What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier - Self
What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier - Self |
- What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier - Self
- Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool Review 2020 - SELF
- HVAC Air Filter Market 2020 – Revenue Status & Forecast Report 2026 | 3M, Camfil, DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, FläktGroup, Parker Hannifin - Cole of Duty
- Gyms, malls, movie theaters left out of Phase 4 reopening in Western New York - WGRZ.com
| What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier - Self Posted: 30 Jun 2020 05:53 AM PDT  An air purifier is a small appliance meant to remove various types of particulate matter from the air, says Robert Laumbach, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor at the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) at the Rutgers School of Public Health. That includes particles that are created indoors like cigarette smoke, mold spores, emissions from stoves, and dust that's suspended in the air, and outdoor air pollution that makes its way inside, Laumbach says. Air purifiers take in polluted air, filter out and trap particles, and then blow out newly filtered air. There's a variety of air purifiers out there, designed for specific purposes. "For those with allergies and eczema, for example, there are purifiers that have multiple filters to remove allergens," says Hadley King, M.D., NYC-based dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. "For those with asthma that is triggered by odor and chemical pollutants, there are purifiers that have filters to remove allergens, in addition to odor and chemical filters. There are also specific filters for smoke, pets, and chemical sensitivities." Air filters can be especially helpful for people who are allergic to dust mites and pet dander, says Bruce Prenner, M.D., board-certified allergist at Allergy Associates Medical Group in San Diego, California. While you'll want to choose an air purifier that is meant for filtering out the specific types of particles that you're looking to eliminate from your home, experts do suggest some general criteria that's important to look for in a solid air purifier. For SELF's product reviews, where we rigorously test and evaluate all kinds of wellness products to help you decide what's worth buying, we wanted to know: what criteria do experts think you should look for when evaluating a air purifier? Here are the criteria they suggested we use when testing. Air Purifier Evaluation and Testing CriteriaHEPA Filter "HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air filter and has the capability of filtering out particles that are very small (filtering 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 micrograms)," explains Rekha Raveendran, M.D., allergist and immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This type of filter has been studied extensively and is basically the gold standard for air purification. When testing air purifiers, we prioritize ones that contain a HEPA filter, or note why we're evaluating a non-ozone-producing, non-HEPA filter (more on that below). Laumbach notes that some brands will market "medical grade" or "super" HEPA, but it doesn't mean the purifier will work any better than a regular or "true" HEPA filter. There's no standard for this allegedly enhanced filter, but Laumbach says it's likely more tightly woven or contains thicker webbing, which can block air from filtering through and actually make the purifier less effective. For this reason, we try to avoid products that claim to have a medical grade or super HEPA filter, and note when they make these claims. Size Using an air purifier that contains an appropriately sized filter is important. Too small, and it won't filter the air adequately; too large, and it's just sort of overkill and a waste of electricity, says Laumbach. Air purifiers are tested and evaluated based on their clean air delivery rate (CADR), he explains. CADR is essentially a measure of the air purifier's efficiency, or how much clean air it can deliver in a room of a specific size. Both air flow and efficiency of particle removal are used to calculate it, and it's a standardized test done by an independent group, Laumbach says. "In the CADR certification, they give room size in square feet and the CADR that results in 12 air changes in the room per hour." When testing air purifiers, we check the certification and made sure the air purifier is only being used in an appropriately sized room. We also note the size (i.e. the product footprint) of the purifier for its intended room and score based on whether the purifier seems an appropriate size, or too obtrusive for the space. Ease of Use and Cost of Filter Replacement The filters in air purifiers need to be replaced regularly to make sure the machine keeps running properly and working effectively. When testing air purifiers, we consider the filter replacement schedule, how easy it is to remove and replace the filters, and how pricey new filters are. Ozone production Air purifiers with HEPA filters are the most studied and recommended, but other types of air purifiers do exist. An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is another type of filter that works by electrically charging a metal surface so that it attracts particles and pulls them from the air, Laumbach says. "Those forces can pull particles from a further distance compared to other filters," he says. Another type of electrically charged filter is known as an ionizer, which works by releasing charged particles into the air so that they can cling to pollutants and pull them to the purifier. The problem with these electronic types of filters is that they can create ozone, says Laumbach. