The spread of the corona virus has scared even the cleanest of us into wondering how we can stay protected, especially now that the CDC believes the virus is likely to spread in America next. After the Surgeon General stated that face masks don’t protect against corona virus, many people have wondered what else is ineffective. This raises the question: do air purifiers protect against the corona virus? Unfortunately, the simple answer is no. Here’s why.
Why Air Purifiers are Ineffective
Air purifiers work by sucking air in with a fan and blowing it through a filter and out the other side. They’re kind of like the filters used in fish tanks, but for air. The average air purifier is designed to rid the air in your space of common allergens, dust, pet hair, pollen, mold, and other things that worsen air quality. Small pollutants like this are measured in microns, which are equal to one millionth of a meter. Most air purifiers on the market can only cleanse the air of anything 0.3 microns or larger. All of the aforementioned allergens and pollutants fall into this category, which is what makes air purifiers effective for common household use.
Viruses, however, are much smaller; the average virus is about 100 times smaller than bacteria at 0.004 to 0.1 microns in size. Even the heftiest, strongest air purifier wouldn’t be strong enough to pick that up. The corona virus is no different. At about 0.125 microns in size, the virus is small enough to pass through an air purifier filter with no problems.
What Can I Do?
The best way to keep your home as safe as possible in the face of this deadly pandemic is by keeping your HVAC system clean and healthy and investing in a high-quality filter. The quality of HVAC filters is measured with a system known as MERV. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration. HVAC filters with a MERV rating above 11 are strong enough to filter out particles that carry viruses, making them the ideal option for keeping your air clean.
To maintain clean, safe air, you should change your filter every 90 days. You also need to become familiar with the signs that your HVAC may not be working at its best. Pay attention to the humidity in your home, as high humidity may weaken your HVAC and encourage the growth of bacteria on the filter, as well as within your home.
Be sure to clean your air ducts on a regular schedule. How often you need to clean your air ducts depends on your home, so you should speak with an experienced HVAC specialist to see how often you need to give them a clean.
Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating: Maintaining Dallas Indoor Air Quality Since 1975
At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we want you to stay protected from serious health issues caused by poor filtration and low air quality. If you have any questions about HVAC filters or maintenance, or if you need any repairs to your HVAC, call us for a personalized quote based on your needs. Our team of HVAC specialists will answer all of your questions and check on your HVAC, and we’ll repair anything that may lower the air quality in your home. We know the importance of good air quality, and we won’t settle for anything but the best for you.