Best Air Purifier for Mold:
An air purifier is claimed to be a great invention to clear out the contamination like mold, pollen, smoke, pets dander,chemicals, odors and dust from our surroundings to improve the quality of an indoor unit. This states that an air purifier is only for indoor usage as it’s a small apparatus that works wonders to clean our environment for us. The main purpose of an air purifier is to eradicate impurities that can be hazardous to our health. With the increase in pollution and its effects, air purifiers are now an essential step towards clean breathing.In this article we are going to explain complete details about the best air purifiers for mold, mildew and other microscopic spores.
Molds, Mildew and other Microscopic Spores
Mold and mildew are those hidden enemies, that grows on silently, as they are odorless and cannot be detected by human smelling senses. That’s why, for a healthy lifestyle to prevail, it is important that we take measured steps to keep ourselves safe from these unseen enemies because it is scientifically proven that they effect our breathing and overall health. One of the main diseases caused by this is asthma. If one has asthma, it’s most probably that their environment is infused with molds and other microscopic spores.
Now the big question is that do air purifiers help with molds and mildews? – Yes. It is accurate to say that air purifiers help us fight with molds, mildews and other microscopic spores. Not only this helps make our environment better but it also improves are overall health.
Health Hazardous
Molds and other microscopic spores are health hazardous. There are different types of molds that effect the human health and degenerates it. Molds can be toxic and they mostly flourish in damp and dark environment where temperature is between 60 and 80 Fahrenheit.
Types of Molds in Homes
Mold is basically a fungus which grows everywhere on earth. They have become a hot topic due to their potentially dangerous effect on human health. There are many types of molds in nature. Some of the most common types of molds found in our homes or other shelters are:
- Acremonium
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
- Aureobasidium
- Chaetomium
- Cladosporium
- Fusarium
- Mucor
- Penicillin
- Stachybotrys aka black mold
- Trichoderma
- Ulocladium
Effect on health
It is critical to identify and eliminate molds as they begin to develop. They have a vast effect on human health depending on the tenure of exposure and the type of specie being exposed to. Children, seniors, pregnant women, people with existing health problems are particularly vulnerable when exposed in an environment infused with molds. The effect of molds on health is so devastating that World Health Organization (WHO), Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all have researched and publishes their findings linking a relation between health issues and molds.
Some common health issues caused by molds are:
Mold Sensitivity:
Some people are sensitive to molds and spores while some develop mold sensitivity over time. Being exposed to a mold infused environment for a longer duration can lead to the development of mold sensitivity. Some common health problems caused by mold sensitivity are:
- Headaches
- Skin irritation
- Coughing, sneezing, wheezing
- Sore throat
- Watering, drying or sore eyes
Infections:
People whose immune systems are weak or they have pre existing lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) are more subjected to develop lung infection when exposed to molds infused environment. Asthma can also be developed by living in such conditions.
- Related post: Best Air Purifiers for Allergies
Severe and Chronic Conditions:
There are some types of molds that produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are a dangerous form of by product that can be absorbed by the skin, intestinal lining and airway passage. If a person is bare to an atmosphere imbued with mycotoxins then this could lead to severe and in some cases deadly conditions.
Some dangerous health hazards caused by this are:
- Cancer
- Pulmonary bleeding
- Liver and kidney conditions
- Immune and blood disorders
- Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs)
- Neurotoxicity (toxic nervous system)
- Digestive and heart conditions
Role of Air Purifier to Eradicate Molds
Before jotting down the pros and cons of an air purifier, it is very important to understand that an air purifier does not remove a visible mold from our homes. If our household or any place where we live is infused with molds and mildews then it can only be remediated; physically cleansed, usually by a bleaching solution. Air purifiers are basically used to help us make our environment safe from impurities which can lead up to molds and other spores. Molds are growing everywhere on the earth so it is practically impossible to keep our environment 100% safe from them. An air purifier helps to eliminate contamination from the air which can trigger asthma and other health issues. It extracts the airborne particle and filters them for a cleaner environment. So, air purifiers do help us with molds, they help to slow down the process of mold building up in our homes, offices and other places. By using an air purifier and taking all the precautionary measures, we can get a long-term solution to avoid molds and mildews.