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone can damage the lungs and even relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. It can be particularly irritating for people with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma. When testing air purifiers that contain ESP or ionized filters, we only consider ones that have been tested and proven to not produce ozone. Noise Level If you suffer from allergies, especially if you live with an allergen (like a pet), you may want to run your air purifier throughout the day and overnight—which means noise could be a potential problem. We test noise levels of air purifiers by noting if the machine is loud enough to prevent sleep or disturb sleep throughout the night. We also compare each air purifier to another typical noise to make it clear how obtrusive it was, and use a noise app to measure decibel levels. Independent Laboratory Safety Testing ESFI suggests always making sure a small appliance, such as an air purifier, has a label showing it has been tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This certification means the air purifier has undergone independent testing to ensure it meets safety standards and is free of recognized hazards that could cause injury or death, an ESFI spokesperson says. When evaluating air purifiers, we note whether the appliance has been tested by a NRTL. Energy Efficiency Rating ESFI recommends using all energy-efficient appliances and products to avoid drawing too much electricity and tripping circuits in your home. Efficient appliances can also help you save money on electricity costs. Air purifiers with an Energy Star rating have been independently tested and proven to save energy—Energy Star notes that certified air purifiers are almost 60 percent more energy-efficient than standard models, saving consumers about 500 kWh/year and $60 annually on utility bills. To test energy efficiency, we check to make sure that air purifiers have an Energy Star certification and note whether or not they do. Experts Consulted for These Guidelines
Reviews That Used These GuidelinesThis is a buying and testing guide for SELF product reviews. See all our reviews here.  |
| Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool Review 2020 - SELF Posted: 30 Jun 2020 05:52 AM PDT Warm weather days in New York City often fall into two unofficial seasons: "A/C weather" and "shitty box fan" weather. I tend to haul out my box fan from the depths of my closet sometime around April or May, when things start heating up, and use it until I feel like I'm actually melting into the floor. Fans, by design, are a stopgap: a means of staying reasonably cool, and using minimal energy, until it gets so hot that you have no other choice but to fish out your A/C. Unlike air conditioning units that actually fill the room with cool air and filter out air particles from outside, traditional fans primarily just spin their wheels (literally) and circulate the same stale air. Emphasis on "traditional." Dyson has been making sexier versions of uncool household appliances (among them vacuums, hair dryers, and desk lamps) for nearly three decades, and has poured a lot of resources into developing fans that don't suck. Their latest—in a line of hybrids, like this heater and fan from 2018—is the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool, the first three-in-one on the market that's an air purifier, humidifier, and fan combined. As a hybrid, it's helpful for anyone who wants to pare down (you don't have to buy three separate devices), but adds a lot more tech features than any individual unit can provide, too. Other bells and whistles include a dual HEPA filter and carbon filter for absorbing particulates and gas, an oscillating fan mode that mimics the feeling of a natural breeze, and a self-cleaning mode, plus stats on all of the pollutants it's filtering out. Considering that I've been loyal to the same subpar box fan for years, I wouldn't say I have distinguished taste, but I can certainly recognize a good fan when I try it. I've tested and raved about certain office humidifiers before, and am very familiar with testing household tech items, too, including Dyson appliances. This was my first air purifier, but after weeks of testing this one, I'm impressed. I'd even go so far as to say, "Where has this beautiful hybrid been my whole life??" How I TestedTo test the Dyson fan, I used it and recorded my results over a two-and-a-half week period, when the temperatures ranged from the mid 60s to the upper 80s. In other words, perfect fan weather. The fact that it's allergy season was helpful for testing the purifier, too. It's not peak season for using a humidifier (considering how swampy it gets in the summer), but I was still able to gauge some general stats on how well the humidifier works. In order to test this puppy, I put it through its paces a couple different ways:
