With increased pollution, air purifiers have become a must-have for homes. They play a critical role because they help clean up the air inside your homes, where you spend most of your time. Although indoor spaces do not have a lot of pollutants, regular habits, such as cooking, cleaning, and products such as cleaning products can release a variety of particles into the air.
These particles can be detrimental to your health and cause various issues, such as respiratory and lung conditions. Additionally, if you suffer from asthma or eczema, smoke, dust, and VOCs can exacerbate your condition, decreasing your quality of life. Air purifiers work by filtering out pollutants and odors from the air and replacing them with fresh and clean air.
The main difference between air purifiers is the type of filters being used. HEPA and activated carbon filters are the most common types.
Solar-powered purifiers are a more eco-friendly choice that can help improve your air quality and leave a smaller carbon footprint behind. The following article will detail the benefits of using a solar-powered air purifier and how to choose one to fit your unique needs.
Benefits of Solar-Powered Air Purifiers
Since solar energy is obtained by the sun and can be converted to electricity. Solar-powered air purifiers work in the same way, and the electricity created is then used by the air purifier system to work. There are many benefits of using solar-powered air purifiers. Here are some of them.
Economic Benefits
Since a solar air-purifier generates electricity using sunlight, the air purifier will generate and operate on its own electricity. This immediately translates into you saving on your energy bill. Additionally, since most people leave their air purifiers on for most of the day, you will notice a considerable decrease in your electricity bill. Energy demands are usually higher around 11:00 to 16:00, which is when solar energy reaches its maximum, so your solar-powered air purifier can charge its battery and run the whole day.
Environmental Benefits
Switching to a renewable energy source such as solar power can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide CO2. These greenhouse gasses are produced when fossil fuels are burned, leading to rising global temperatures and climate change. By using solar-powered devices, you burn less fossil fuels, thereby reducing your carbon footprint.
Health Benefits
Solar energy and other renewable resources are considered clean electricity sources because they reduce the need for fossil fuel burning. This helps increase energy independence and lowers emissions of harmful gasses like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide, reducing the risk of heart attacks and asthma exacerbations.
Greenhouse gasses can also increase the risk of cardiovascular or respiratory issues. The health benefits of using solar energy can increase the effectiveness of air purifiers as the device will clean the air without introducing any toxic gasses into the air.
Accessibility Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of switching to renewable energy like solar power is its accessibility. Unlike fossil fuels, you won’t run out of sunlight. It is a free-to-use source that you can harness for your own benefit. Additionally, depending on the area you live in, you may get more sunny days than not, making this energy source limitless. This allows you to use your air purifier more freely without worrying about an increasing electricity bill.
Choosing a Solar-Powered Air Purifier
When purchasing an air purifier, you need to consider multiple factors to ensure you purchase one that fits your needs. Solar-powered air purifiers are available in various designs with varying functionality, so considering things like the filter type, noise level, and size can help you choose the best option.
Type Of Filter
The most significant difference being air purifiers is the type of filter they use. Two common filter types are HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. HEPA filters, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are designed to remove 99.97% of particles of 0.3-microns from the air. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or asthma who may be easily irritated by pollutants.
Activated carbon filters work similarly to HEPA filters, but they use a high-porosity carbon filter to effectively absorb pollutants, including VOCs. This makes them particularly effective in removing gaseous pollutants. However, due to the filter needing replacement every three to six months, activated carbon air purifiers can be expensive to maintain.
Noise Level
Air purifiers work through the internal fan that pulls in air and moves it through the filters. This fan can get noisy, and the noise level can vary between models. The quieter models range between 25 to 35 decibels, while others can generate up to 65 to 70 decibels, which can be loud. If you prefer a more peaceful environment, it is better to choose an air purifier that produces approximately around 30-40 decibels. However, some prefer louder air purifiers owing to their pleasant hum that acts as white noise.
Size
When purchasing an air purifier, it is essential to consider the size of your room to buy an aptly sized one. This is because larger spaces require more powerful air purifiers to effectively filter the air. It is recommended to buy an air purifier that can operate in an area that is 20 to 40% larger than the size of your room. This will ensure that the air purifier can effectively circulate and filter the air in your space, providing clean and fresh air.
If you have a larger room, you may want to consider purchasing two or more small air purifiers instead of one large one. This will allow you to strategically place the air purifiers throughout the room, ensuring the air is effectively filtered and circulated throughout the entire space. Additionally, having multiple air purifiers can be helpful in case one of them malfunctions.
Maintenance and Upkeep of Solar-Powered Air Purifiers
The maintenance requirements of your air purifier depend on factors such as the frequency of use, where it is placed, and the type you purchase. For instance, placing your air purifier in your kitchen will filter the air to eliminate odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from smoke and cooking. Thus, you may need to clean or replace the filter more frequently than if it were placed in a less polluted area of your home.
Furthermore, the type of air purifier you purchase can also impact maintenance costs. If you are buying air purifiers that use activated carbon filters, you will need to frequently replace them, increasing their filter replacement costs over time. The frequency of replacement will depend on the level of pollutants in the air, as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations. In contrast, air purifiers using HEPA filters require less frequent replacement, typically every six to twelve months.
Backup Power Options For Times When Sunlight is Limited
Every solar-powered option should have a backup power option to help maintain a constant energy supply to keep the device powered. If you plan on purchasing a solar-powered air purifier, choose one that comes with a backup power option, such as a small battery that retains its charge or the ability to run directly through electricity.
Conclusion
Solar-powered air purifiers offer numerous benefits over traditional air purifiers as they offer economic, health, and accessibility benefits, making them a good choice. Solar-powered air purifiers can help you save on energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and increase energy independence.
When purchasing a solar-powered air purifier, it is essential to consider your individual needs, such as the type of filter, noise level, and size. This helps ensure the air purifier fits your specific requirements. Overall, a solar-powered air purifier is an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and healthy choice that can improve the air quality inside your home.