The Best Air Purifiers Technology for Molds
There are different air purifiers in the market, with different technologies or with combinations. These air purifiers can help us to keep our environment free from molds up to a great extent depending on their technology. One should be well informed of an air purifier before buying it as there are some air purifiers that can do more harm than any good.
Some of the best air purifiers technologies for our homes are:
HEPA Filter:
The HEPA filter standard is built on the capacity to remove up to 99.97% airborne particles which are 0.3 microns in size or even greater. That is why any air purifier containing HEPA filter is a conventional choice for removing spores from air. Any particle greater than 0.3 micron (which majority are) will be trapped by HEPA filters. But the particles sizing less than 0.3 microns can pass through the filters, good thing is that only a small quantity of particles are of this small size. One major drawback of HEPA filters is that mold particles can build up on it if it’s not changed regularly. These filters can become a host to these particles which in turn is harmful for us rather than any good.
PECO:
This is the technology behind the Molekule air purifier. The Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) uses a light activated catalytic reaction to destroy the contaminated particles that pass through it. This states that PECO technology destroys the mold spore completely rather than becoming its host surface like HEPA.
UVGI:
This technology claims to castrate the air by killing bacteria, molds and viruses. But, as suggested by the EPA, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) air purifier needs to generate much more intense UV radiation in order to work efficiently. Evidently, this is not possible as a home unit is not capable of generating such intense radiations.
Carbon Filters:
This filtration is used to removes molds particles by trapping gasses on a carbon activated filter. This technology is not useful to remove or trap mold particles as it Is not intended for such purpose. Activated carbon filtration process works great for removing unwanted odors completely.
Ionizing Air Purifiers:
These air purifiers put a charge to the particles so that they can stick to any nearby surface. This technology has a major drawback which cannot be ignored. As a side effect the air purifiers using this technology generates ozone gas. Ozone gas can be lethal to human health as well as to the environment. That is why is it is said not to use this technology as it creates more harm than good.
Best Air Purifiers for Molds and Mildews:
We know that air purifiers help to remove mold particles in the air and makes the environment healthy to breathe in. But how would we know which air purifier is helping in making the environment green rather than degenerating it further? – well, we can assure this by educating ourselves about different technologies an air purifier carries. For your ease, following is the list of the best air purifiers to eradicate airborne chemical particles from the air.
IQAir one of the top and oldest brand in the air purifier family. This purifier is based on the technology of Hyper HEPA filtration. It is 100 time more powerful than the HEPA air Purifiers. It stop the very tiny particles down to 0.003 microns which is 10 times smaller than the virus.
- It cover space up to 1,125 sq ft (104.5 sq m).
- Very efficient filtration system.
- 4-Year filter life
- Best for the asthma, allergens, chemical and smoke trigger particles
Alen is most updated and modernize air purifier manufacturer brand. This air purifier contains HEPA filter technology. It is best to trap dust particles and pollen particles. People who are allergic to pollen must have this in their homes. Some distinguish features of Alen BreatheSmart are following:
- It can cover area 1100 Sq.Ft.
- CADR rating is 300.
- With smart sensors.
- Available in different colors.
- Filter life indicator and timer feature.
This air purifier has HEPA technology with 4 stage purification. This is perfect for larger areas covering. It capture mold, dust, germs, smoke, allergy and asthma causing particles.
The silent features are following:
- It is cover area from 300-600 Sq.Ft.
