Which Air Purifiers Help Relieve Allergies?

Allergy season is officially upon us. Indoor air quality is especially important during this time of year to help alleviate these allergy symptoms. The EPA also details both long-term and immediate health risks that come with poor indoor air quality, making this a vital consideration year-round. Thankfully, there are several different air purification methods available, all of which help with allergies in some form. The air quality experts at Bonney are here with insights. Let’s take a look at different kinds of air purifiers and how they can help relieve your allergies. 

UV-C Air Purification and Allergies

UV-C air purification methods have been particularly popular recently due to their efficacy against viruses. They work by emitting targeted, powerful light wavelengths that destroy the DNA and RNA in microbes. In addition to neutralizing viruses and bacteria, they are incredibly effective against living allergens like mold. However, they are not effective against abiotic or inanimate allergens like pollen, dust, and dander—so you may consider combining these purifiers with an additional air quality solution.

Electronic Air Filters

Using electrostatic attraction, these filters collect allergens and irritants like pollen, dust, pet dander, and bacteria. As air passes through your HVAC system, electronic filters trap larger particles in a prefilter. It then uses electrostatic attraction to collect and trap smaller particles. These systems are effective against most particle allergens and irritants.

Allergen Air Filters

The allergen air filters you find over the counter require special consideration before use. These filters work by passing your air through thick, constricted layers of material so they can catch the small allergen particles. However, much like a clogged or dirty air filter, this can restrict your HVAC airflow. These filters can put stress on your unit, which can lead to system damage and higher energy bills. Professional HVAC technicians can install 4-5 inch thick filters that clean the air without restricting airflow.

iWave: Needlepoint Bi-Polar Ionization Air Filtration

iWave air purifiers address several different sources of allergens through a process called needlepoint bi-polar ionization. Here is a look at how this ionization addresses allergens and other common air quality concerns:

• Allergen Particles: Small allergens like dander and pollen can usually pass through your HVAC’s air filter. The ionization process causes these allergens to bind together. As they collectively form larger particles, they can be picked up by your home air filter. 
• Harmful Vapors: The ionization process also neutralizes harmful gases, like pollution and smoke. It breaks these compounds into harmless elements like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. This is especially important in areas that experience wildfires. 
• Viruses and Bacteria: Finally, this process also kills airborne pathogens by dehydrating viruses and bacteria. Ionization separates the pathogen from their hydrogen molecules, which completely neutralizes these particles. 

These units are self-cleaning, so they do not require regular maintenance. Additionally, because they use your home’s existing air filters, they do not require individual unit filter replacements. 

Air Scrubber Plus

The Air Scrubber Plus is an ActivePure Technology device that simultaneously cleans both your air and your surfaces. Using UV-C light waves and a catalytic process, it produces scrubber ions hydroperoxides. As these scrubber ions are distributed throughout your home, they are proven to effectively combat certain allergens and harmful particles, including bacteria, viruses, mold, VOCs, smoke, odors, and fungi. 

This device comes with the unique benefit of purifying your surfaces in addition to your air. The Air Scrubber Plus may not be effective in addressing allergens like pollen, dust, and dander. However, it can provide comprehensive allergen protection when used in combination with the professional-grade allergen air filters mentioned above.

Bonney Air Quality Solutions

These air quality solutions are all available from your experts at Bonney. You can get a new air purifier installed just in time for summer. Bonney proudly serves the greater Sacramento area, including homes and businesses in Carmichael, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Gold River, Fair Oaks, Vacaville, Natomas, La Riviera, Rosemont, and beyond! You can make your appointment with our local air quality experts today to get started.