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Improve the quality of indoor air with the Daikin MCB50YSAU Room Air Purifier. Features a 3-stage filtration system and a UVC light to increase air cleanliness.

<p><strong>Blend form and function</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Pre-filter for first-level particle removal</li>
<li>HEPA filter captures airborne particles such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, and molds</li>
<li>Activated carbon filter to help reduce odors and some airborne chemicals</li>
<li>UVC LED light technology inactivates bacteria and viruses captured in the HEPA filter</li>
<li>Quiet operation: 4-speed fan with quiet mode for less-than-a-whisper<sup>1</sup> sound</li>
<li>Low power consumption</li>
<li>Digital display with particle, dust and odor sensors</li>
<li>Multiple air vents for smooth air flow, easy placement options</li>
<li>15 lbs. with a hand grip for portability</li>
<li>Ideal for rooms up to 230 square feet</li>
<li>Five-year warranty</li>
<li>For more information, consult the <a title="Owner’s manual" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/motili/image/upload/v1647494211/daikinpureair/Owners_Manual_MCB50YSAU.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">owner’s manual</a></li>
</ul>

 Daikin Room Air Purifier

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Advanced ultraviolet C (UVC) LED light technology

Four fan speeds with “quiet mode” option

Five-year warranty
<ul>
   <li>Complete warranty details available
 <a href="https://strapi.daikinairpurifier.com/uploads/PWDIQAPA_841cbf6395.pdf?updated_at=2022-05-05T17:48:02.816Z"target="_blank">here</a> </li>
</ul>

<a href="https://strapi.daikinairpurifier.com/uploads/Owners_manual_mcb50_3c9ab398a4.pdf?updated_at=2022-05-12T15:59:17.032Z"target="_blank">User manual</a> 

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Pre-filter for first-level particle removal

HEPA filter captures airborne particles such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, and molds<sup>1</sup>

Activated carbon filter to help reduce odors and some airborne chemicals<sup>2</sup>

UVC LED light technology inactivates<sup>3</sup> bacteria and viruses captured in the HEPA filter

Quiet operation: 4-speed fan with quiet mode for less-than-a-whisper sound

Digital display with particle, dust and odor sensors

Multiple air vents for smooth air flow, easy placement options

Five-year warranty
<ul>
   <li>Complete warranty details available
 <a href="https://strapi.daikinairpurifier.com/uploads/PWDIQAPA_841cbf6395.pdf?updated_at=2022-05-05T17:48:02.816Z"target="_blank">here</a></li>
</ul>

UVC LED  Room Air Purifier

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It just got easier to bring clean air right where it’s needed, at home or in the office, where you may worry about the presence of bacteria or viruses in the air.</br></br>

It’s also great for capturing dust, pet dander, pollen and other particles, because it filters airborne irritants so tiny, you may not even know they’re there.</br></br>

As the world’s No. 1 indoor comfort solutions provider, it’s just another way we put our experience and innovative technologies to work, so you can feel the difference.

A Compact and Ready Room Air Purifier

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UVC LED Light

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3 Filtration Systems

Complete warranty details available <a target="_blank" href="https://strapi.daikinairpurifier.com/uploads/PWDIQAPB_FINAL_0c32e656aa.pdf?updated_at=2022-09-02T14:30:02.647Z">here</a>

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Five-year warranty*

UVC LED light technology inactivate<sup>3</sup> bacteria and viruses captured in the HEPA filter

Low power consumption

Energy Star certified

15 lbs. with a hand grip for portability

Complete warranty details available  <a target="_blank" href="https://strapi.daikinairpurifier.com/uploads/PWDIQAPB_FINAL_0c32e656aa.pdf?updated_at=2022-09-02T14:30:02.647Z"> here </a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://strapi.daikinairpurifier.com/uploads/Owners_manual_mcb50_3c9ab398a4.pdf?updated_at=2022-05-12T15:59:17.032Z">User manual</a>

Key Features

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A compact and Ready

A pre-filter, along with two layers of internal filtration and a powerful ultraviolet C (UVC) LED light, help to reduce many airborne pollutants and elements for improved indoor air quality.