- With AreaSmart sensors
- Filter life up to 12 months
- Very Quiet operation
Winix is a Korean brand working in the Air Purifier field since 2004. Winix HR900 is over all best air purifier in the Winix family. This air purifier is a pet friendly plasma wave technology that covers up to 300 Sq.Ft. Its plasma wave technology help in reducing the pollutants. It is best in price as compared to its league air purifiers. It prominent features are following:
- It cover 300 Sq.Ft. area
- 4 stage fan speed with auto switcher
- Light and smart sensors
- With 2 Years of Warranty
- 5 stage filtration system with Plasma Wave technology
Air Purifier, Useful or a Big NO!
Air purifier is an expensive investment. We have heard that an air purifier is a great asset against mold but the question arises is it really worth it? – To give a simple and brief answer, YES! It surely is. Once you get an air purifier, you will get to know that you can get out more from an air purifier than you could have imagined. An air purifier is a great investment against molds, undoubtedly, not only it makes the environment greener but also it prolongs the heath of a human body.
Following are some major benefits that would convince you to get an air purifier at your earliest possibility:
Controls Allergies:
Many allergies are triggered by the contaminated air we breathe in from our environment. Asthma is one the main allergies that is a cause of dusty and contaminated air. The air inside our houses is usually poorer in quality than from the outside. This is because of poor ventilation and hygienic conditions. So, an air purifier in this regard is a great investment as it cleans the air and in turns controls the allergies triggered by the impurities.
Reduces Dust:
One way to see if the air purifier is working is that the dust build-up on surfaces in your home is much less. This indicates that dust is being removed from your surrounding or air when an air purifier is functioning. This is also another great reason to purchase an air purifier as it helps reducing the dust from our environment.
Absorbs Harmful Chemicals:
A number of items in our homes produce harmful chemical gasses like paints, solvents, cleaning supplies and even plastics. We may not detect them but they are extremely harmful to our health and can cause lethal destruction to our bodies. An air purifier eliminates such type of chemicals from our environment. These household items cannot be eliminated in their usage but the by products can be destroyed by using an air purifier hence making the environment greener and cleaner.
Removes Household Odors:
Odors in homes can be because of many sources and sometimes they too can trigger health issues. Not only they make the environment unhealthy but they also are embarrassing when you have gatherings at you place. Activated carbon filtration technology is famous for absorbing odors for good. You don’t have to open windows or use scented candles and sprays unnecessarily when you have a carbon filter technology infused air purifier at your place. It will take care of all the bad odors for you.
Best Air Purifiers for Household Usage:
Air purifiers in your household is a beneficial investment. It will help prolong your health and the health your loved ones. There are different technologies infused in different air purifiers, all for the best of their usage.
Following are some best air purifiers to use in your household for a healthier and greener environment:
This air purifier is designed for larger places as it covers up to 1100 sq. feet every 30 minutes with making much noise. It cleans up to 99% airborne particles down to 0.3 microns.
The silent features of Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier are following:
- Cover area up to 1100 Sq.Ft
- Smart sensor with air quality indicator.
- Noise less operation.
- Filter life 1 year.
- Life time warranty.
This purifier is compact enough to fit on your desk but it can remove up to 99.99% airborne particles from the air. It is comprised of pre-filter, a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter making it stronger to function.
Here are some unique feature:
- Small in size under $100
- Best for Mold, Pollen, pet dander, smoke and order as well.
- 100% Ozone Free
- Gentle night light system
- 3 Speed fan settings (low, medium and high)
- 2 Years Warranty with life time support.
This air purifier has the ability to cover 815 sq. feet room twice every hour. It compromises of six layers filter including an upgraded version of BioGS HEPA filter and it is pet friendly.
Rabbit Air MinusA2 air purifier has the following features:
- Can cover area up to 815 Sq.Ft.
- 6 Stage filtration system
- Ultra Quiet
- Smart sensors with beautiful design
- 5 Years Warranty
This air purifier tells the quality of air by changing the color to blue or red. Blue color indicates good quality air while red color indicates poor quality air. Philips Smart Air Purifier has 5 purification setting including ultra-sensitive allergen mode and high speed Virus and Bacteria mode. Following are some more distinguished features of Philips smart Air Purifier.
