Does an Air Purifier Even Work?

Because Americans spend 90% of their time inside and greater attention is paid to respiratory health due to COVID-19, air purifiers and air purification devices have grown in popularity. There are several names for and technological approaches to these filtering systems. Yet, are they worth the cost, and are there any health concerns they can reduce? Is there even such a thing as the ‘best air purifier’?

We’ll discuss what air purifiers do and how they can improve the air quality in your home, especially in your basement. 

What does an air purifier do?

When it comes to the air you breathe, the lungs are sensitive. As per the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air concentrations can be 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor concentrations, even though they may not be visible to the untrained eye. 

Lack of indoor air circulation can result in a larger concentration of allergens and pollutants, which, when breathed repeatedly, can irritate and inflame the lungs. Moreover, indoor air pollution can irritate the eyes and nose, leading to headaches, dizziness, and respiratory conditions.

It’s crucial to eliminate the cause of the problem (such as by dusting) and to open a window to let fresh air in. Air purifiers, however, can assist in removing tiny particles, contaminants, and poisons from the air through their filters. 

You could feel some comfort from the capturing and removal of these particles.

The air you breathe in a single room of your home is purified by portable air cleaners, often known as air purifiers. Some systems utilize both a filter and a sanitizer. A whole-house system circulates air through a home’s HVAC system for stronger purification.

Why basement air quality is so poor

The smell of underground air is a frequent source of criticism. Mold, VOCs, mildew, and other contaminants all contribute to the “musty basement smell,” which is made worse by sluggish airflow.

Carpeted basements can have particularly bad odors. Capillary action, a phenomenon, may cause moisture to creep up through the foundation. This produces a wet setting where odorous mold can flourish. Mold spores are also exceedingly adhesive, making removing them entirely challenging after they have adhered to carpet fibers. 

Mycotoxins and unpleasant VOCs are released as spores develop in the damp carpet. The level of pollutants then gradually increases in a basement with inadequate ventilation.

Modern house design is increasingly concerned with preventing air leakage from retaining warm air inside and saving heating costs. This lack of outward airflow results in inadequate ventilation, stagnant basement air, and moisture accumulation by design. When these elements come together, a mold, mildew, and dust mite-friendly atmosphere is produced.

What most people do about the musty basement smell 

Several people have tried to hide or eliminate the mustiness in their basements after realizing how troublesome the air is there. However, these efforts sometimes result in inadequate solutions that don’t improve the air quality in the basement.

For instance, many individuals utilize air-refreshing sprays to mask the stench of a musty basement. Virtually all sprayable air fresheners include VOCs, which are frequently harmful. Their goal is to mask local odors with stronger perfumes. This, and many other DIY air purification methods, may provide a temporary solution, but it covers up the problem and adds to air pollution.

Basement and air quality: location matters

Your climate could significantly impact the air quality in your house.

Naturally, areas near vast bodies of water face very high humidity levels. Homes in damp places have a higher likelihood of keeping more moisture, and growing mold since the amount of moisture in your home is closely related to the amount of moisture in the air outside. If you’re not careful, professional mold removal services might be needed for your and your home’s safety. 

For people who reside in highly developed metropolitan areas, hazardous air particles from industrial facilities and automobile exhausts can enter your home and remain in the still, uncleaned basement air.

Depending on your home’s location, air purification can help rid the air of any dangerous and harmful particles that can cause your health to falter. A good air purification system for home is necessary to live a long, healthy life. 

Can an air purifier remedy a musty basement? 

Pollutants that contribute to the dangerously musty, foul-smelling air in your basement can be reduced with the use of air purifiers.

Poorly ventilated spaces have eerily motionless air, which is ideal for biological materials to settle in and thrive. By ventilating and cleansing the air, producing a current, and reviving air movement for better air quality, air purifiers avoid excessive levels of pollution.