Correct selection and service air purifiers for tobacco smoke significantly reduces the concentration of smoke in casinos, restaurants, bars, smoking rooms and other public areas. To clean the room atmosphere from the smell of tobacco, the devices are equipped with carbon filters that absorb volatile gases. Electrostatic filters, installed in devices for removing soot from atmospheric gas.
Modern design of household smoke air purifier provides for the installation of an effective photo catalytic filter. The principle of operation of the filter is to oxidize odors, organic compounds, toxic impurities and decompose them under the influence of ultraviolet radiation into neutral components clean air.
Considering that the size of the destroyed particles is negligible (up to 0.001 microns) small, a device with a photocatalytic filter does not pollute the device itself. Ultraviolet radiation in such devices removes up to 90% of the odor of tobacco combustion products in 1-2 minutes.
Design smoke air purifier provides for the intake of untreated gas from one side of the device, and clean air is released into the room from the other side. Thus, there is no mixing of streams of different concentrations of tobacco smoke, which ensures high quality cleaning.
Tobacco smoke air purifiers effectively eliminate the smell of tobacco, but do not remove the smoke itself from the breathing gas in the room. This means that to remove smoke, exhaust ventilation is necessary.
It’s unlikely that anyone will argue that living in a clean apartment is better than living in a mess. And it’s not just about the aesthetic perception of the surrounding space. Dust and dirt can cause various diseases, allergic reactions and simply an uncomfortable state. We have already figured out how to properly clean your own apartment. Today there is another issue on the agenda - cleaning the air in the apartment.
Those in power are increasingly thinking about the environmental situation in cities. And the scientific brethren have been sounding the alarm for a long time. The country is full of cities choking on industrial emissions. Household waste landfills surround megacities in a continuous ring. It is not uncommon for people to move to another area due to unpleasant odors and dirty air. And there is no improvement yet.
The only solution left is to take care of yourself. Relocation is not always possible. And where is the guarantee that the same thing will not happen in another area over time? Let's try to figure out how to determine air pollution? What devices will help make the air in your apartment cleaner? Well, at the same time, we’ll tell you who to write a complaint about the pollution of the atmosphere around us.
Air purification in the apartment. A little theory
The composition of the atmosphere is familiar to everyone from school. The basis is nitrogen and oxygen. Only one percent comes from all other gases and other impurities. Every year the amount of suspended matter and unusual substances increases. Power plants, cars, metallurgical and chemical plants constantly emit hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, sulfates, ammonia and other harmful substances into the air.
The easiest way to determine the cleanliness of the air is with your nose. And it's never funny. If there are landfills, smoky enterprises or large highways close to your home, you can feel the smell. Even weak. And you don’t need to pay for an eco-tester :) Naturally, not everything is so simple - it’s not enough to feel the “aroma”, you need to know what it is. It’s easy to find the information you need on the Internet. For example, the smell of rotten eggs means a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide.
INTERESTING. Scientists believe that the main consequences of pollution of the earth's atmosphere are smog, acid rain, destruction of the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. If the last two problems are not noticeable to the average resident, then smog and acid rain are frequent phenomena in many large cities. Biggest problems observed in industrial centers and places where industry is concentrated.
If it smells like sewage, then mercaptan derivatives have accumulated in the air. Difficulty breathing, a distinct chemical smell and taste, a feeling of burning or dust indicate high levels of harmful substances. You need to act immediately. You shouldn’t wait for everything to pass, of course. You need to buy a device to purify the air in your apartment.
If you are “lucky enough” to live in a large industrial center, air pollution can not only be smelled, but also seen. This could be a colored cloud, clouds of dust, or a darkening of the atmosphere. All hope lies in special services involved in air quality monitoring. For example, in Krasnoyarsk this is Krasnoyarsk.nebo or Smoky74.ru in Chelyabinsk. Definitely useful services.
But it is better to buy special analyzers. There is no need to bother with expensive instruments that can show fractions of a percent of a huge amount of substances. A compact integrated analyzer is sufficient. Such a device will show the overall degree of pollution, but will not tell which substances threaten health. But this is not necessary; a signal of danger is enough to take action.
There is nothing complicated in the operation of the device - the color of the indicator will indicate the degree of danger. According to international standards, red means danger, yellow warns of high levels of pollution, and green indicates normal air purity. But the main thing is different, household analyzer costs several times less than a professional one. You can buy a natural gas analyzer, but this is a little different. Although it will protect against leaks.
Air purification in the apartment. What are the dangers of pollution?
It has long been no secret to doctors what diseases are caused by polluted air. At a minimum, respiratory problems. Frequent colds, allergic reactions, decreased immunity - this is an incomplete list possible problems. In the worst case scenario, a person faces cancer. For example, when the concentration of formaldehyde in the air has been exceeded for many years.
What can be done? How to protect yourself and loved ones from harmful consequences? Unfortunately, there is no simple and universal solution. After all, we won’t really be walking the streets in a gas mask or respirator :) We definitely need to install a purifier in the apartment. But moving around the city is more difficult. We close the airways with a scarf and quickly leave the dangerous place. If you feel worse, call an ambulance!
Which air purifier to choose . Main types
Technologies make it possible to purify the air of any type of pollution. There is no shortage of household versions of cleaners on the market. This device is designed to work in a room of a certain area. Hence the conclusion - the larger the apartment, the more powerful the purifier is needed. Accordingly, the cost increases depending on the class of the device. And if you decide on a complex gadget with ionization or humidification, get ready to shell out a tidy sum.
Cleaners are divided into several types based on their operating principle. Let's say right away universal solutions No. Some devices are good at cleaning dust and particles. Others remove inorganic compounds. Still others retain organic matter. Much depends on the filter used. Now let's look at the main types of air purification devices and analyze the advantages and disadvantages.
Air purification from dust in the apartment - electrostatic filters
Purifiers with a “plasma” filter create an electrostatic field in the air flow path, due to which suspended particles collect on the surface of the filter. The efficiency of the devices reaches 90 percent. The second advantage is ease of use. Plates made of special alloys are used as a filter, which are easy to clean from contaminants.
But there are also negative aspects. The cleaner operates based on a certain amount of dust. If the concentration of suspended matter is higher than normal, then the filters cannot cope. As a result, the device either becomes clogged or begins to leak dust. So when purchasing, carefully study the performance characteristics. For rooms where asthmatics or allergy sufferers live, we recommend choosing devices with several degrees of cleaning.
Which air purifier to choose - ionizers
We are looking at a completely different type of air purifier. In fact, it is a complex consisting of several elements. Each part is responsible for its own cleaning method. This means that ionizers are more versatile than plasma filters. The first stage of cleaning is the capture of large particles using foam filters. Then the photocatalytic filter comes into play - complex chemical compounds are destroyed.
IMPORTANT! The main air pollutants are: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides II and IV, sulfur dioxide, heavy metal compounds, complex organic compounds. TO hazardous substances include ozone. Despite performing an important function - protecting the planet from cosmic radiation - the substance is harmful to living organisms in large quantities.
The air then enters under the germicidal lamp and passes through the plasma filter. The last stage purification is the adsorption of negatively charged ions. The multi-stage design has undeniable advantages - the filters are cleaned separately. The system does not require replacement; it is enough to periodically wash the plates and vacuum the foam filter.
How to choose an air purifier for your home - HEPA filter
Job similar devices is built on the passage of air through a special fibrous material, folded in a certain way like an accordion. The structure of the filter is such that the purifiers are able to effectively retain even plant pollen. So the device is ideal for people suffering from allergies. The second advantage is simple operation. It is enough to clean the container with the filter element once or twice a year.
How to choose an air purifier - photocatalysts
Interesting devices that can retain suspended particles and neutralize chemical pollution. The arrangement of the filter elements allows you to trap solid particles, spores, dust mites and animal hair. The main part is an ultraviolet lamp and a special catalyst. Photocatalytic purifiers can be equipped with plasma or carbon filters.
The main feature is a chamber with a catalyst. Here complex compounds are decomposed into safe components: water, carbon dioxide and oxygen. This avoids the formation of sediment, meaning this element will not require frequent replacement. Photocatalysts easily cope with exhaust gases, phenol, formaldehyde, soot, tobacco smoke, household chemicals and substances of natural origin.
Which air purifier to choose for an apartment - ozonizers
The operation of such devices is based on the strong oxidizing abilities of ozone. A small amount of gas can decompose almost any compound, both natural and artificial. Ozone is created directly when the purifier is operating using a strong electrical discharge. Everyone knows the fresh smell after a thunderstorm. This is exactly the process that occurs in the ozonator.
There are more than enough positive aspects - the destruction of microorganisms, spores and viruses, the decomposition of complex compounds. In addition, the device is able to disinfect furniture, clothing, food, and eliminates unpleasant odors. But there is also a minus - in large quantities, ozone is harmful to the body. We advise you to use the ozonizer strictly according to the instructions or turn it on when none of the residents is at home.