To help us evaluate the Dyson, we spoke to a range of health and safety experts including: Hadley King, M.D., NYC-based dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University; Bruce Prenner, M.D., board-certified allergist at Allergy Associates Medical Group in San Diego, California; Rekha Raveendran, M.D., allergist and immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Robert Laumbach, M.D., M.P.H., C.I.H., associate professor at the Rutgers University School of Public Health; Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator at Electrical Safety Foundation International; Susan McKelvey, communications manager at National Fire Protection Association. You can read all about their criteria across categories for cooling fans, humidifiers, and air purifiers at the links here. Below, some thoughts on how the Dyson Pure held up against the experts' suggestions, as well as my own expectations. Sizing  One of the first things experts noted was that size matters, specifically the size of the room compared to the device you're using: If the purifier is too small for any given space, it's not going to be effective. Too large, and the device can be a waste of energy. On the flip side, using a humidifier that's too large for a space can over-humidify a room and promote the growth of bacteria and mold. This Dyson was intended for a room that's 400 sq. feet, but knowing New York City, you'd be very lucky to find that (mine is slightly smaller than 200 sq. feet). It makes sense then that my first impression of the fan was how yuge it was. "My large adult son!" I crowed to my sister after unboxing it. It is the size of a small human—just over three feet tall. Thankfully, this didn't really impact the efficiency of the humidifier or purifier, though I might be overdoing it on energy usage. I never noticed excess condensation in my room despite the humidifier being large for the space, but your room size is something to keep in mind if you're thinking of purchasing this. Luckily, Dyson's "auto" features and customization make it easy to control humidity levels, regardless of room size. Energy Efficiency This specific Dyson model hasn't been registered as an Energy Star-approved unit, as our experts recommended (though previous Dyson fan models have). Dyson reps tell me via email that the machine uses less than 50 Watts of power when running at full fan speed, oscillating 90°, and connected to the app. For the best energy consumption, the brand also recommends using the fan on auto mode, which "intelligently selects the most efficient airflow to combat indoor air pollution." Basically how this works is that when your fan reaches the target air quality, the machine switches to idle mode, still monitoring and responding—rather than powering off all the way. At press time, I can't speak to my energy bill, but I can say that the fan is easily customizable and less of an energy suck than my A/C unit, which I know because I can run the fan and the hair dryer at the same time (a small luxury!). Safety Features The experts we spoke to recommended only using appliances that have been independently tested by a third-party for consumer safety—the Dyson team confirmed that this fan is UL-certified, which is an industry standard for consumer testing. Other safety features include an automatic shutoff for the humidifier and easy cleaning modes, as mentioned below.  Noise Levels The fan is also very quiet unless you have the fan dialed all the way up to full fan speed, which is still quieter than the constant buzz that an A/C unit makes. Even so, I measured the decibel level of the fan at its highest speed using a noise app called DecibelX, which registered the fan at 57.3 decibels on average, which falls squarely in the "quiet room" category. The fan also has a night-time mode which automatically turns the airflow down to quiet the room, and dims the lighting on the display panel. Ease of Cleaning The Dyson is one fan that you will truly never have to worry about cleaning. Unlike box fans that are dust and dirt magnets, and often require using a screwdriver to pry it open for cleaning, the Dyson relies on an elliptical-shaped, bladeless head that seals itself off from dust and debris when you turn off the fan. The most you'll need to do with the fan head is give it a good wipe-down. To ensure that the humidifier doesn't get mildewy, the device will also alert you when you need to clean it. It uses an internal cleaning cycle that just requires opening up the water tank, filling it with 150 grams of citric acid (your unit comes with three 150-gram packers, though you can also easily purchase citric acid online), and letting it do its thing. The device also