Pure n Natural Blog

The Ultimate Checklist for Buying a Commercial Air Purifier

Written by Brenda Roy | Oct 20, 2017

Fresh, clean air — we need it to live. If you don't have asthma, allergies, or another respiratory ailment, you probably don't often think about the air you breathe. But air can contain not only odors but dust, invisible allergens, and other microscopic particulates you probably don't want to inhale. Places of business often have problems with indoor air quality due to manufacturing processes, airborne chemicals, storage conditions, and many other reasons.

These problems can affect workers, customers, and guests and ultimately the productivity of your business. You may also just require a clean, sterile environment, especially if you work in a medical or healthcare facility. 

If you have concerns about or you or your employees are having reactions to dust, allergens, odors, mold, pet dander, or other airborne pollutants, a commercial air purifier can help. Commercial air purifiers can also help eliminate odors and bacteria, as well as, ease asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. They also generally improve the indoor environment for everyone. 

There are many different models of air purifiers on the market that target different air quality issues and rely on other filtration methods. You may look at options online or read commercial air purifier reviews as research. Before you make a purchase, learn more about the options available to improve air quality in office spaces. 

Reasons to install an air purifier

A commercial air cleaner can address a myriad of air quality issues. Have you ever asked yourself: "What can we do to improve air quality indoors?" These are some of the common reasons people purchase air purifiers: 

Odors: Cooking smells, smoke, musty air, pet scents — these are some of the many indoor air quality problems commercial air purifiers can address.  

Allergens: Pet dander, mold, and other airborne irritants can trigger and make life miserable for allergy sufferers and may be your main area of concern. Sick workers mean reduced productivity, which is bad for your business's bottom line. 

Dust: Some commercial industries — manufacturing, renovation, even nail salons — naturally kick up dust as part of their operations. Keeping that dust in check will protect people and property. 

Bacteria and more: Microorganisms like dust mites, fungi, spores, viruses, and bacteria can be removed from the air to improve indoor air quality. 

You may also experience exposure to wildfire smoke or air hazards from other natural or industrial sources. Whichever of these factors is your main concern will likely inform which model of commercial-grade air purifier you choose to purchase since some models are geared toward addressing different factors. A qualified professional can help you choose the best options for industrial air purifiers for your business. 

Some businesses that may experience a need for air purification:

  • Hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and other healthcare facilities
  • Nail salons or spas
  • Embalming facilities 
  • Warehouses
  • Construction and restoration sites
  • Fire departments
  • Industrial or manufacturing facilities 
  • Sewage remediation facilities
  • Grinding, welding, or wood shops
  • Crawl spaces, basements, and tunnels

Air purifiers are also a great choice for homes as well. 

Air cleaning methods

Different models of commercial air cleaners will rely on different technology to purify the air. You might have questions like: Do I need a commercial HEPA air purifier? These are some of the common primary methods of filtration or cleaning: 

HEPA: High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance filter — or HEPA filter, as it is commonly known — forces air through a fine mesh to trap particulate matter, such as dust, pollen, and dander. 

TSS Technology: A Thermodynamic Sterilizing System — or TSS — involves the destruction of microorganisms using super-heated air. The unit nor the surrounding air becomes heated during this process. 

Carbon: A carbon module within the unit will attract chemicals, gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and more which will then be absorbed and bonded. You will likely need to replace the module periodically. 

Ions: This kind of technology releases positively and negatively charged ions into the air. Water molecules immediately surround these unstable ions and form clusters, which spread throughout an area and attach to airborne particles and molecules.

Some models of commercial-grade air purifiers will use more than one of these methods to clear the air. 

Choosing the right model 

In addition to the method of air filtering, you'll have several other aspects to take into account. Measure the space in which you need the unit to effectively operate. These are some indoor areas that a unit will be able to cover: 

  • Immediate Area
  • 100 - 250 sq. ft.
  • 250 - 500 sq. ft.
  • 500 - 750 sq. ft.
  • 750 - 1,000 sq. ft.
  • 1,000 - 1,500 sq. ft.
  • 1,500 - 2,000 sq. ft.
  • 2,000 sq. ft. or more

Units will likely have different airflow settings, which can impact the coverage area, efficiency, and noise levels of a commercial air purifier

Other options to consider

Other factors you might take into consideration when purchasing a commercial air purifier are whether you need a unit that can be wall mounted or one that is portable. You should also consider whether noise is a concern and what style and color will suit your space. An office air purifier may come in some of the following color options: 

  • White
  • Off-White
  • Black
  • Gray
  • Silver

Models exist with digital interfaces, night lights, humidifier settings, fragrance dispensers, and environmentally conscious designs. Some units have different settings such as "sleep" mode or timer functions so you can customize the operation. You may have certain aesthetic or acoustic needs based on whether you need an air purifier for an area of your business where customers or associates visit. Again, an experienced dealer can help you find a unit that meets all your needs. 

Costs to consider

You can purchase an air purifier for less than $200 to about $1,700. Find out what parts you may need to replace or clean to keep your unit functional in the long term and add that to your budget. An experienced dealer can help work within your budget and needs. It may be worthwhile to find a provider that has accessories and replacement filters to meet your needs down the line as well.

 

 

For a free consultation on assessing your commercial air purifier needs, contact Pure n Natural.