Cleaning the air from dust in the apartment - carbon filters
This technology is widely used not only for air purification. Think of activated carbon tablets or water purification filters. The carbon filler is a fine filter and cannot work independently. How additional elements, HEPA filters or photocatalysts are used. No other way. The coal component is not able to stop biological pollution.
When choosing a device, we advise you to pay attention to the composition and structure of the filter plate. The best option will become a corrugated structure with medium-sized granules. This will reduce air flow resistance and increase filtration quality. Most models do not require constant monitoring. Carbon elements need to be changed every 6-8 months. One more thing - do not use such cleaners in bathrooms or bathrooms.
Water air purifier
Not long ago, the terms “hydrofiltration” and “air washing” came into use. The principle of operation has been known for a long time, but its implementation in household appliances happened relatively recently. These purifiers mix air with water until a homogeneous mixture is formed. As a result, the impurities settle, and the separated air comes out. Often, “air washers” are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp and a photocatalyst.
FACT. According to WHO, every eighth person who died during the year was affected by air pollution. At the end of 2015, this is approximately 7.5 million. Studies have revealed a direct relationship between air purity and diseases of the heart, blood vessels, respiratory tract and cancer.
The integrated approach effectively removes particulates, neutralizes chemicals and neutralizes biological activity. Such cleaners are considered the most productive. The cleaning effect is about 95 percent. Add air humidification and you get excellent protection for your home atmosphere.
Air purification and humidification in the apartment
Humidifiers purify the air to a lesser extent. The main function of the device is to create an atmosphere with a given humidity. This is achieved by injecting purified steam. Devices are divided into three classes: mechanical, ultrasonic and steam. Most models, in addition to humidification and partial cleaning, are capable of aromatizing the air. We recommend choosing humidifiers that use ultrasound.
Mechanical devices make a lot of noise. Steam generators that operate by heating water consume quite a bit of electricity. And the steam is hot :) unlike other types of humidifiers. In terms of maintenance, “ultrasound” is also preferable. Scale does not form in the system, like with steam generators. There is no need to change cartridges, as in mechanical humidifiers. It is believed that the latter last a long time. But it all depends on the composition of the air.
Air Purifier Rating
It is difficult to compare cleaning systems operating on different principles. Although in Lately Manufacturers are trying to produce universal cleaners that combine the advantages different ways cleaning. By the way, there is an indicator of the efficiency of such devices - GOST R EN 1822-1-2010.
If you look at sales of cleaning equipment, several brands are clearly in the lead: Boneco, AOS, Ballu and Venta. The average price for the products of these manufacturers is approximately 15-17 thousand rubles. Not weak, but for so many “pieces of paper” we buy a universal air purifier with a bunch of additional options and a minimum of noise.
Models from Sharp, Aic and Daikin are cheaper due to their focus on the main function. "Left" options minimal amount, hydration is also secondary. Nevertheless, the devices do an excellent job - the indoor air meets environmental standards. All that remains is to look at the “best of the best” :) So, the best air purifiers.
- LG Puri Care AS60GDPV0. Without exaggeration, the device can be called a modern technological gadget. What are air purity sensors worth? One controls the presence of dust, the other controls odors and gases. Signals from the sensors go to the processor, which selects the operating mode. We can say that the purifier constantly monitors the situation and chooses optimal mode. The only and not frail minus is the price. This miracle of South Korean technology will cost almost 60 thousand.
- Boneco H680. Interesting solution allows you to separate air purification and humidification. As they say, whoever likes what :) The hybrid filter can easily cope with ordinary dust, pollen, spores and unpleasant odors. About a liter of water per hour is consumed for humidification. If you look at the filling, then we actually have a climate control system - the system monitors the air condition and selects the desired mode.
- Dyson Pure Hot + Cool. A kind of combination of a fan, purifier and heater. But it copes with air purification with a bang. By the way, the model has been certified for use by patients suffering from allergies and asthma. Heating may be needed in cold summers, but this is not a fact.
- Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2. A unique device of its kind. It seems to be sold here, but at the same time it doesn’t seem to be :) According to official data, the company does not supply this model to Russian market, but you can buy it without any problems. The characteristics are impressive - in 10-15 minutes the air in a room of 20 square meters is completely purified. A combined filter capable of removing dirt, odors, organic matter and chemicals. I was pleased with the price - only 8.5-9 thousand.
