Air Purifiers

Did you know that there are different types of air purifiers?

Of course, it is quite understandable if people think that there’s only one type of air purifier. And most of the time, we imagine those that have the traditional filtration system.

Due to the advent of technology, various mechanisms have been introduced to clean indoor air. As a result, we now have several air purifiers that you could consider buying. However, keep in mind that some of these air purifiers are not worth acquiring, while others are insanely good for your indoor space. 

Check all of these air purifiers below. 

Different Types Of Air Purifiers

1. HEPA Air Purifiers

Arguably, HEPA air purifiers are the best air purifiers that you can get today. The term HEPA stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air.” It is a technology that has a tested-and-tried performance. It has been in the market for many years already. 

HEPA air purifiers are effective in dealing with microscopic contaminants. Specifically, it can capture 99.967 airborne pollutants of up to 0.3 microns. Such size is already too small. Obviously, the scale is no longer visible to the human eyes. But these pollutants are invasive to human health. These are microbes, pollens, and molds that can cause respiratory problems. 

Because of its performance, a HEPA air purifier is capable of making a clean and safe living environment. At the same time, it isn’t susceptible to creating unwanted residues that could harm your health. 

The architecture of a HEPA filter is quite straightforward. It is a material that has been folded multiple times until such time it becomes similar to an accordion. Its stacked construction enables it to produce a maze of surly fibers. The material is large enough for air to pass through. However, it is too small for microscopic particles to penetrate. 

Of course, a single pass would not clean the air entirely. It is necessary that the air passes to the filter multiple times to achieve better results. Also, keep in mind that HEPA filters have a limited lifespan. It will wear out, so you need to replace it. 

HEPA filters can get damaged by large particles. Therefore, HEPA air purifiers have to possess decent pre-filters to trap debris and large dust. 

Overall, HEPA air purifiers are crucial in capturing microscopic airborne pollutants. But at the same time, keep in mind that they don’t work against gasses, chemicals, and odors. 

2. Activated Carbon Filter

As mentioned, HEPA filters aren’t effective when it comes to chemicals, scents, and gasses. If you want an air purifier that can deal with them, you need the HEPA air purifier to feature activated carbon filters. 

The architecture of activated carbon is nothing complex. It is a type of carbon material known for its porousness. It provides a surface dedicated to absorbing non-particulate contaminants. 

Activated carbon has been in the market for many years. In fact, it was already used in the First World War. Warring countries that time discovered that activated carbon could be used for making gas masks, air purifiers, and water filters. 

The pores of activated carbon are molecular in size. They are smaller than the entangling fiber-like maze of HEPA filters. Its pores are efficient in absorption and bonding chemicals. These qualities enable activated carbon filters for capturing emissions, cigarette smoke, and food odor. Once the activated carbon traps these contaminants, they are no longer diffused back into the air. It stops contamination from happening again. 

Air purifiers that include activated carbon filters are essential for individuals who have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). After all, an activated carbon filter is also efficient in dealing with formaldehyde, which is present in your home’s upholstery and wood panels. These special filters also deal with perfumes and scents coming from household chemicals. 

Also, you would need the benefits of an activated carbon filter so that you’ll not be able to breathe irritants, such as smog and fumes coming from outside your house.

3. UV Systems 

The use of UV systems has somewhat proliferated in recent years. It has been presented as an alternative to the traditional air purifiers that use HEPA and activated carbon filters. But it is not actually the case. 

You see, UV systems don’t deal with particles, chemicals, and gasses. Instead, it specializes in killing viruses and bacteria. UV air purifiers often come with UV lamps inside them. Every time germs and microorganisms pass through these UV lamps, their cellular structure gets destroyed. In turn, it kills the pollutant. 

One should know that these UV air purifiers can convert oxygen and water molecules into hydroxyl and ozone. The molecules tend to react against the pollutants, destroying them in the process. It leaves residues such as carbon dioxide and water. 