Air Purification Technology

HEPA filter traps up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns. This may include bacteria, viruses and mold, as well as pollen, dust and pet dander.<sup>1</sup>

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HEPA Filter

The activated carbon filter can help remove unpleasant odors as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released into the air by many personal products and cleaning applications.<sup>2</sup>

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Carbon Filter

Our ultraviolet C (UVC) LED light technology inactivates bacteria and viruses as small as 0.1 microns that are trapped in the purification system’s HEPA filter.<sup>3</sup>

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Daikin’s low power consumption room air purifiers feature 4 fan speeds that you can adjust based on your environment. Enable the “quiet mode” feature for to minimize noise.

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4-Speed Fan

<sup>1</sup>HEPA filter: According to our testing results in a room size of 1,007 ft<sup>3</sup>.</br>
<sup>2</sup>According to the testing results in a room size of 1,007 ft<sup>3</sup>; The MCB50YSAU Room Air Purifier: Removes 50.3% of formaldehyde, a kind of VOC that may contribute to odor, within 60 minutes. </br>The MCKB70YSAU Room Air Purifier: Removes 97.3% of formaldehyde, a kind of VOC that may contribute to odor, within 60 minutes. </br>
<sup>3</sup>Inactivates 99% of staphylococcus aureus and MS2-Phage captured in the filter within 30 minutes. Tested in a room size of 1,059 ft<sup>3</sup>.

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<sup>1</sup>Sound level in quiet mode is 21 decibels. A whisper measures 30 decibels.

Fans can be noisy and many worry about adding another sound to an already noisy home or office environment. This air purifier features quiet operation, with four different speeds to choose from, including a “quiet” mode.<sup>1</sup>

Keep the quiet

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Plug in, push the AUTO button and instantly begin to improve your air. Clean pre-filters with a vacuum cleaner. The HEPA and activated carbon filters only need to be replaced 1-2 times per year, depending upon the conditions in your home. The large humidifier tank means less refills and offers two easy ways to tank up.

Get easy features and fussless maintenance

MC50 HEPA filter

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MC50 Filter Bundle

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MC50 Carbon Filter

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Related Products

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## Top 5 Indoor Air Quality Solutions for 2022 and Beyond

According to [The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11477521/), Americans spend an average of 87% of their time indoors. Since this is such a significant amount of time spent in enclosed spaces, we must ensure our indoor air is clean and fresh. 

Various indoor air quality solutions can help you improve your breathing environment without having to learn the science behind it. This article will cover air quality monitors, ventilation systems, air purifiers, as well as solutions such as natural ventilation.

## Indoor air quality monitoring
Indoor air quality monitors are devices that help you measure air quality at home. You can use them to determine the sources of indoor air pollutants and make an informed decision about the steps you need to take to bring clean air to your home.

Here are some of the basic indoor air quality measurements to look for in an air quality monitor: 

- Temperature
- Humidity
- Particulate matter levels
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Most indoor air quality monitors don’t detect radon gas or carbon monoxide. Since these are some of the most dangerous substances that affect indoor air quality, you should use dedicated tools to monitor their levels. The [EPA recommends](https://www.epa.gov/radon/epa-map-radon-zones-and-supplemental-information) testing your home for radon regardless of where you live, as it is easy and inexpensive.

When choosing an air quality monitor, you should pay special attention to your home’s indoor air pollution sources. If you’re a smoker, it makes sense to get an indoor air quality monitor that detects tobacco smoke. The same goes for mold; if you live in a dry area, chances are you may not need to spend money on mold detection.

Moreover, a [report by the EPA](https://www.epa.gov/radon/epa-map-radon-zones-and-supplemental-information) reveals that some of these low-cost indoor air quality monitors become less effective at detecting volatile organic compounds after being in use for six months or longer. If you suspect your indoor air is polluted, even if your monitor doesn’t show any reason for concern, follow your hunch and start applying the necessary measures.


