Air Filtration System Buying Advice

Air filtration is a critical component of good indoor air quality. A healthy indoor living environment can only be achieved by quality air filtration system. Whether to choose a whole-house or self-contained model depends on the type of heating system in your home. If you have a forced-air system, you should buy a unit that attaches to it since the effectiveness of a portable model will quickly be defeated by the system's circulation of unfiltered air throughout the house.

If you choose a tabletop or room air cleaner, pay attention to how many CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air move through the unit. Room models can handle up to about 400 CFM, and tabletop models top out at about 175 CFM. Also be sure the model you choose isn't too noisy or drafty in its output, and consider one that has intake and output on opposite sides of the unit for best efficiency. Check replacement filter prices, life and availability, and be sure filters are easy to access. The best types of filters are called ULPA and HEPA filters. Whole-house units work silently, efficiently and clean a great deal of air--about 1000 CFM but, they're relatively expensive, require installation by a contractor. Whichever type you purchase, if you choose a quality product and maintain it properly, you're sure to see a marked improvement in the quality of your home's air.