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Choosing an air cleaner

January 22, 2002

1. Be sure to match the size of the room with the capacity of the unit. Look for a machine that provides at least 6 air exchanges per hour in the room you want the air cleaner to reside. Also, it is perfectly fine to place a large capacity machine in a small size room. Doing so will simply amount to even cleaner air since you will be getting more air changes per hour. You can't over clean the air.

2. Check the unit's efficiency at removing particles. Some manufacturers use terms like "HEPA Type" or "HEPA efficiency". Be sure the unit uses an actual HEPA filter.

3. Another important consideration is the noise level of the machine. HEPA filters only work when air is drawn through them. And it takes a strong motor to pull air from around the room to the unit for filtering. Manufacturers are beginning to address this with better engineered machines. Consider this in your purchase decision.

4. It's wise to know up-front how much maintenance the air cleaner will require. How often do the filters need to be changed and how much do they cost? Look at the total cost of ownership. If the air cleaner lasts 10 years, how much will you have spent in filter changes over that time period if you follow the recommended change intervals?

5. Lastly, be sure to check the warranty of the air cleaner. What does the warranty cover and for how long? You may also look into what type of support you might expect from the dealer or distributor you purchased from.

Sondra Cooley
Training and Education Manager
National Allergy Supply

Lois' Note: Sondra mentioned to consider the type of support you might expect from the dealer or distributor you purchased from.

I've been recommending National Allergy Supply to patients since 1991. Never in all that time have I heard a patient express anything but satisfaction with this company. That's a pretty good track record in my book. This is why we are so proud to be able to recommend not only their products, but the company itself. They're great people to do business with!

For more information on air cleaners provided by National Allergy Supply, click here.

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