However, ozone is the primary problem here. It doesn’t do anything in air cleaning. At the same time, it poses as a harmful pollutant. Hence, it is necessary for UV air purifiers to include filters, aside from the UV lamp. Without a filtration system, microorganisms would still be able to survive. After all, the strength of the UV lamp isn’t absolute. 

4. Ozone Air Purifiers

Ozone air purifiers generate gas ozone, which is extremely harmful to one’s health. While many of its manufacturers keep on saying that these ozone air purifiers are effective and safe, they aren’t. They don’t deal with indoor air pollution. In fact, they even cause this. Many government agencies and health institutions have warned people about the use of these ozone air purifiers because of the potential harm they can cause. 

As mentioned, ozone doesn’t remove airborne pollutants such as pollen and dust. Hence, there’s no point in using them. Regardless of the brand and claims, you should hesitate when it comes to this particular type of air purifier. 

5. Negative Ion Air Purifiers

The last type of air purifier we are going to feature is the negative ion air purifier. This type of air purifier uses ions, which either possess negative or positive charges. Once they are charged, they can gain or lose electrons. 

Specifically, negative ions are a type of oxygen atom that has electrons on them. Because of this, they can attract airborne particles such as dust and pollen. The negative ions achieve this process through magnetism. Once the ions and their gathered particles are heavy enough, they will fall to the ground. 

While the technology seems effective, it is still not as efficient as conventional air purifiers. Moreover, we should never discount the fact that negative ion doesn’t remove or capture the pollutants. They are still in your space, so you still have to clean them manually. 

Improving your indoor air quality is important. You deserve to breathe fresh and safe air, after all. 

Unfortunately, numerous compounds, chemicals, and organisms can contaminate your home or office. For instance, cigarette smoke can cause breathing problems and even cancer. The threats of indoor air pollutants are always present. Dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and molds are among the common invaders that can affect your respiratory health.

The good news is that plants can help to purify the air in your home. They can work hand-in-hand with air purifiers in ensuring the freshness and breathability of your indoor air. Hence, homes that are studded with plants often exude a cool and healthy ambiance. 

Specific plants excel in absorbing pollutants floating in the air. Specifically, they aid in adding extra breathability and freshness in the air you breathe. See them now!

Houseplants That Help Air Purifiers In Improving Indoor Air Quality

1. Devil’s Ivy

One of the best plants for purifying indoor air is the Devil’s Ivy, otherwise known as dracaena. This plant is commonly found indoors and outdoors, although its best feature is its ability to absorb a variety of toxins like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and sulfur dioxide. It can make the air you breathe cleaner and healthier, allowing you to have a more relaxing and productive time at home. 

Because of its small leaves and vines, this houseplant typically arrives in decorative baskets. We recommend that you keep it near the windows. But at the same time, you shouldn’t expose it to too much sunlight. Moreover, its soil should remain moist all the time. 

Devil’s Ivy also excels in removing benzene, xylene, and other chemicals found in household products. By the way, don’t let your pets be near it, as it can be toxic when eaten. 

2. Peace Lily

You may also want to consider getting a peace lily for indoor use. This particular plant has white flowers with a bright yellow center. 

The best part is that it requires very little sunlight or water, so you can keep them indoors without any worry. As a matter of fact, this indoor plant should never be exposed to direct sunlight, as its leaves are quite sensitive. Maintenance is not difficult, as well, as you simply need to water it once a week. It is also the reason why it is a popular plant for homes. 

Based on studies, Peace Lily is the most effective indoor plant in dealing with volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and other chemicals found in cigarettes and air fresheners. 

Similar to Devil’s Ivy, Peace Lilies are toxic to both animals and humans. Hence, ingesting them is prohibited. 

3. Florist’s Chrysanthemum

Having its scientific name as Chrysanthemum morifolium, Florist’s Chrysanthemums are another common indoor plant that has many benefits. First, it can reduce air pollution by filtering out volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide from the air. Second, it also reduces dust, smoke, and other allergens from the air. Third, it cleans the indoor air by absorbing other toxins and pathogens.