## HVAC systems 

The acronym HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC refers to different technologies to manage the humidity, temperature, and cleanliness of indoor air. The ultimate goal of an HVAC system is to provide residents with thermal comfort and an acceptable quality of indoor air.

Ventilation in an HVAC system is the process of replacing or changing indoor air to control the temperature or reduce any mixture of humidity, carbon dioxide, smoke, dust, airborne bacteria, odors, etc. Ventilation can be forced or mechanical, and we use it to regulate indoor air quality. 

The air filter found in an HVAC system is the first layer of protection against poor air quality indoors. When clean, it can reduce the volume of airborne particles of varying sizes. It’s important to replace air filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent pollutants from recirculating in your indoor air. 

## How long do HVAC systems last?

On average, an HVAC system can last between 10–25 years. However, it needs to be regularly inspected for maximum efficiency. Hire a technician to repair broken or damaged parts of your system and prevent any unsealed air leaks.

Ducted HVAC systems accumulate debris and dust over time, so keeping them clean is essential. Proper filtration is also very important—use a high-efficiency filter compatible with your HVAC system. 

## Indoor air purification technologies

Portable air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to filter out contaminants floating in indoor air. When equipped with adequate technology, such as HEPA and carbon filters, UVC LEDs, humidifiers, etc., air purifiers can be very effective against indoor air pollutants.

Let’s look at the different types of air purifiers based on their technology. 

## HEPA-filtered air purifiers

The acronym HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate-air (filter). An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can remove up to 99.97% of pollen, dust, bacteria, mold, and other particles the size of 0.3 microns from indoor air.

The 0.3-micron benchmark approximates the most difficult particle size for the filter to capture, which is why it’s used in efficiency ratings. The HEPA filter is designed to capture particles smaller and larger than 0.3 microns with even greater efficiency.

## UVC air purifiers

Some air purifiers use short-wave ultraviolet light technology or UVC LEDs to inactivate microorganisms and pathogens floating in the air, including most viruses, bacteria, and mold. UVC air purifiers are rarely sold as standalone devices, as they can’t trap and remove airborne particles on their own. UVC air cleaning devices can be attached to residential or commercial HVAC units or incorporated into an air purifier. 

## Air purifier and humidifier combo

According to the [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021), a humidifier can help relieve problems caused by dry air. These problems include dry sinuses, cracked skin, etc. Using a humidifier in combination with an air purifier allows you to maintain optimal humidity levels while reducing the number of airborne particles, increasing indoor comfort and air quality in return. 

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## Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation relies on wind and the “stack” effect to create an airflow through your home. Its purpose is to bring fresh air to your home without using mechanical equipment. 
Natural ventilation is considered early in the home design process. It’s practical during summer nights in some locations because it allows you to bring cool air into your home and at the same time conserve energy. 

## What’s the stack effect?

The stack effect or chimney effect in a building is the movement of air through unsealed openings, cracks, chimneys, etc. It’s the result of air buoyancy that happens due to a difference in density between indoor and outdoor air, resulting from temperature and moisture variations.

The stack effect happens when cool air enters the basement or the lowest floor of a home, absorbs the heat of a room, and then rises to exit through top-floor windows and openings. This process creates a vacuum that pulls more air through cracks, doors, and windows near the bottom of the house. The stack effect usually occurs in tall buildings. 

![reduce-allergens.jpg](https://dpa-strapi-production-s3-media-bucket.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/reduce_allergens_b963298c81.jpg)

## Indoor plants and air quality

Indoor plants are another indoor air quality solution that has gained popularity. Many advertisers claim that indoor plants act as air purification devices, but this is not entirely true. 

Indoor air quality is often affected by carbon dioxide and other gases, including ozone. Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into sugar they use for food. They also remove gases from the air in a process called absorption. 

In the past, scientists thought indoor plants drastically improved indoor air quality. However, a [recent study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132317301592) has shown that they’re not quite as effective as previously thought. The study suggests that the ozone removal effectiveness of indoor vegetation ranges between 0.9–9% (when there’s approximately one plant per 1.82 of floor area).  