uses UVC light to regularly purify the water, and even provides a guide on the Link app for cleaning your machine sensors, if you sense that the readings are off. Ease of Monitoring As someone who likes to look at data, another detail I appreciate is how many stats you can view at once on the Dyson Link App. The display screen takes account of air quality, PM2.5 (which monitors microscopic particles from smoke, bacteria, and allergens), PM10 (which monitors larger particles like dust, mold, and pollen), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide and cooking gas), VOC (cleaning products and paint), indoor temperature, indoor humidity, plus your filter life. It also compares indoor stats to the outdoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. Scroll to the left on the stats mode of the app, and you can even view all of these data points historically over the previous days and weeks. Every stat is broken down on the app, so that you know exactly what you're looking at, and what the device is monitoring for. Everything can also be controlled either through the remote control that comes with the device or the app itself, from the fan speed to the settings. Style It has to be said, too, that in comparison to other tower fans you might buy for your space, the Dyson is one of the nicest-looking. With its oval head and chrome body, it falls in line with other models in the Dyson family (which tend to look sleek and space-y, like little Pixar robots). The only downside is that the fan is not going to run as slim as other oscillating tower fans since it has the built-in humidifier element, and as we mentioned, runs pretty big. In addition to these overall impressions, I also tested each type of device function (humidifier, fan, and air purifier) for their individual performance, based on our experts' criteria. Here's how that went. HumidifierHumidity Gauge I mostly tested the fan on auto-humidify mode, which automatically adjusts settings according to the humidity of the room. According to my hygrometer, actual humidity levels were always slightly lower than the readings I saw on the Dyson Link app, maybe off by 10%. Our experts noted that the ideal humidity levels should fall between 30% and 50% (lower than that can cause dryness and skin irritation, and higher than that can encourage bacteria and mold growth), and the actual readings on the hygrometer reflected that the Dyson was doing a good job of maintaining those levels. Automatic Shutoff The water tank is designed to hold enough water to last up to 36 hours of constant misting, though your own mileage will really depend on the weather. During the two or so weeks that I used the fan, the water levels barely budged, which is a testament to how humid and swampy it's been in New York. On the thirteenth day of testing, I woke up to discover that my fan had turned off by itself. Dismayed, I thought maybe the fan had crapped out, but it turned out that my water tank was just running low. The safety experts we spoke to would be relieved: An automatic shutoff is one of their stipulations for buying any kind of humidifier. Air Purifier Efficiency of HEPA Filter The great thing about this Dyson fan is that it has multiple filters, one HEPA filter for capturing allergens and particulates, and another carbon filter for absorbing gas (if you buy the latest Cryptomic model, it also includes a third formaldehyde filter). Things that set the purifier off: Cooking fumes, pollen, and acetone. Me burning a steak on the stove spiked my PM10 and PM 2.5 levels (which measures air quality from particulate pollutants that emanate from fires and car engines) into the severe range, signaling that the air pollution in my apartment was really, really bad. It took about an hour so for the purifier to get those levels down to a normal rate, but it did help me ease my mind to see that my fan was registering those things, and cleaning up. The purifier also seemed to help with airing out the apartment from bad, musty smells. A few minutes of me removing my nail polish spiked the VOC levels (which registers fumes from chemicals like acetone and household cleaners) into the mid-range, though the purifier cleaned up my nail polish fumes in about 30 minutes or less. Ease and Cost of Filter Replacement Dyson recommends replacing the HEPA and carbon filters that come with the device every 12 months, though it will set you back $80 (which is at least more than double the price of a standard HEPA filter replacement for an air purifier). Though I haven't been using my fan nearly long enough to warrant a filter replacement, installing the filter is as easy as snapping them into place. FanEfficiency One of the biggest perks of buying this device in summer is the fan in itself: The 10 levels of intensities—ranging from a whisper-thin breeze to a low humming churn of air—are incredibly helpful for cueing up a night of peaceful sleep on warm nights. The oscillating feature, which mimics a brisk outdoor breeze, is a gem, and the device lets you use this fan no matter which way it's facing: You can turn the vents forwards and backwards to rotate the air