There are many kinds of air purifiers you can buy for your home that have a range of prices. When trying to decide on the type to buy, consider your main purpose for wanting one. You may want to control pet odors, keep the air free of allergens, or simply improve air quality for your family. If you need an air purifier for a health condition, then medical-grade air purifiers might be needed. Here are three types of air purifiers and how they might help you:

HEPA Filters Remove Allergens

When buying an air purifier, look for one that has a HEPA filter. These are capable of removing small particles such as pet dander and pollen that might be circulating in the air. Look at medical-grade air purifiers so you know you're getting one capable of removing very fine particles. These often use hyperHEPA filters that are even more effective than the basic HEPA filter. By placing a high-quality air purifier in your bedroom where you spend a lot of time sleeping at night, you'll have the chance to be free of allergens for an extended period. When you have asthma and are sensitive to lung irritants, look for an air purifier that doesn't emit ozone because ozone can bother you, and it's easy to avoid it by buying an ozone-free purifier.

UV Purifiers Kill Mold, Bacteria, And Viruses

Medical-grade air purifiers often have UV lamps in them that kill off microbes circulating in the air. They aren't as effective on spores, but they might help reduce mold that could trigger respiratory problems, as well as viruses and bacteria that could spread colds and the flu. UV purifiers can be installed on your HVAC unit or used along with a HEPA filter. Combining UV purification along with a filtration method is the best option since UV rays won't trap allergens or filter the air by themselves.

Charcoal Purifiers Remove Odors And Chemical Gases

If you want your home to be free of bad odors from pets, old building materials, and other sources, then a charcoal filter can help. Charcoal is a good material for absorbing odor and chemicals from the air. It's activated by baking it so its absorbing ability increases. Activated charcoal is the same thing used in many water purifiers. When it's used in air purifiers, it can have additives that improve its effectiveness on targeted substances. Some are made to remove smoke odors; others target chemicals from outgassing and are helpful if you have chemical sensitivities.

You can buy a simple carbon filter or a basic HEPA filter for an affordable price if you just want basic improvement in the air quality of your home. If you have allergies or a compromised immune system, a medical-grade air purifier that combines all three methods of treating the air could be the best choice. If your doctor prescribes an air purifier to treat your condition, your insurance might even help pay for the cost.