- IQAir HealthPro 250. The Swiss pay a lot of attention to design in their repertoire. But it’s also a sin to complain about the work of a cleaner. Triple purification is able to filter out any impurities, be it gases, spores, pollen or regular dust. According to independent tests, it is 99.97 percent effective.
What is an air purifier
The technical component has been discussed, so we will not return to this issue. If we look at the problem of clean air from the point of view of an ordinary city resident, then a cleaner, albeit expensive, but a necessary gadget in our apartments and houses. In areas where the situation is favorable, you don’t have to install it. But exhaust fumes and dust will not go away.
Finally, a little advice. If long time feel unpleasant odors, call Rosprirodnadzor. It is this office that is responsible for the environmental situation in the country. You can contact the regional Departments of Environmental Management or the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The last option is relevant for smoke and odor that is clearly of chemical origin.
Living conditions in modern megacities with a high concentration of street dust and smog in the air require protective measures for the normal functioning and recreation of people. In addition to harmful substances entering apartments from the street, household dust also poses a health hazard. One way to normalize the indoor microclimate is to install home cleaner air from dust.
Air purifier from dust: relevance of use
An air purifier is as basic a device as a microwave or an air conditioner.
The main purpose of the household appliance is to highly effectively purify the air in the house from street and household dust, as well as suspended impurities, gases, and odors. It is carried out by sucking the air flow into the device, where the air is subjected to repeated cleaning. It comes out completely clean. Many users, when planning home improvement and allocating their budget, doubt: is an air purifier needed in the apartment at all? Unfortunately, today the state of the environment is such that the question becomes rhetorical. The purchase and installation of a household climate control device is justified by the following arguments:
- The air is purified from dust mites, microorganisms, causing disease in humans and domestic animals.
- Odors and carbon monoxide are destroyed.
- Fungal spores, keratinized skin flakes, etc. are removed.
- The immunity of residents is maintained.
- Conditions are being created for healthy image life, the risk of ARVI diseases is reduced.
- Allergens are removed.
- People's performance increases.
For houses and apartments where small children and people with respiratory diseases live, the question of why such a climate control device is needed should not arise at all. Even despite daily wet cleaning, it will not be possible to get rid of dust suspended in the air. Those. the presence of harmful organisms and ticks in the apartment is ensured.
What are the types of cleaning systems?
When choosing an air purifier for dust for the home - which is better - you need to navigate the models available in the retail chain. According to the type of filtration, all devices are divided into mechanical, ionic (electrostatic), photocatalytic and combined type.
With humidifying filter
Dust from the passing air flow settles on it. The device is effective, but requires constant and frequent maintenance. It is practically not used for household purposes.
Aerofilters
Air is passed through them and leaves the installation back into the room completely free of dust, but not of harmful viruses and other microorganisms.
Coal devices
Applies to devices with mechanically cleaning. Economical and easy to use and maintain. Coal particles neutralize odors, but are powerless against dust and allergens.
Mechanical cleaning
It is also used in Nera filters. The device quickly cleans the air of microscopic dust particles and other impurities, which reduces the level of allergens in the air to zero.
Devices with ionizing action
Some users wonder when buying an air purifier - what is the ionizer for? It highly efficiently frees the air flow from fine dust, traces of smoking, and burning, trapping particles less than 1 micron in size. The work uses an electrode that charges neutral air particles and attracts them to itself. Elements of dust and soot from the air settle on surfaces in the house, after which wet cleaning should be carried out. But the filter is powerless against toxic gases, although it fills the room with freshness.
Photocatalytic cleaners
The effect on dust particles, microorganisms, allergens, and toxic gases is exerted by UVR and a catalyst. Not only dangerous components in the air are destroyed, but also unpleasant odors. The room is sterilized. But during operation they create noise, consume a lot of energy and are powerless against organic impurities.
Combined multi-stage systems
They work on the principle of complementing some functions with others. This can be purification from organic compounds through a filter system, disinfection followed by ionization. Combination type household air purifiers are considered to be the most effective for home use.
UZU (ultrasonic units)
With manual or automatic humidity adjustment. In the second case, the moisture content in the air is monitored by a built-in hydrostat. It starts humidification when its permissible level drops. Widely in demand reliable and trouble-free devices. Can be supplemented with options: backlight, remote control, automatic shutdown, etc. They clean and humidify the air at the same time. This occurs as it passes through a veil of microscopic spray formed as a result of the splitting of water particles on a vibrating plate.