With the correct care and maintenance, the Florist’s Chrysanthemum is capable of generating colorful flowers. These flowers improve the overall ambiance of indoor spaces and enhance the interior decor.

Again, Florist’s Chrysanthemum is dangerous when it comes to animals. Once ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. 

4. Snake Plant

This is a low-maintenance plant and is believed to purify indoor air by removing formaldehyde and other potentially dangerous chemicals like nitrogen oxide. It is also capable of reducing carbon dioxide levels.

NASA has already confirmed that Snake Plants are great for absorbing toxins that could damage the respiratory system of children and older adults. 

Furthermore, Snake Plants are great household plants because they don’t require too much sunlight for extended periods. However, we have to remind you that you should never water it too much, as it tends to rot when its soil is moist. 

Overall, the Snake Plant is a reliable plant that is easy to grow and provides useful results, especially in improving indoor air quality. 

5. Red-Edged Dracaena

This is a low, bushy foliage plant that is easy to maintain. Red-Edged Dracaenas are known for being able to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the environment. They purify the air and filter airborne toxins so that they do not pollute the air that we breathe. 

Red-Edged Dracaenas are commonly used in offices, hospitals, and homes because they purify indoor air while generating oxygen. It is also a popular indoor plant in America because of its astute appearance and hassle-free maintenance. Just keep in a part of your home where it can receive indirect sunlight, and it can already survive. 

The Red-Edged Dracaena is also effective in dealing against VOCs, such as formaldehyde, a common chemical released into the air when wood furniture gets old and dries out.

6. Flamingo Lily

The Flamingo Lily is a plant with bright red flowers and long, dark green leaves that can grow as tall as 12 inches. The leaves of the Flamingo Lily have thick edges, but they are very airy and have fewer veins than other tropical plants. 

The Flamingo Lily is a native plant of tropical areas, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Central America. It is a flowering perennial plant that grows naturally in bright conditions with lots of water. The Flamingo Lily is suitable to use in garden planters because of its bright flowers and long leaves.

Similar to other household plants here, the Flamingo Lily excels in removing VOCs, such as toluene, xylene, and ammonia.  

But here’s the thing: Flamingo Lily isn’t that simple to grow or maintain. Specifically, it opts to settle in highly humid environments. If your indoor space has a humidity level of less than 50 percent, this plant will likely die. Having a humidifier could help fix this problem. 

7. Lady Palm

The Lady Palm is also known as the “Broadleaf Lady Palm.” It is still a houseplant that provides benefits to one’s home, especially in the aspect of improving its indoor air quality. 

Interestingly, this plant can go as high as six feet. Hence, it is an excellent corner plant. It can also survive in low-sunlight conditions and moist environments. It can also deal with varying temperatures. 

This Asian plant is said to be an excellent absorbent of ammonia, formaldehyde, and toluene, according to the NASA Clean Air Study. 

How Indoor Plants Can Help Air Purifiers In Cleaning Your Indoor Air?

Here, we can see that there are a plethora of indoor plants that can help regulate your indoor air quality. These plants, aside from being easy to maintain, can ensure that you can breathe fresher air.

Surely enough, having these plants should be enough. But if you want to ensure that no airborne pollutants can affect your health, we recommend that you get air purifiers for your interior space. You see, air purifiers are more efficient than indoor plants in controlling air pollution inside your home. With them around, your living spaces and rooms would become a lot fresher and more comfortable.

These air purifiers have filtration systems that enable them to capture various types of pollutants in the air. One of the common filters that they have is a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter can trap 99.97 percent of all pollutants that are as small as 0.3 microns, making your home a lot safer from allergens. 

Meanwhile, these air purifiers also include pleated mechanical filters. These types of filters can trap debris, dust, and large pollutants that can damage the HEPA filter. 

For odor and smell, some air purifiers have activated carbon filters. These filters are designed to capture gasses, chemicals, and other odor-causing pollutants. 

Overall, having an air purifier can greatly improve the air quality in your home. It can also enhance the efficiency of your indoor houseplants in absorbing potentially harmful airborne pollutants. 

