Keep the Winter Blues at bay with an Air Purifier

The Australian Winter is upon us and temperatures are already starting to fall across many of the population hubs of this nation. Traditionally, with the fall in temperatures comes a sharp increase in colds and influenza. With all the knowledge and lessons learned over the course of the COVID-19 Pandemic globally, everyday Australians are generally across the actions they can take to help prevent the spread of germs. Of course, we are speaking about washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping surfaces clean and being aware of symptoms before sharing them with colleagues, classmates etc.

Indoor air quality has become an increasingly important and popular topic of conversation, as most of our lives over the course of the last 2 years have been spent inside. In 2022, many families have adapted to working from home and long hours are spent in small spaces addressing the inbox, or speaking to clients and colleagues on the phone. How often have you assessed the quality of the indoor environment, and do you think it could be improved?

In an outdoor environment, pollutants and germs have a higher chance of being blown away on a breeze, and find it harder to settle. Indoors, this is obviously different. Indoors, pollutants build up over time and in environments without significant air circulation, a solution is needed to ensure that every step to maximise health, is taken.

In many ways, an Air Purifier is the answer because they provide additional benefits and support in the lessening of the spread of airborne germs and pollutants.

What is an Air Purifier?

An air purifier is any device that is created to assist in the elimination of pollutants from the air, and therefore enhance the quality of air in a select indoor environment.

What should you be looking for in an Air Purifier?

There are many factors to decide on when purchasing an Air Purifier. What size do you need? What type of filter? Do you even need one?

Our recommendation is that you purchase an Air Purifier that is best suited to the environment that you are going to use it in. Ensure that you research the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and the metres squared that the AP is suitable for use in. If you purchase with too small a CADR, and it is only covering small area, then the result will not be of much benefit to you and your family.

Ensure you are well versed in what to look for in terms of filters, from HEPA filtration, to carbon, charcoal, ionic, UV etc. There are many forms of filtration and purification, so find out more about filters below.

What is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)?

The CADR essentially refers to the volume of the air that an air purifier can clean over a period of time (cubic metres per hour). This is industry standard and an important factor when choosing the right model for you.

What about Filters? How and why are they important?

The other increasingly important feature to consider when making a purchasing decision is filtration. In 2022, HEPA filtration has become the most important feature when determining the choice of model to use at home. (https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/cooling/air-purifiers/buying-guides/air-purifiers)

The term HEPA is referring to High Efficiency Particulate Air, which is essentially a form of filtration that traps in small particles that you and I cannot see with the human eye. Importantly, 99.97% of particles are reduced down to 0.3 microns with a True HEPA filter. That’s huge!

When you see carbon or charcoal filters mentioned, they are generally referring to the odour removing filtration.

Ionic filtration is generally referring to the removal of super fine particles including smoke, dust or debris, from the air.

Ultraviolet (UV) filers are essentially sterilisers that work to kill off bacteria, airborne viruses, mould and a plethora of germs. The problem is time with this type of filter, as it may take minutes to kill any bacteria and that is assuming the bacteria hasn’t passed through.

What is the Oricom Solution?

Oricom have created the AP8030 Air Purifier with True HEPA-13 Filter.

Easy-to-use controls and a stylish compact design mean that you can conveniently move from room to room. With 3 levels of Air Purification, 99.97% of particles are reduced to 0.3 microns with a True HEPA filter.

PRE-FILTER – Captures initial dust and allergen particles.

HEPA-13 FILTER – Captures dust, smoke, pollen and other allergens.

ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER – Removes odours from the air.

The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for the AP8030 is 102m³/h and the unit is designed to suit a room size: 15-20m2.

Written by Tim Farrell