-----Original Message-----
From: Brian McLaughlin <[email protected]>
Subject: [Consdistlist] Indoor Air Purifier
I am a private paintings conservator based in Glasgow, Scotland and I have been
looking into the prospect of investing in a (portable) indoor air purifier for
my 1000 sq ft studio, as I don't have the capability to open any of my overhead
windows.....Ideally I'd like something cost effective that actually does the
job, reliable, not too noisy, requires minimum maintenance and doesn't require
a steady stream of expensive filters. All suggestions welcomed.
Brian McLaughlin
-----Reply-----
Hello Brian,
I've purchased a variety of air purifiers for both work and home so
hopefully I can provide a bit of information. There are two main components,
the type of filter/filtering and the type of purifier. These can be the same
but are often separate things. Kind of like radiator heating versus a forced
air furnace and the accompanying furnace filter.
There are several types of purifiers that work on different methods,
such a filter based (basic, HEPA-like, HEPA), UV, ionic, and a couple others.
Which one you purchase will depend on what you're looking to clean from the air
as some are better than others are certain jobs. You mention that you're a
paintings conservator and you can't open your overhead windows, which I'm
taking as you would if you could. It seems you're not looking at particulate
filtering but possibly more for fumes and smells from your work. In this case a
filter based purifier with a charcoal prefilter, or a charcoal based main
filter will probably be your best bet. Unfortunately charcoal filters aren't
permanent so there is some replacement costs; however, charcoal prefilters can
usually be purchased quite cheaply online if you go off-brand, I'm not sure
about charcoal main filters though. The prefilter types are generally a simple
sheet of charcoal based or impregnated material. Some are straight replacement
and some you cut to fit. My charcoal prefilters at work are pre-cut and I can
purchase them on Amazon for dirt cheap. For my purifier at home I tend to buy
large sheets and cut to fit, from Amazon as well. I'm not as familiar with the
completely charcoal based main filters but I'm guessing they are less likely to
be found off-brand and cheap but would provide a greater level of absorption.
One thing to look at if you go the charcoal prefilter route is to find a
purifier with a 'permanent' main filter. While these don't last forever, they
will typically be good for at least five years or longer is my understanding.
If you're not too worried about particulate filtering then there won't be much
reason to go full HEPA and a basic or HEPA-like should do. If you are looking
to remove particulate matter as well then going full HEPA will remove the most
from the air but the units and filters typically cost more.
A purifier large enough to do 1,000 sq ft will likely be considered a
whole home purifier, unless you go with several smaller ones. Several smaller
ones will likely be quieter but the ongoing maintenance costs will likely be
higher. Most purifiers will list in their specs or on the packaging the
approximate square footage they are good for. Whole home ones will not be
quiet. Typically the more expensive, higher end ones will be quieter but you
will still hear it. It will sound like a pedestal fan on a higher setting as
most purifiers are fan driven. My work ones are produced by GermGuardian and on
low they are fairly quiet but they are also rated for only a couple hundred
square feet. My whole home one in my house is made by Honeywell and even the
low setting is noticeable, but it can move large amounts of air. There are some
types of purifiers that are silent or nearly silent, which ionic ones would
fall under as they use a different method of moving the air but I don't believe
they work as well for fumes/smells. I could be mistaken on this and may be
something to check into as you mentioned noise level. Another thing to consider
is design, some are low and horizontal which would be good for a table top,
there are pedestal ones that are good for the floor as they take of very little
floor space (like my work ones), and there are 360 degree ones (like my home
one but are better in a more open spot or the middle of a room). Also keep in
mind how they intake and exhaust the air as there is no universal way. Is the
intake pointed into a corner where it won't work as well? Is the exhaust
pointed at something you don't want air blowing at or over? Minus the 360
degree ones they typically intake on the back and exhaust on the front but not
always.
As for brands, you probably have a slightly different selection over
there or different names used on products but bigger brand names will typically
be more reliable. Cost is also a good indication. The £30 pound purifier will
not work as well or last as long as the £300 one. I have bought a couple
cheaper ones over the years for bedrooms and they tend to die after a couple
years whereas the more expensive one I have in our living area is going just
like the day we bought it five years ago. Think of it as a longer term
investment. Also look at the replacement filter cost as these can vary widely
and are not necessarily dependant on purifier cost. Availability is also a
concern, but with the Internet we can order just about anything from anywhere.
A great place to look for ratings is Amazon as you can check a variety of
brands/models. Even if you don't go with something specific listed there it'll
give you an idea which brands to look at and which to avoid.
A short note about ionic purifiers, they come in standalone units or
sometimes other types of purifiers offer an ionic setting to boost the
particulate filtering. Ionic purifiers produce a very small amount of ozone.
For most people and uses this isn't a major issue, but can affect people with
asthma or other lung conditions.
While not terribly specific I hope this helps!
William Shepherd
Collections Officer
Swift Current Museum
44 Robert Street West
Swift Current, Saskatchewan
S9H 4M9
Phone: 306-778-4815
Fax: 306-778-4818
Archives: http://sain.scaa.sk.ca/collections/swift-current-museum
Library: https://www.librarything.com/profile/SwiftCurrentMuseum
Website: http://www.swiftcurrent.ca
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