The LV-H132 Air Purifier is one of the many air cleaners manufactured by the brand Levoit. It is a well-designed air purifier that hosts several features that could help you improve your indoor air problems. In this Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier review, we will be looking at the actual capabilities of this device and see whether or not it is a suitable option for your home. 

The problem caused by indoor air pollution is something that we can’t shrug off. It results in numerous health complications, such as asthma, allergies, and coughing. It also reduces the overall livability of your space. It is not easy to get comfortable in an area that is riddled with dirt and bad odor. 

The existence of air purifiers is heaven-sent. Unlike outdoor air pollution, indoor air problems can be resolved through the use of special mechanisms, such as air cleaners. These appliances and devices can capture particulates in the air through their series of filters. In fact, some of them have unique filters that can reduce nasty smells inside a given space. 

The Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier is among the popular air purifiers in the market today. Manufactured by Levoit, the Levoit LV-H132 boasts itself as an effective utility in reducing airborne pollutants indoors. Based on its market performance, we can say that many users are quite satisfied with its performance.

Here, we are going to take a look at the qualities of the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier. Specifically, we will be checking the anatomy of its performance and configuration to assess what it can do and the possible limitations that it has. 

Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier Review

The Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier claims to have a home-friendly performance. It is one of the flagship air purifiers released by Levoit in its attempt to supplant the usage of ionizer-type air purifiers, which are known for removing pollutants known as ozone. 

The Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier uses the conventional air purification mechanism. Specifically, it has three filters in its system: the True HEPA filter and the pre-filter set (activated carbon filter and mechanical filter). The pre-filter has been pre-installed already. Only the HEPA filter requires installation, which is just a little work. You simply have to insert it inside the air purifier. 

Since it applies conventional air purification technology, there’s a guarantee that it can remove both large and microscopic contaminants in the air. It effectively deals with allergy-causing pollutants and other airborne particles that could harm your respiratory system. In fact, it is also capable of minimizing the odor released by food, pets, and smoke, with its activated carbon filter. 

Performance-wise, there’s nothing wrong with this air purifier. However, we have to emphasize that it is just a small air cleaner. It doesn’t have a powerful air intake that would have allowed it to absorb as many particles suspended in the air. This air purifier is only rated to work on spaces with floor sizes of 129 square feet. Therefore, it could only suit small rooms. If you are going to use it in spacious living rooms, it might yield little effect. 

Apart from that minor gripe, everything is going well with this air purifier. Aside from its seamless air purification performance, this device also operates quietly. It is a feature that tells us that this air purifier is really designed for bedrooms and nursery rooms. Its lowest setting has a sound level of just 25 decibels. Meanwhile, the highest setting gives off a perceptible sound. But it is more like a hum, so it is not bothersome at all. In fact, if you like white noise while you are sleeping or relaxing, its hum can definitely soothe you. 

This air purifier has a simple interface, as well. It is one of the things that we like about the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier. Its control panel is placed on its top, so accessing it is not a problem. But since this air purifier is small, you have to kneel so that you can operate it. 

Unlike other air purifiers, this one has an adjustable brightness level on its backlight. You can switch it off if you want to. That’s a beneficial feature for users who tend to sleep while their lights are off. 

Verdict

Overall, we found the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier to be an appealing air purifier when it comes to price and performance. While it may not have superior features that can topple the competition, it still does the job of cleaning your indoor air. It has low operating costs and works quietly, making it suitable for frugal households and noise-sensitive environments. 

Of course, it is still up to you whether you want to invest in this machine or not. It doesn’t suffer significant issues, so it should still be a viable air purifier for many people. 

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Operating cost is minimal
• Low-noise performance

Cons:

• Not a suitable choice for larger rooms

Check the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier now!

Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier: Technical Specifications

Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier: Notable Features

Here are some of the key features that the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier possesses. 

Low Operating Cost

It’s pretty evident that one of the best features of the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier is its low operating cost. This is an area that the Levoit LV-H132 excels over other air purifiers. 

