Consumer Information on Air Purifiers

Function

• Air purifiers remove particular air pollutants, such as particles or gases, from indoor spaces. Some of these purifiers are incorporated into the home's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, to clean the entire home. Portable units are designed for cleaning the air in smaller spaces, such as a single room.

Types

• Whole-house air cleaners that are installed in HVAC systems utilize a furnace air filter, which is not designed to improve indoor air but to keep mechanical parts clean. Upgrading to more-efficient filters will help trap more particulates. Other types of air purifiers, including gas-phase filters, ion generators and UV lamps, utilize chemical reactions.

Misconceptions

• Although air purifiers may reduce particulate, allergen and gaseous levels in a house, they may not improve the conditions of people with asthma and allergies. According to the EPA, there's no strong evidence that using these devices helps reduce adverse health effects.

Other Considerations

• A major consideration of installing a whole-house air cleaner is cost, which includes the price of the system, replacement filters and operation. Incorrect installation can cause leaks, which decrease the effectiveness of the filter. Devices that are designed to remove particulates are incapable of removing gases and certain odors, such as tobacco smoke.