The Coronavirus global emergency (COVID-19) starting from 2020 has contributed to reinforce the value of living in safe condition especially in restricted area characterized by strong promiscuity and density of people.

In order to limit dangers to health caused by airborne virus and contaminants it is fundamental implementing clean indoor purification systems so that to get fresh ventilation and high air quality. The good air filtration contributes to better cognitive performance and well-being of people.

Currently the air in suburban areas in the most contaminated due to emissions coming from road traffic, smoke from industrial processes, dust and soil pollutants, allergens, chemicals pollutants, health and hygiene conditions of some societies and marginalized population. The high-quality air is important not only in urbanization area but also in our houses. The indoor air is corrupted by nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide spread by fireplace chimneys, wood or coal heating, food cooking appliances, cigarette tobacco smoke, chemicals used for washing and cleaning household surfaces and clothing as well as unsafe and outdated building materials such as asbestos.

The same systems installed and tested in public building such as schools, hospitals, factories, supermarkets and all main public places are now promoted and needed also in private houses. The advantages of an air purifier even inside the home are soon visible. The device sanitizes the air by sucking it and capturing the tiny particles through the action of the filter. In addition to this, it is possible to combat bad smells by eliminating the main cause, namely the proliferation of mildew and stale air.

Air purifiers kill viruses by removing them from the air. Scientific tests on the main systems available on the market reveal a germicidal potency of 99.97%. To optimize the purifying power, it is also necessary to calculate the total desired safe size area. This is because each system is equipped with a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) according to the total square/meters that must be purified.

 

Different solution for different needs

Many architects and construction engineers are designing homes that already include specific mechanical equipment for air recirculation and purification in compliance with total energy-saving systems with low environmental impact. This is better known as HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and it is a type of automation system which is used for handling air quality and thermal comfort given to the human environment for survival. HVAC is based on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer and the main purposes of a Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system is to help preserving good indoor air quality (IAQ). For this purpose, the experts have designed different purifying system models in order to adapt them to specific needs.

These systems have been designed to eradicate viruses brought into the home, to defeat bad smells such as cigarette smoke which also involves health risks due to passive smoking and to eradicate dust and thus make the home environment healthier.

• The domestic purifier, also provided with wheels that can be placed on the ground with extremely reduced dimensions, simple and intuitive to use and designed to be silent.
• Portable air purifier: small in size very easy to move from one room to another and recommended for rooms of a few square meters.
• air purifier with filter (HEPA): the most recommended for the performance offered without exaggerating in costs. It has been designed to eliminate even very small polluting particles up to 0.3 microns.
• The purification system combined with the ionizer is ideal for attacking and defeating even smaller particles up to 0.1 microns and therefore often responsible for asthmatic problems.
• Air humidifier with purification system: in addition to cleaning the air, it adds the humidification function which is very useful at night especially when there are small children in the house. It therefore has a dual function.

The costs for the purchase of a home purifier are now very affordable and, on the market, there are really various brands available. The expense is around a minimum of 500-600 euros to a maximum of 1000-1200 euros for a very advanced device with a smart interface that allows you to connect to your phone and adjust the various functions even remotely.

Designers and designers of equipment for sanitizing environments have created truly innovative and pleasant solutions. In fact, there are some examples of air purifiers also for domestic use able to combine technical requirements with the criteria of style and interior design.

 

Performance and Design

Some purifiers models have been created to become furnishing accessories for home without being a bulky presence. For example, a table has been created that stands thanks to a base placed in the center in the shape of a cylinder and inside it the purifier has been housed. In this way it is possible to obtain a furnishing object that maintains its original function and at the same time fits well in every room. Also in this case there is a wide range of options available in order to customize these devices. If they are settled in a particular location they can be integrated with the style of the room and the home: they can become tables, support or furnishing components, also choosing the most suitable colors and materials to match. They can also work together with smart technology and receive commands directly via app on the mobile phone, becoming increasingly functional and performing.

Regardless of the type of air purification system chosen, maintenance, cleaning and correct use are essential criteria to ensure excellent performance even in the long term and optimize the cost of purchase. Among the routine and standard purifiers maintenance operations it is important an accurate control of the filters; as well as regular replacing filters in case they are completely exhausted and blocked.

Moreover, it is important to know that poor filter maintenance has been associated with skin problems, inflammation of the throat, dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, legionellosis.