First, this product costs less than a hundred bucks. That’s pretty affordable, considering the features and qualities that it has. Meanwhile, its filter replacements are inexpensive as well. One filter only costs roughly $15. At the same time, it only consumes 0.015kWh of power per hour. 

With these figures, we can assess that the lifetime cost of operating this air purifier is only $280 (assuming that this air purifier can last for five years). It is extremely cost-efficient; such a value is among the cheapest of all the air purifiers we have assessed. 

Ease Of Use

As mentioned, the quality of the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier is validated by the simplicity of its operation. It’s one of the key aspects that we enjoyed about this air purifier, and it is something that’s worth emphasizing. 

This air purifier is already usable fresh from the box. You simply need to take out the plastic cover of its filter before reinserting it. After that, you can already turn the device on. It’s that simple! 

Furthermore, all the controls, including the power button, are placed on the top portion of the air purifier, specifically on edge. They are touch buttons, which means that you don’t need to press them hard before you can activate them. There is also a backlight in each of the buttons, allowing you to see them in the dark. 

Also, it is notable that this air purifier isn’t heavy. With a weight of only 6.5 pounds, moving it from one place to another is not a problem. It has a compact size, which enables convenient handling. 

Noiseless Operation

One of the strong points of the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier is its noiseless operation. Every time it runs, the sound it generates is almost inaudible. Put it on its lowest setting, and you’ll expect something majestic. 

If you place it on its high and medium settings, the hum can be noticed. However, the hum is quite similar to white noise, which is pretty acceptable already. Because of this, you should not encounter any qualms when it comes to placing this air purifier in your bedrooms. 

Given that this air purifier is designed to operate continuously, its quietness will benefit any household. It lets you do your thing without being disturbed by cacophonous sounds. 

Customer Reviews

Here is a summary of the frequent user feedback for the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier. Check them out:

Many have commended that this air purifier is compact but has significant impacts on indoor air quality. Many who live in urban settings have commented that this air purifier has helped them breathe better air inside their homes.

Aside from that, people also said that the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier is a quiet tool. Its hum is said to be similar to white noise. We also have the same findings, so we completely agree about this matter. 

On the flip side, this air purifier features blue illumination. If you want to sleep soundly, you wouldn’t want to see this type of light. After all, blue light can inhibit your sleep. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this air purifier clean multiple rooms?

A: No. The Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier is only capable of single-room air cleaning. You shouldn’t use it in large areas. 

Q: Can its lights be turned off?

A: Fortunately, you have the option to turn it off. Just hold the bulb icon of the air purifier, and it will shut down its backlight. 

Q: Can this air purifier remove wildfire smoke? 

A: Yes. But keep in mind that it has limited coverage. Hence, you might need to purchase bigger air purifiers if you want to eliminate the presence of wildfire smoke in your area. 

In Summary

The Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier is definitely a decent air cleaner that doesn’t cost too much. It has a solid construction and seamless operation, allowing it to perform when it is needed. However, keep in mind that its coverage is not that big. At the same time, it doesn’t have a powerful air intake, unlike its other counterparts. Hence, you should only use this air purifier in small spaces. 

I hope that you find this Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier review useful. For other inquiries, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.

Having indoor air problems is difficult. It causes numerous health problems, such as the proliferation of asthma and allergies. Furthermore, polluted indoor air doesn’t feel good when inhaled. 

Fortunately, there are numerous air cleaning systems that are already available for consumer use these days. Of course, it is up to you which one you should pick. Today, the most common ones are air purifiers and ozone generators. Both of these technologies have claimed that they can reduce the number of air pollutants in a given space. 

Here, we will divulge the key differences between ozone generators and air purifiers. In this way, you will be able to decide which one works for you. And of course, we will reveal which system provides the utmost benefits and efficiency. 

Read on. 

Air Purifiers vs. Ozone Generators: An Overview

Right from the get-go, we need to emphasize that ozone generators and air purifiers are two different systems. Their mechanisms are entirely similar. They implement unique technologies that could help deal with airborne pollutants. 

