Choosing the Right Air Purifier for Your North Shore Home

Indoor air quality plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy living environment. With heightened awareness surrounding the importance of clean air, many homeowners are considering air purifiers to enhance their home’s air quality. However, choosing the right air purifier — especially for older homes, which are common in the North Shore area — can be daunting.

In this guide, the older home experts at American Vintage Home help you understand your home’s air quality needs, explore different types of air purifiers, and select the best air quality solution for your home.

Understanding Your North Shore Home’s Air Quality Needs

Before choosing an air purifier, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the air quality risks that are present in your home. Different households have unique needs based on various factors, including:

• Pets
• Respiratory illnesses or asthma
• Health concerns
• The presence of mold spores, dust mites, or pollen
• Environmental contaminants, such as smoke, chemical fumes, or outdoor pollutants

Understanding these needs will guide you toward the type of air purifier that will be most effective for your home.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are several different types of air purification options available, each using different technologies to eliminate harmful contaminants from your air supply. Here are the most common types:

HEPA Filters

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are known for their ability to capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They are especially useful when targeting:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Mold spores
• Pet dander

HEPA filters are ideal for allergy sufferers and those who struggle with asthma, providing a high level of particulate filtration.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters use a porous carbon material to trap chemical pollutants and odors. They are most effective at removing:

• Volatile organic compounds
• Tobacco smoke
• Cooking odors
• Chemical fumes

These filters are beneficial in homes with high levels of gaseous pollutants and odors.

UV-C Light Purifiers

Ultraviolet (UV-C) light purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill or neutralize airborne pathogens, including:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Mold spores

UV-C purifiers are excellent for sterilizing the air, making them suitable for households concerned about germs and pathogens.

Ionic Air Purifiers

Ionic air purifiers emit negative ions that attach to airborne particles, causing them to fall out of the air. They are effective at removing:

• Dust
• Smoke
• Pet dander

However, these air purifiers may produce ozone, which can be a concern for eco-conscious homeowners.

Ozone Generators

Ozone generators produce ozone to remove odors and pollutants. They are most effective at eliminating odors and killing mold and mildew. However, ozone can be harmful to respiratory health, and these devices should be used with caution in unoccupied spaces only, so they are often not suited for residential use.

How To Choose the Right Air Quality Solution for Your Home

Selecting the right air purifier means weighing your options carefully and gaining a thorough understanding of your indoor environment’s specific needs. Here are some tips to help you decide which system is right for your home:

• Allergy and asthma relief: If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma, a HEPA filter is highly recommended. For added odor control, consider a unit that combines HEPA and activated carbon filters.
• Odor and chemical removal: For homes dealing with strong odors or chemical pollutants, activated carbon filters are the best option. Combining these with HEPA filters can provide comprehensive air cleaning.
• Pathogen control: To reduce bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, UV-C light purifiers are highly effective. They can be used in conjunction with HEPA filters for enhanced protection.
• General air cleaning: For general air purification, ionic air purifiers can be a great choice. However, be mindful of potential ozone production.

Improve Your Air Quality With American Vintage Home

If you’re seeking indoor air quality solutions for your North Shore-area vintage home, you’ve come to the right place. American Vintage Home specializes in outfitting older homes with the air purification systems they need to achieve clean, safe breathing air indoors. Offering the highest-quality products from the industry’s most trusted manufacturers, we are confident in our ability to eliminate unwanted contaminants from your air supply.

Schedule air purification services in the Chicago North Shore area by contacting American Vintage Home today!