Anyone who has asthma or allergies knows that many things can set off their immune system, whether it’s pet dander, dust, dirt, or other airborne pathogens. Therefore, they’ll need a durable air filter that collects all of these materials. However, if you don’t have any experience with air filters, you might be wondering which one you should purchase. With that in mind, here are the best air filters for people with asthma.
Mechanical Air Filters
In addition to blocking air particles such as pollen, dust mites, and dirt, mechanical air filters can also capture smoke and other types of irritants. The most well-known type of mechanical filter is a HEPA (“high-efficiency particulate air”) filter. In order for a filter to qualify as a HEPA filter, it must capture 90% or more of particles 0.3 microns or larger. Some filters on the market might claim to be HEPA filters, but they must meet the set standards in order to truly qualify.
Gas-Phase Filters
Gas-phase filters remove gases—including cooking gas, perfumes, and emissions from paint—from indoor atmospheres. Although they don’t remove all the pollutants in a given room, gas-phase filters utilize two processes to contain as many airborne pathogens as possible: adsorption and chemisorption. Adsorption is when a surface material pulls molecules out of the air. Some materials, including clay, charcoal, and silica gel, are easier for the filter to contain.
Chemisorption uses a chemical reaction to contain the materials. When certain chemicals mix with the filter, a chemical reaction converts them into harmless substances such as water or carbon dioxide.
Electronic Filters
Finally, we have electronic filters, which attract irritants using electrical charges. Also known as electrostatic filters, these use electrical charges throughout your home to capture airborne pathogens and dispose of them in your HVAC system. Hybrid filters also exist, combining some aspects of electronic and mechanical air filters.
Overall, if you or someone you love has asthma, you need to invest in the right NaturalAire furnace filter to ensure comfort in your home. Now that you know the best air filters for people with asthma, this task shouldn’t be too challenging.