Air purifiers

Air purifiers are a tool for cleaning and freshening the air. They are electrical appliances driven by filters so that they can remove particles and gasses. The best air purifiers can remove pet dander, mold spores, pollen, dust, smoke, and even viruses. 

Not all air purifiers are the same. Some provide better filtration and coverage than others. However, the principle of their operation remains the same. They use several filters, such as HEPA filters and mechanical filters, to capture pollutants. Some include activated carbon filters that can reduce the prevalence of foul odor. This design is simple but is thoroughly effective. 

Ozone generators

An ozone generator is a tool for those who depend on clean air. Although some people use an ozone generator for fun, others use it for health. An ozone generator is a tool that can be used to prevent extensive damage to human health from naturally occurring air pollution. Some manufacturers offer models that operate via hazard sources such as smokestacks or cigarette boxes.

However, the effectiveness of ozone generators remains questionable. Aside from that, they are some studies that suggest that they induce health problems. While it is true that ozone can defend you from UV rays, it still has adverse effects if you inhale it.

According to its manufacturers, ozone generators produce charges to contaminants when they get in contact. Once there’s a charge, these airborne pollutants will get heavy, which, in turn, cause them to drop in the ground or any surface. In short, ozone generators can prevent pollutants from floating in your air. Once they are in the ground, you will be able to sweep them. 

Technically, this mechanism does work. However, it would require a lot of time before it takes effect. And while you are waiting for that to take place, there’s a possibility that you have already exposed yourself to a good amount of ozone. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has released an informational page that serves as a warning regarding the hazards and insufficiency of ozone generators. 

Air Purifiers vs. Ozone Generators: Their Mechanisms

As we have mentioned earlier, air purifiers use different types of filters to trap contaminants. No, these air purifiers don’t “kill” pollutants. Instead, they just trap them through the filters. By trapping them, they would no longer float in your air. 

The number of air changes and the power of air intake influences the performance of air purifiers. Hence, some are designed to work in large spaces, while others are only for single-room applications. 

At the same time, gauging the performance of air purifiers would also direct us to the type of filters that they are using. For instance, those that have HEPA filters are effective against microscopic contaminants that are 0.3 microns in size. Therefore, you can guarantee that these filters can help treat allergens and harmful pollutants that could affect your respiratory health. Over time, studies have shown that these air purifiers are effective in dealing with airborne impurities. 

On the other hand, ozone generators are releasing ozone–a type of gas in the air. This is done through the ionization of oxygen molecules that exist in the air. Because of this process, triatomic O3 gas is formed. Of course, triatomic O3 is just technical jargon for ozone. Once ozone interacts with pollutants, the latter would be neutralized (by making them heavy).

Why Are Ozone Generators Unsafe For Air Cleaning?

The fundamentals of ozone generators aren’t that bad. Scientifically speaking, ozone has properties that allow it to attach to various contaminants. In fact, ozone has commercial applications, specifically in treating air and water in areas where there is no human traffic. 

The only problem with these ozone generators is the amount of ozone that they need to create. These devices are required to generate large quantities of ozone that exceed safe levels. In a nutshell, ozone generators have to cause harmful effects before they can reduce the presence of contaminants in an area.

If you think about it, such a trade-off isn’t worth it. Hence, you should think first before you invest in these ozone generators. Even if a particular manufacturer claims that its ozone generator is safe, you shouldn’t trust it right away. 

Ozone is a type of irritant. Once you have prolonged exposure to this gas, you will inevitably suffer from frequent headaches or breathing difficulties. It can also heighten your susceptibility to asthma. You would never want ozone in your house, especially if there are children or older adults with you. 

In Summary

Between two air cleaning systems, it is evident that air purifiers generate better and safer effects than ozone generators. Hence, we always recommend that you go with air purifiers if you have indoor air problems. The technology behind these air purifiers isn’t complicated, but they are downright effective!

That’s it for now. If you have other inquiries, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.