You would need to use large quantities of indoor plants for them to make a difference in indoor air quality. But which species work best? A study by [NASA](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077) reveals that florist’s chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’) work to reduce the levels of the following five common indoor air pollutants:

- Formaldehyde (found in paper bags and synthetic fabrics)
- Trichloroethylene (found in paints and varnishes)
- Benzene (found in tobacco smoke and dyes)
- Xylene (released in car exhausts) 
- Ammonia (found in window cleaners and floor waxers)


## Use everything at your disposal

Various indoor air quality solutions can help you improve the air quality in your home or office. Indoor air quality monitoring tools are available to help you determine the exact levels and types of different airborne particles. You can then make an informed decision about how to approach reducing their concentrations. 

It’s essential to install the recommended air filters for your specific HVAC system and replace them regularly to prevent the recirculation of harmful airborne particles. Regular inspection and maintenance are also of great importance for the effectiveness of your HVAC system. 

Air purifiers are another strong line of defense against poor indoor air quality. An efficient air purifier has a HEPA filter, which can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles of 0.3 microns in diameter. A UVC light in an air purifier works to inactivate pathogens and microorganisms. An air purifier with a built-in humidifier helps keep your indoor air quality at optimal levels. 

You can also use natural ventilation to bring fresh air into your house. Ventilation relies on a process called the stack effect. It’s an energy-efficient way to create a fresh airflow indoors. Besides natural ventilation, studies have shown that some indoor plants also work to reduce the volumes of common indoor air pollutants.




Various indoor air quality solutions can help you improve your breathing environment. This article covers air quality monitors, ventilation systems, air purifiers, and solutions such as natural ventilation.

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## Does an Air Purifier Help With Covid?

Portable air cleaners have seen a massive increase in popularity since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and with good reason. In addition to filtering out pollen, dust, smoke, etc., air purifiers have also shown the potential to [reduce the volume](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8394335/#:~:text=The%20results%20showed%20that%20the,of%20infectious%20respiratory%20droplet%20nuclei.) of airborne respiratory droplets or aerosols containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

Depending on their size, aerosols can stay suspended in the air for up to an hour or longer, so using an air cleaner is a reasonable strategy to filter them out. [Studies have shown](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188808/) that the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter found in some air purifiers has the potential to significantly reduce the volume of aerosol particles floating in indoor air. 

So does an air purifier help with Covid? Using an air cleaner to filter out aerosols containing the virus is one strategy to add to the numerous public health measures aimed at reducing virus transmission. But since the air cleaner marketing jungle is so overwhelming, you should do some research before purchasing your own.

## How does Covid spread indoors? 
Since Covid-19 is a relatively new disease, scientists and researchers are constantly working on increasing our knowledge about how it spreads. [According to the CDC](lhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/sars-cov-2-transmission.html), the primary way people get infected with SARS-CoV-2 is through exposure to contaminated airborne particles or droplets.

People with Covid-19 can release aerosols containing the virus into the indoor air when they exhale (breathing, speaking, coughing, sneezing, singing, etc.). Here are the three different ways (not mutually exclusive) in which infectious exposure to aerosols carrying SARS-CoV-2 can occur: 

1. <b>Touching mucous membranes</b> after one’s hands have been contaminated with aerosols containing the virus or after touching physical surfaces soiled with the virus. 
2. <b>Direct deposition of virus</b> contained in exhaled aerosols into exposed mucus membranes through splashes and sprays (i.e., sneezing, coughing, etc.).

3. <b>Inhalation of an aerosolized virus</b> released into the air through exhalation. The risk of infection is greatest within three to six feet of the source, while the droplets’ size is around five microns in diameter. 

Although air cleaners can’t stop you from touching your mucous membranes or prevent someone from coughing or sneezing on you, they can be effective at filtering out small airborne particles containing the virus that can linger in the air for quite some time. 

## How long can COVID-19 linger in the air?

The CDC states that the largest droplets disappear from the air within seconds or minutes. However, the smallest fine droplets and aerosols formed after these fine droplets dry can linger in the air for minutes to several hours.

