special compartment and, gradually evaporating, mixed up to the purified air, as a result, a useful and pleasant aroma is spreading around the room. Among the "aromatic compositions" there are smells of roses, eucalyptus oil, mint, oranges and others.
Inscribe several practical advice on choosing and operating air purifiers:
Looking after a cleaner with any replaceable filters (nera or coal), appreciate the ability to purchase filter sets in the future. Here is the advantage of large and well-known manufacturers, which, unlike little-known firms, will not go anywhere from the domestic market. Find out where replaceable sets are sold as they cost. Sometimes it makes sense to spend a little more money and acquire a professional air cleaner (for example, on a large cottage). Simplifiable models In addition to high productivity and reliability, as a rule, the cost of consumables is two to three times lower than similar on the capacity of household filters.
Not all air pollution can be "exterminated" with the help of an air cleaner (even if even the best, professional and expensive). Such simple volatile compounds, such as carbonate and carbon black gas, air purifiers "not on the teeth". Therefore, to air the apartment must be regularly, even if the air purifier is available.
Sometimes the owners are trying to place the air purifier closer to the places of dust. Remember, place the cleaners under the bed or in other God forgotten places are not suitable for the device, normal air access should be ensured. Fight dust under the bed is best with regular wet cleaning.
You should not hang air ionizers (especially models that are not equipped with dust collectors) on a clean white wall. "Charged" dust sits on the surface near the device, which will be in the center of the dirty dusty "stains."
Ipomitically no cleaner so far is not able to give the apartment truly genuine "freshness" and utility. Therefore, try to be more often on nature, to make long walks through the forest, the park. Only such a "integrated approach to fresh air will allow you to maintain health and vigor for many years.
The editorial board thanks the representative office of Electrolux, Sharp, the company Aeroservice, Phobos, Ecostandart, Air Flow Engineering, Daichi for helping with the preparation of materials for this article.