flow. Efficacy Compared to other box fans I've used, I feel like the Dyson definitely does a better job of keeping the room cool, and is more powerful. I can feel the fan on its higher settings from all the way across my ~200 sq. foot room. That being said, it's certainly not a miracle worker and won't replace your A/C unit in the summer. On most days with the Dyson on and the windows open, my room falls anywhere between four to 15 degrees hotter than it is outside, though sitting near the fan guarantees that you'll at least have a breeze flowing on your body. The Bottom LineI'm going to go ahead and name the elephant in the room, which is the price point. Do I love the Dyson Pure? Yeah, baby, this is a great device! Would I go out of my way to drop $800 on it? As a personal cheapskate, I would really have to think on it. There are so many perks of using it though, and so many potential uses for it as a three-in-one, that if you have the means to afford a fancy hybrid fan, you absolutely should. The fan in itself is easily the best option I've ever used, and as someone who has terribly dry skin in winter, I also appreciate that the fan is an all-season purchase. But the most invaluable component is the air purifier, in my humble opinion. The downside of living on the top floor of a brownstone is that I'm frequently subject to smells (both chemical and cooking-related) that I can't always easily air out. And yet there is something so satisfying about charring a steak on the stove (can't cook, won't learn!) and then watching my Dyson do the work of cleaning up the "cremated steak smell" from my room. I don't watch much TV these days, but I WILL sit by the fan and watch the numbers on the air quality monitor drop from "actively harmful to my health" to "this is fine" to "phew, we're in the clear." I shudder to think of the number of instances when I'll need to put this thing into use (and all the times I should have owned one before): To that, I say, you can't put a price on good health. All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.  |
| Posted: 30 Jun 2020 03:15 AM PDT HVAC Air Filter Market Overview 2020 – 2026 This has brought along several changes in This report also covers the impact of COVID-19 on the global market. The rising technology in HVAC Air Filter Market is also depicted in this research report. Factors that are boosting the growth of the market, and giving a positive push to thrive in the global market is explained in detail. Air filters are used to filter the incoming air by trapping particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, smoke, debris, and bacteria from the air. These filters are used in a wide range of applications wherein air quality is crucial. In a buildings, HVAC system, air filters are a tangible way to improve IAQ, energy efficiency, and performance of the HVAC system. Air filters work as a defensive component by capturing pollutants generated within a building as well as pollutants from the air drawn into a building through the HVAC system. Key Competitors of the Global HVAC Air Filter Market are: , 3M, Camfil, DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, FläktGroup, Parker Hannifin Historical data available in the report elaborates on the development of the HVAC Air Filter on national, regional and international levels. HVAC Air Filter Market Research Report presents a detailed analysis based on the thorough research of the overall market, particularly on questions that border on the market size, growth scenario, potential opportunities, operation landscape, trend analysis, and competitive analysis. Major Product Types covered are: Major Applications of HVAC Air Filter covered are: This study report on global HVAC Air Filter market throws light on the crucial trends and dynamics impacting the development of the market, including the restraints, drivers, and opportunities. To get this report at a profitable rate.: https://reportsinsights.com/discount/86288 The fundamental purpose of HVAC Air Filter Market report is to provide a correct and strategic analysis of the HVAC Air Filter industry. The report scrutinizes each segment and sub-segments presents before you a 360-degree view of the said market. Market Scenario: The report further highlights the development trends in the global HVAC Air Filter market. Factors that are driving the market growth and fueling its segments are also analyzed in the report. The report also highlights on its applications, types, deployments, components, developments of this market. Highlights following key factors: :- Business description – A detailed description of the company's operations and business divisions. Our report offers: – Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments. Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of Figure, Chart, etc. @ https://reportsinsights.com/industry-forecast/HVAC-Air-Filter-Market-86288 About US: Reports Insights is the leading research industry that offers contextual and data-centric research services to its customers across the globe. The firm assists its clients to strategize business policies and accomplish sustainable growth in their respective market domain. The industry provides consulting services, syndicated research reports, and customized research reports. Contact US: Email: [email protected] Sales: [email protected]  |