- Remove 99.97% of small particles as 0.3 microns from the air
- Air Quality indicator
- Smart sensors with attractive modern design
- Light weight
- Noiseless working
This is a compact air purifier and it compromises of 17 inches in height. PARTU claims to be the quietest air purifier in the market. So, it is best for you if you have trouble sleeping due to the noisy fans of other air purifiers. This air purifier is least expensive than other air purifiers.
Some unique features of Partu Air Purifier are following:
- Small in size
- Smart sensors
- Ultra quite
- 4 stage filtration process
- 7 night light indicators
- Completely Ozone free
Best Air Purifier for Office Usage:
Due to heavy crowds in office areas, the air can be highly polluted. Thus, a good air purifier is necessary in such contaminated areas.
Following are some best air purifiers for office usage:
This air purifier has wheels. In most offices, it could be a hassle to move air purifiers from one place to another. That’s why this air purifier is a big as it can be moved to places easily.
Some key features of Austin Air Purifier are following:
- 4 Stage filtration system
- Box design with 360 degree air intake system
- Powerful working
- Cover area up to 1500 Sq.Ft.
- Remove wide range of airborne particles especially for Mold
This HEPA technology can cover 465 sq. ft. room and it can filter out a full room five times in an hour.
True HEPA filter can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles. This unit is highly effective for mold, dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke particles.
Some key features of Honeywell Air Purifier are following:
- It can cover space of 465 Sq.Ft.
- Efficient working
- Shut off Timer
- 5 Years warranty
Best Air Purifiers for Garage and Cabins:
Garage and cabins are closed units. They can hold large number of airborne particles and can also become their host to reproduce and get numerous in their quantity. That is why it is really important for a healthy environment to sustain that these units are kept clean and clear of such airborne particles.
Following are some air purifiers best for garage and other indoor closed units:
This air purifier has HEPA filter technology and removes up to 99.97% airborne particles. It also compromises of charcoal filters and UV-C light technology. This air purifier is best for medium sized rooms.
Following are the key feature of GermGuardian AC4825 Air Purifier:
- Smart Features
- Tower structure
- 3 Years Warranty
- 3 stage fan speed with good noise level
- Best in under $100 price range
This air purifier compromises of HEPA technology with activated carbon filters and pre washable filter. It is designed for a medium sized room ranging from 400 sq. ft. to 600 sq. ft.
Here are some unique features of BluePure Air 211+ purifier:
- 2 years warranty
- Filter change indicator
- Energy efficient
- It best deal with mold, pollen, pet dander, dust and bacteria
This air purifier has HEPA filtration with 4 stages of purification with charcoal based activated carbon filter. It is designed for a room of 550 sq. ft. in size and it can filter twice in an hour.
Here are some key features of Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Air Purifier:
- It can cover 550 Sq.Ft. area.
- 4 stage air purification
- Low power consumption
- Quiet performance
- 5-year warranty
Mold Remediation Process:
While we can use air purifiers to prevent molds, there are ways to remove physically visible mold. The following process can help us to remediate molds fully:
- Locate the mold
- Get rid of mold producing items
- Dry out the affected area
- Use commercial equipment to eradicate molds
- Use fungicide
- Repair the room or affected area but repainting.
Table of Contents
- Best Air Purifier for Mold:
- Molds, Mildew and other Microscopic Spores
- Health Hazardous
- Types of Molds in Homes
- Role of Air Purifier to Eradicate Molds
- The Best Air Purifiers Technology for Molds
- Best Air Purifiers for Molds and Mildews:
- Air Purifier, Useful or a Big NO!
- Best Air Purifiers for Household Usage:
- Best Air Purifier for Office Usage:
- Best Air Purifiers for Garage and Cabins:
- Mold Remediation Process: