Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Indoor air quality is generally significantly worse than outdoor air quality. Our homes are full of harmful chemicals (household cleaning products, solvents, insecticides, herbicides, disinfectants), natural allergens (dust, fibers, odors, pet dander, molds, and mildews), and construction and furniture materials (lead, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, adhesives, finishes, paints, vinyls and more). Because our homes are designed to be very air tight, it is important that we take extra steps to ensure the quality of the air.

Prior to learning more about what to look for in an air filtration unit, I made some costly purchasing mistakes. The first unit I purchased touted the health benefits of negative ions. Unfortunately, ozone was a byproduct of the negative ion creation. Ozone is very bad for your lungs[1], while negative ions are very healthy for you.[2] California now only allows units that do not produce ozone. The second unit’s filter never got dirty and it made loud odd sounds that would wake me up. Both wound up in the giveaway pile.

There are central air units as well as portable devices. The central air systems require the heat or air conditioning system to be on, so the amount of time it is on is limited. The quality of the air also depends on the cleanliness of the air vents. Portable units can be run continuously and can kick the operation to a higher setting as needs change. 

Just like in so many areas, you get what you pay for in air filtration units as well. Here is a checklist of important features to look for to make sure you are getting a unit that will do what it says it will do and will stand the test of time. Remember cleaning the filters regularly as well as replacing them on schedule is critical to the quality of your air. Don’t be cheap with the maintenance of your air filtration unit. Be sure to get a unit that is the right size for your room and has adequate clean air delivery rate (CADR).

Multiple Stage Filtration System: One filter cannot do it all. The unit I own now has a five stage filtration system. Here is what each is designed to do:

1. Prefilter/Mesh Filter combo removes larger particles of dust, mold, pollen, dirt, mildew, and more. It is important to trap these large particles early to prolong the filter life.
2. Organic Neutralizing Filter contains a plant material that attracts, retains, inactivates and destroys microscopic contaminants. Best of all, it disrupts the irritant properties of these particles without the use of synthetic chemicals.
3. Activated Carbon Filter is a highly effective method of reducing contaminants. The carbon has been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. Less than a teaspoon of activated carbon results in a cleaning surface area roughly the size of a football field- now that is powerful.
4. HEPA Filter stands for high efficiency particulate air and is used in environments where the air needs to be very clean (operating rooms, laboratories, computer chip manufacturing, etc.). Don’t be confused by HEPA-like filter. It is not a HEPA filter. Be sure to get a Certified HEPA filter which will remove very small particles (3/10ths of a micrometer if you care). They are verified to filter at 99.97% efficiency rate.

2. Negative Ion Generation: Negative ions create fresh, pure and invigorating air. Studies show it can increase serotonin production, boost energy, and decrease depression. Air conditioning produces lots of positive ions and it is helpful to balance with negative “feel good” ions.
3. Dust-reduction mode: Look for one that has alternating speeds to optimize cleaning in dusty conditions.
4. Quiet operation: Be sure you can hear your TV and be able to sleep. Some units are very noisy.
5. Energy Efficient: Look for an Energy Star Model. Make sure it uses minimal electricity. It will save you in operating costs over the years.
6. Anti-charging material: Helps reduce static electricity buildup.
7. Variety of operating modes: Make sure there are a variety of operation modes to suit all your needs.
8. Automatic Particle Sensor: Kicks the system into a higher speed to quickly clear the air when particles are sensed.  
9. Lightweight: Most units normally cover a large room or two. Look for units that can be easily transported to the rooms you spend the most time in.
10. Air Quality Indicator:  Helps you determine the quality of air in the room initially versus after operating a few minutes.

Here are some recommended technologies to avoid:

1. Electrostatic filters are not an effective technology as they become less effective over time, need frequent cleaning and often emit ozone.[3]
2. Ultraviolet Light for filtration uses more energy and produces heat and ozone.
3. Ozone production either intentionally or as a by-product.[4] While it can kill micro-organisms, ozone irritates the respiratory system.[5] Be sure to look at the technical specs or data sheet.

Since you spend lots of time in your car, consider getting an air unit to counteract the pollution from the outside as well as the chemical vapors inside the car. Look for the same features.

Watch a clip and learn more about the Nikken Power Pro 5 air filtration system that I personally use. Click Air Wellness Power Pro 5 and then click A Closer Look - Watch Movie. It has the unique feature of being able to create negative ions without creating ozone.