It’s important to note that the risk of infection decreases with an increase in the time after exhalation and distance from the source. That’s why it’s important to follow the distancing guidelines proposed by health professionals. 

## Using commercial air purifiers for Covid 
In July 2021, the CDC published a study that looked at the [efficacy of air purifiers and masking](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7027e1.htm) for reducing exposure to simulated SARS-CoV-2 aerosols indoors. Researchers used respiratory simulators to recreate an interaction between one person with Covid-19 and two uninfected persons in a conference room. 

The simulators were placed in a 54 m<sup>2</sup> conference room with a running HVAC system that provided airflow of 202 ft<sup>3</sup>  per minute (two air changes per hour). They used two air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters placed in various locations in the room. They also tested the effectiveness of combining a face mask with air purifiers.

The study found that placing two HEPA air purifiers near the source of the virus reduced the aerosol exposure of the uninfected subjects by as much as 65%. The combination of air cleaners and masking reduced the exposure by up to 90%. 

The CDC stresses the importance of social distancing, universal masking, and room ventilation when it comes to minimizing the risk of contracting Covid-19. You can supplement efficient indoor ventilation with HEPA air purifiers to reduce the number of infectious airborne particles and provide extra protection from the transmission of the virus.

## Where to place an air purifier for maximum efficiency

The study conducted by the CDC also looked at the optimal positioning of air purifiers in a room. The two air cleaners were placed across four different positions in the conference room: the middle of the room on the floor (directly behind the source of infection), the right and left sides of the room on the floor, the right and left sides of the room elevated 32 in, and front and back of the room on the floor. 

The results revealed that the reduction in contaminated aerosols was higher when the unit was placed in the center of the room, directly behind the source. The remaining positions didn’t exhibit any major differences between them. So to get the most out of your air purifier, you should place it at the source of the infection. 

## What does HEPA stand for? 

The acronym HEPA was defined by the US Department of Energy, and it stands for high-efficiency particulate air (filter). A HEPA filter can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter, including mold, bacteria, pollen, dust, etc. The 0.3-micron particle diameter corresponds to the worst-case scenario, while the smaller or larger particles are trapped with higher efficiency. 

A HEPA filter’s ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns is expressed in Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERVs for short. HEPA filters with a higher MERV rating are better at trapping airborne particles.


<style>.table-section-wrapper{font-family:'Titillium Web'!important}.table-headline{height:38px;background:#ddd;border-radius:5px;display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center}.table-headline>.paragraph{font-style:normal;font-weight:600;font-size:18px;line-height:27px;letter-spacing:.02em;color:#3d3d3d;font-family:'Titillium Web';padding-bottom:0!important}.table-lower-wrapper{margin-top:10px}.table-tables-wrapper{display:flex;flex-direction:row;column-gap:10px}@media only screen and (max-width:600px){.table-tables-wrapper{display:flex;flex-direction:column;row-gap:11px}}thead>tr{min-height:24px;background:#40b1e8;border-radius:5px;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;width:100%}thead>tr>th{font-style:normal;font-weight:600;font-size:18px;line-height:27px;letter-spacing:.02em;color:#fff}tbody>tr>td{font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;letter-spacing:.02em;color:#3d3d3d;padding:0 10px}tbody>tr{display:flex;flex-direction:row;justify-content:space-between;border-bottom:1px solid #b6b6b6}.table-footnote{font-family:Roboto;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-size:18px;line-height:24px;margin-top:14px}@media only screen and (max-width:600px){.table-footnote{font-weight:400;font-size:12px;line-height:14px}}table{display:flex;flex-direction:column;width:100%}@media only screen and (min-width:600px){table:first-of-type{width:30%}}@media only screen and (min-width:600px){.higherRow{height:48px}}</style><div class=table-section-wrapper><div class=table-section-container><div class=table-lower-wrapper><div class=table-tables-wrapper><table><thead><tr><th style=padding-left:10px>MERV Rating<tbody><tr><td class=Row>1-4<tr><td class=Row>6<tr><td class=Row>8<tr><td>10<tr><td>12<tr><td>14<tr><td>16</table><table><thead><tr><th style=padding-left:10px;letter-spacing:-.2px>Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns<tbody><tr><td>3.0 - 10.0 less than 20%<tr><td>3.0 - 10.0 49.9%<tr><td>3.0 - 10.0 84.9%<tr><td>1.0 - 3.0 50% - 64.9% 3.0 - 10.0 85% or greater<tr><td>1.0 - 3.0 80% - 89.9% 3.0 - 10.0 90% or greater<tr><td>0.3 - 1.0 75% - 84% 1.0 - 3.0 90% or greater<tr><td>0.3 - 1.0 75% or greater </table></div></div></div></div>

