Source: Air Quality Sciences: IAQ resource center
Updated May 24, 2002

Introduction

Three-tiered system for cleaner indoor air

Types of air cleaners:

Mechanical filtration

Electronic air cleaners

Mechanical-electronic hybrid filters

Styles of air cleaners:

Central filtration

Console-size units

Tabletop units

"Personal" air cleaners

Effectiveness

Ozone generators

What to know if you are thinking about buying an air cleaner

What to do when using an air cleaner

The most important things to know about air cleaners

Other air cleaner-related resources

Introduction

Air cleaners are among the fastest growing household products. Since the early 1990s, sales have tripled, and 14 percent of American households use them. In just 1999 alone, people in the United States spent about $350 million on portable air cleaners in hopes that they could take dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, and pet allergens out of the air.1 Though some indoor air pollutants can be removed with air cleaners, no air cleaner is designed to remove every type of airborne pollutant. Air cleaning is also never good enough by itself; the sources of pollution should always be controlled first along with good ventilation both in the home and in offices and schools.

Some air cleaners are effective at removing dust and particles from the air. However, most air cleaners do nothing to remove gases or vapors. Typical furnace filters are designed to protect mechanical equipment and are not effective at capturing small particles capable of entering the lungs. People with allergies or asthma may want to upgrade standard furnace filters to higher-efficiency filters or electronic air cleaners. However, before going with a higher-efficiency filter, make sure the furnace has the horsepower to blow through this increased resistance.