Questions and Answers

Part 1: General Air Purifier Questions
Part 2: Air Purifier Technology Questions
Part 3: Allergy Related Air Purifier Questions
Part 4: Name Brand Air Purifier Questions

Part 1 - General Questions:

Q: I have been researching Air Purifiers for a week now, and I have more questions than when I started. I’m confused. Any suggestions?

A: There are many air purifiers on the market because they are profitable. And each technology does something different. Machines come in a combination of 1-10 of those technologies. No one is the best, because the real question is “Best for what”? Mold? Pollen?

5 Steps to choosing the right air purifier:

1. Write down your problem: Mold? Allergies? Odors? Pets?
   
2. Take 5 minutes to watch the “Air Purifier Buying Guide” video below to know what each technology does (or watch a specific video that matches your problem).
3. Make a list of the technologies you want add as you go. (EX: for pollen allergies you’ll likely be writing “Hepa”)
4. Write down the square footage of the room you’re wanting to help.
5. Watch the videos to compare the air purifier brands that fit your needs, and your budget.

Q: How can I avoid getting ripped off when buying an air purifier?

A: For me it’s been a matter of education to find a good product, whether it be an air purifier, a juicer, or a computer for that matter. You want to learn the 9 technologies for of all, and what each does to know what you need. The challenge is finding someone sincere and who communicates honestly and sincerely. Watch this video below you’ll know more than most people:

Q: Whats CADR? And do you suggest it as a way to determine effectiveness?

A: CADR stands for ‘Clean Air Delivery Rate” and only relates to how much air blows by a HEPA filter, not how clean or sanitary the air gets. It’s not a very good gauge of air purifier quality or effectiveness since it disregards the 11 other technologies like UV, Tio2 and other ways that clean the air..

Part 2: Air Purifier Technology Questions

Q: What is UV?
A: UV stands for Ultraviolet Light. Within that light spectrum there is a frequency (often called UV-C, or UVC) proven effective for killing germs, bacteria, viruses etc… If you get sick a lot, or have young children in school, add this to the list
Q: What is T102?
A: This is a new nanotechnology which is used with UV light to magnify its ability (about 100X) to kill germs, viruses, mold, mildew, flu, etc. (nanotechnology = a new way for science to play with, and create new substances from, molecules and atoms that are really, really small.) If you want UV to protect yourself from germs, viruses, I would add this as well.

Q: What is Carbon?
A: Carbon is a substance that, being very porous, can trap gases and chemical fumes. It also works well at trapping smoke. If you live where there is a lot of air pollution, car fumes, factories, or you smoke carbon is a must have.

Q: What about Zeolite?
A: Similar to carbon it has many surface areas and is porous. It can catch gases, etc. But with Zeolite, like carbon, once the gases get trapped that part of the carbon doesn’t trap anything more. You can buy a bag of it on Ebay rather than an expensive filter with it.

Q: What is HEPA?

A: Watch the video below…

Q: What is an Ionizer?

A: This video explains it:

Part 3: Allergy Air Purifier Questions

Q: How did you get rid of your allergies?

A: It was a combination of herbs and diet around the liver back in 1973. I also had several air purifiers going to relieve my immune system while I recovered. I’m working on a book all about it.

Q: Will an air purifier relieve allergies?

A: Yes, most of the time. The keyword however is “relieve” as the air purifier only gets rid of the triggers, not the cause of allergies in the body.

Q: What are the best technologies for allergy symptoms?
A: HEPA primarily for pet and pollen allergies. Carbon for allergies to fumes, cigarettes, and odors. UV and Tio2 for allergies to mold, mildew, and overall immune weaknesses. Ionization for helping the lungs. I suggest as many as possible because allergies are usually a sign of a weak immune system.

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Part 4: Name Brand Air Purifier Questions

Q: What do you think of the Oreck?

A: It’s an Electrostatic Machine with washeable plates, a small carbon filter, and ionization, and no HEPA. So it will do some odors, smoke and pollution but won’t do much for dust or pollen since they have little if any electrical charge. Very overpriced for electrostatic and such a small machine. The carbon filter replacements (yes, you do have to change a filter despite what they say on TV) are very small yet expensive.

Grade: C

Q: How about IQAIR?

A: 2-technology. Very well made (Swiss) and good if you have a very chronic immune system problem. HEPA and a large carbon cylinder. (Why no UV?) For most people it’s a bit expensive ($800 plus) when you’ll get as muchfor $300.

Grade: B

Q: Austin Air?

A: 2-technology. HEPA and Carbon/Zeloite. Very well made (The last US made air purifier unfortunately) and like IQAir good if you have a very chronic immune system problem and need the best HEPA. About $450 for their low end model.

Grade B+

Q: What air purifier do you like?

A: While I have suggested some of the units on the market I was never satisfied with their performance. I wanted every technology, at a reasonable price, and the latest technology, plus a brushless motor so it would last long and run quiet (I love my sleep). Was I asking too much? The Alive Air Purifier below was exactly what I always wanted….

Grade A++

more about the Alive Air Purifier….

Alive Air Spec Sheet and Specific Questions

Here’s the 9-technology Alive Air Purifier Spec Sheet….