| Gyms, malls, movie theaters left out of Phase 4 reopening in Western New York - WGRZ.com Posted: 29 Jun 2020 03:53 PM PDT Gym and mall owners claim the order prohibiting them from opening makes no sense; some gym owners are preparing to file a class action lawsuit against New York State BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Tuesday Western New York will enter Phase 4 of reopening from Governor Andrew Cuomo's COVID-19 lock down orders, which went into effect in mid-March. However, Phase 4 will not include malls, movie theaters, and gyms as previously hoped by owners of those businesses and those who patronize them. Gym Owners May Take Court Action In a Facebook post, put up two days ago but which has since been taken down, a Long Island gym owner announced that he and at least 300 other gyms plan to file a class action lawsuit against the state for continuing to restrict them from opening, despite the dwindling number of COVID-19 cases in the state. The gym owners contend the state has no data to show that being allowed to operate their businesses poses any more danger than any other business. But an infectious expert at the UB Medical School disagrees with the plaintiffs. "I think gyms are actually, of all the things people would like to see open sooner, are one of the riskier types of activities, " said Dr. Thomas Russo. Russo noted that people exercising hard indoors are probably going to have a hard time doing that wearing a masking, all the while huffing and puffing amid a strenuous workout "And when you exercise hard you generate a lot more respiratory secretions and they go a lot further, so if you take theaters, malls, and gyms, I think by far gyms are the riskiest of those endeavors," Russo said. Bringing the lawsuit might also be a risky endeavor, as courts in Virginia, Michigan, and North Carolina, have already ruled against gym owners who brought similar cases against those states. Cuomo's Call for Special Air Filters Defies Expert Advice The governor has held off on permitting malls to reopen due to his concerns over the potential spread of the virus through air conditioning systems. Skeptics have called this nonsensical, because the air conditioning systems in malls would be no different than those in other large stores which have been allowed to reopen. Moreover, infectious disease experts, such as Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, doubt that air conditioning systems have been responsible for the spread of COVID-19. "People have been going to pharmacies and grocery stores and liquor stores and other venues for some time now. We've had no reports here in the United States of infection related to a single source that could be attributed to air conditioning," Schaffner recently told Healthline. In the same article, Dr. Amesh Adalja, FIDSA, a senior scholar of emerging infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and biosecurity at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, agreed with Schaffner's assessment. "It doesn't seem representative of what happens in everyday situations with this virus... So far, the epidemiology really supports droplet spread and those droplets fall to the ground within 6 feet," Adalja said. "There might be extraordinary circumstances where you might see this type of spread, but I don't think it's something that represents a major route of transmission." Still, Cuomo insists that malls will only be allowed to reopen if they install special High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. According to the National Air Filtration Association, however, "Filtration in building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can be a part of an overall risk mitigation approach but is not generally regarded as a solution by itself. There is no direct scientific evidence of benefit…and filters may be considerably less effective than other infection control measures including social distancing, isolation of known cases, and hand-washing. Legacy Air, a Nevada based company that specializes in both residential and commercial HVAC systems, notes there are HEPA like filters that can capture particles as small as two microns, which will filter out most dust particles, allergens, pet dander and mold. But it also cautions that most viruses are too small, and that unless they somehow get trapped by directly hitting the fibers in the filter, then it is likely that at least some of the virus will pass right by and continue into the air distribution system. Legacy Air notes further that even true HEPA filters (such as those used in hospitals), "will only filter out completely microns down to .3 microns," and that since viruses are much smaller than this, they can pass through even true HEPA filters. "We cannot sell this product under the banner that it will protect you from COVID-19," the company says on its website.  |
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