High-tech devices with complex system controls and a wide range of options - these are climate control systems with the functionality of several devices with different purposes, arranged in one housing.
Attention! The best air purifier from odors for an economy class apartment is a regular carbon filter. But for rooms with tobacco products, it is better to use a photocatalytic installation for these purposes.
How to make the right choice
Having figured out why an air purifier is needed in an apartment, then the right model is selected correctly. This takes into account:
- The area of the room or apartment depending on the range of the device. It is different for everyone and ranges from 10 square meters. up to 150 sq.m. The distribution zone of the ozone generated by the ionizer especially depends on the size of the room.
- Factors polluting the air: selected based on them required filter or the entire cleaning system.
- The noise made by the purifier. The noisiest devices are those with a mechanical cleaning system with a built-in fan. The minimum level of sound is produced by the ionic purifier.
- The degree of dust in the room. In case of a high concentration of dust in the air containing organic components (particles of leather, wool), a mechanical installation option or ionic purifier most preferred.
- Accommodation in an apartment for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. Household allergens are combated using an ionic and photocatalytic filter.
- Dimensions of the installation and its mobility. A good option, if the purifier is compact and portable from room to room.
- Ease of control: manual, remote, automatic. Dust collectors are easy to use. Controlled by on/off buttons. They have a regulator for modes, power and manipulation of the operation of the UV lamp (if available).
- A set of necessary options.
Attention! According to these requirements, the optimal purifier model may be a combined unit with a multi-stage cleaning system that rids the air of dust, microorganisms, carcinogens, and allergens.
When purchasing a purifier, the financial capabilities of the user are also taken into account. Whatever the choice, be it a budget model or a complex combined system, the air in the room will definitely become much fresher than without any purification. Therefore, when planning to equip an apartment or house with the necessary household appliances, don't forget about the air purifier.
To effectively combat unpleasant odors, you need a special set of filters in your air purifier. Devices that effectively combat odors include:
- photocatalytic filter;
- carbon filter;
- ozonation function.
Let's take a closer look at the operating principle and effectiveness of each of them.
Photocatalytic filter
This filter involves the operation of two elements: a filter plate and an ultraviolet lamp. Titanium dioxide is applied to the photocatalytic filter, which, in combination with a UV lamp shining on it, forms natural oxidizing agents (ozone). The filter operates at the molecular level: by contacting pollutant molecules, it decomposes them into simple, safe compounds. The following molecules are affected by ozone:
- toxic substances (paint, varnishes, formaldehydes, tobacco smoke);
- viruses;
- bacteria;
- dust mite;
- fungi.
The release of ozone during operation of a photocatalytic filter occurs within normal limits and allows round-the-clock use of this filter when people are in the room, which cannot be said about an air ozonizer.
Since the coating of the photocatalytic filter does not deteriorate over time, it does not require replacement. Only the UV lamp burns out and is replaced every 1-2 years. The cost of an ultraviolet lamp, depending on its size, is 350-500 rubles, which makes the photocatalytic filter one of the most economical.
Carbon filter
Detains unpleasant odors and tobacco smoke. Suitable for homes where air purification from strong odors is only periodically required. With frequent contamination, such as smoking, the filter will quickly lose its original filtration ability and will need to be replaced. It almost never comes as a separate filter, but is located in the same block with a HEPA filter and a pre-filter.
Ozonation function
One of the best ways To get rid of any air pollution (except mechanical) is ozonation. The operating principle boils down to the release of large doses of ozone into the room. Ozone binds and breaks down all contaminants that come its way. The principle of such air purification is similar to a photocatalytic filter, but the efficiency is 5-6 times higher, due to the fact that ozone is distributed throughout the room and can eliminate even stagnant and ingrained odors. Simple ventilation will not remove odors and microorganisms from upholstered furniture, wallpaper, and household items as ozonation will do.
During ozonation, a person should not be indoors, as there is a level of ozone dangerous to health in the air. After ozonation, it is necessary to ventilate the room so that the smell of ozone disappears completely.
Some air purifiers contain all the declared purifying filters at once. Examples of air purifiers with a set of functions for removing odor from the air: Atmos Maxi-200, AIC AP1101/AP1103, Daikin MC707VM, Super-Plus-Turbo, etc.
In addition to having the stated filters, the air purifier must be powerful enough to quickly rid the room of odor. For better cleaning, it is worth choosing devices where the volume of the room being cleaned will be slightly larger than the volume of the room in which the purifier is to be installed.
