Indoor air quality has become a topic of increasing concern, and for good reason. With pollution levels rising and allergens lurking, it’s no wonder people are turning to air purifiers to breathe cleaner air. But how fast can these devices really make a difference? This blog post will explore the impact of air purifying devices, look at how air purifiers work, and assess how long it takes to experience the benefits of air purifiers.
How does an air purifier work?
Air purifiers are sophisticated appliances designed to remove airborne particles and pollutants from indoor spaces. Some air purifiers work by drawing in the surrounding air and passing it through a series of filters. These filters are capable of trapping particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even harmful gasses like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Once the air is purified, it is released back into the room, providing you with cleaner and healthier air to breathe.
Other air purifiers work a little differently. An air purification system like the TADIRAN AIROW 3™ is a hydrogen peroxide-based device that is attached to wall-mounted air conditioning units. The TADIRAN AIROW 3™ operates by utilizing a discharge current to split oxygen molecules into two individual atoms, transforming O2 into two O atoms. Subsequently, these free oxygen atoms combine with water molecules present in the airflow, resulting in the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This purified air, enriched with hydrogen peroxide, is then distributed throughout the conditioned indoor space via the HVAC system. As pathogens and pollutants come into contact with the hydrogen peroxide, they are effectively neutralized, leading to a healthier and safer indoor environment.
What is the impact of air purification on indoor air quality?
The impact of air purifying devices on indoor air quality can be significant, especially in spaces where pollutants are prevalent. Air purifiers like the TADIRAN AIROW 3™ efficiently reduce airborne contaminants, leading to improved respiratory health and a reduction in allergy symptoms for many individuals. People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues can notice a remarkable improvement in their symptoms after using air purifiers consistently.
How long do air purifiers take to work?
The effectiveness of an air purifier largely depends on various factors, such as the size of the room, the type of air purifier and the level of pollutants. Some air purification models have removed pollutants from small rooms in under 15 minutes in third-party tests. Manufacturers of these devices often use ACH (Air Changes Per Hour) rates to indicate how often air from a room is cycled through the device. Organizations such as ASHRAE play a crucial role in setting standards for occupied rooms to ensure optimal indoor air quality. According to their recommendations, a desirable ACH value is around 0.35, meaning that outdoor air should displace approximately 35% of the room’s indoor air per hour. Additionally, it is suggested that a minimum of 15 cubic feet per minute per person of outdoor air be provided.
For instance, a 10x10x10 room with one person should ideally have an ACH of 0.9, while a room with two occupants would require double that amount. However, it is quite uncommon to find rooms with automatic ACH adjustments based on occupancy. As a practical solution, many individuals simply open the window when the room feels stuffy, allowing fresh outdoor air to improve ventilation and maintain a more comfortable indoor environment. The typical acceptable purifier performance is three air changes per hour. It is advisable to steer clear of purifiers with an ACH below this level. Ideally, a high-quality purifier should have the capability to refresh the air in a room every 12 to 15 minutes, resulting in four to five air changes per hour.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is another crucial metric that determines an air purifier’s air-pushing capacity through its filters. As a standardized measurement, CADR employs a consistent test protocol for each machine, offering a precise assessment of its effectiveness and the time required to purify a given space. During testing, machines are subjected to tobacco smoke, dust, and pollen, simulating real-life scenarios. A higher CADR score signifies that the device efficiently cleans these substances from the air. For quick and efficient room purification, it’s recommended to opt for an air purifier with a minimum CADR score of 300 CFM. This ensures effective removal of pollutants, providing you with cleaner and healthier indoor air.
How long does the TADIRAN AIROW 3™ device take to purify air?
The TADIRAN AIROW 3™ has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in purifying air and enhancing air quality, as proven by various test results. In rigorous evaluations conducted at the Kitasato Research Center for Environmental Science in Japan, the reduction of aerosolized Blue Mold (Penicillium Citrinum) showcased an impressive 99.4% decrease in a 25 cubic meter chamber over a 180-minute period.
Further testing at the FDA-cleared Aerosol Research and Engineering Laboratory revealed significant reductions in Staphylococcus Epidermidis bacteria after just 60 minutes. In a one cubic meter chamber, only a minuscule 0.006% of the bacteria was detected, highlighting the AIROW 3™’s ability to combat bacteria effectively.
Notably, the same laboratory also evaluated the TADIRAN AIROW 3™’s impact on the RNA Virus MS2 Bacteriophage, where a 99.994% reduction was achieved within a 60-minute timeframe. These exceptional results attest to the AIROW 3™’s ability to significantly diminish harmful pathogens and solidify its effectiveness in promoting a healthier and safer indoor environment.
Air conditioners with air purification
With advancements in technology, some air conditioners now come equipped with built-in air purification systems. These hybrid appliances combine the cooling capabilities of an air conditioner with the air-cleaning prowess of an air purifier. They are particularly useful in regions with hot climates where air conditioning is essential. By filtering the air while cooling it, these units provide a double benefit, enhancing indoor comfort and air quality simultaneously.
The TADIRAN AIROW 3™ can be easily fitted to ductless mini-split air conditioners, fan coils,@, ceiling cassettes and VRF ductless split systems. The add-on device can be installed by professional HVAC engineers and requires no further maintenance thereafter.
Indoor air purification for a healthier home
In today’s world, we spend a significant amount of time indoors, whether at home, in the office, or other enclosed spaces like gyms, hospitals, schools, and recreational areas. As a result, the quality of the air we breathe can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being. Some tests show that indoor air quality is 5 times poorer than outdoor air quality. Air purification systems are an effective way to create a healthier environment for ourselves and our loved ones.
While air purifiers start working immediately, the time it takes to see noticeable improvements can vary based on several factors. Integrating air purification technology like the TADIRAN AIROW 3™ into air conditioners further enhances indoor comfort and air quality, making the technology a suitable option for many households, with noticeable benefits within hours and days of use.
