Air Filtration: It is the method of separating airborne particles like dust, mites, pollens, etc., from the atmosphere with the help of filters installed over the air conditioners present in residential or commercial complexes. The filter attracts and disposes of the particles before the air is dispatched through the duct to every room in the unit. Two primary filters are -
1) High-efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters - These filters have the efficiency of removal up to 99.97% and even tiniest particles up to 0.3 microns. Only air conditioners rated to work at 16 or higher efficiency levels can render HEPA filters victorious. However, good quality low rated filters can also cause HEPA filters successful. HEPA filters can also be accommodated with vacuum cleaners to clean household items like carpets, floors, and many more.
2) Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters - These filters work in the efficiency range of 1 to 16, with 1 being the lowest and 16 being the highest. It depends upon the size of the room where it is to be installed.
Air Purification: It is the method of disinfecting the air by counterbalancing pathogens such as bacterias, viruses, molds, and fungi. In this method, the purification system some chemicals to kill, nullify, or alter the DNA of the pathogens to make them harmless. One of the frequently used Air Purification systems is UV air purifiers that kill pathogens using UV light rays. This mechanism resembles the action of the sun that utilizes UV rays in killing germs. Here, the toxins or odors produced by the pathogens are eliminated by the UV rays, thereby giving out clean and fresh air. Two primary types of air purifiers are -
1) Portable units - These units are designed to clean the environment of a small room less than 900 square feet. However, in large rooms or offices, installation of portable units is required separately.
2) Central units - These units are designed to work with HVAC and furnace systems. Mostly these are installed on air conditioners or air ducts to clean the air accumulated on them. The unit size cleaned by them ranges from 1700 square feet to 4000 square feet.