## “True HEPA” vs. HEPA 

HEPA is a government standard used to guarantee adequate air filtration in military and government projects. There has been a lot of shady marketing jargon around the term HEPA, with some companies claiming to offer “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type” filters. It’s safe to assume that filters labeled as such do not conform to the HEPA standard.

Due to the emergence of misleading marketing terms, companies resorted to calling their filters “true HEPA or “absolute HEPA,” which means the same thing as a regular HEPA filter that can trap 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in diameter. Some companies will use the term “absolute HEPA” to claim their filters are much more efficient than regular ones; however, that usually turns out not to be the case.

## Can a UVC light kill viruses?

UVC lamps, aka “germicidal lamps,” have been in use for decades to help disinfect water, air, and non-porous surfaces from specific bacteria and viruses. According to a [scientific report](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-67211-2.pdf) by Buonanno, M., Welch, D., Shuryak, I. et al., UVC light can safely and effectively inactivate airborne human coronaviruses. The study found that a UVC light at 222 nm is effective against coronavirus and doesn’t cause damage to the skin.

Different UVC lights occupy different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. A germicidal UV light at 254 nm is effective against viruses, but it can cause damage to the skin. The UVC light found in some air purifiers doesn’t come into direct contact with human skin as it’s placed within the unit itself. Usually, the UVC light in air purifiers works to inactivate aerosolized viruses trapped in the HEPA filter. 

##  Does a humidifier help with Covid? 

In February 2022, the [Clinical Infectious Diseases](https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciac006/6498295?login=true) journal published a study that uncovered how ventilation, filtration, and humidity affect SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. Researchers found that higher levels of relative humidity reduced the amount of aerosolized virus by as much as 50%. 
The higher relative humidity caused the droplets carrying the virus to fall from the air and drop onto surfaces. According to the study, the ideal humidity level for removing viral particles from the air is somewhere between 40% and 60%. 

## Tread Carefully

If you’re asking: “Does an air purifier help with Covid?”, the answer is yes, it potentially can, but under a few circumstances. You need a quality air purifier from a trusted manufacturer that doesn’t provide misleading information about its product’s performance. 

You need an air cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. The device should be placed at the source of contamination for best results. An air purifier is most effective when used along with efficient ventilation and health measures such as wearing a protective mask, maintaining physical distance, paying attention to personal hygiene, etc. 

An air purifier with a built-in humidifier can help you maintain humidity levels that will cause the aerosolized viruses to fall onto surfaces. While this helps remove them from the air, you will still need to keep your surfaces clean and apply all possible safety measures to help protect yourself from SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne viruses.

While some air purifiers can be helpful with preventing the spread of Covid in your home, it is important to note that the vast majority of residential air purifiers cannot guarantee the eradication of the virus in your home.



Portable air cleaners have seen a massive increase in popularity since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and with good reason.

Covid and indoor air purification technology

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covid-air-purifiers

Does an Air Purifier Help With Covid?


 
##Can charcoal really clean the air? 
 
If you’ve been shopping for an air purifier, you may have noticed the many different types of filters each system uses, adding to the decisions you need to make. 
 
There are pre-filters, stainless pre-filters and washable pre-filters. There are six different types of HEPA filters, based on their efficiency ratings. Adding to that, you may hear about charcoal filters, carbon filters and activated carbon filters. 
 
To help answer some questions you may have, this article will focus on charcoal, carbon and activated carbon filters, the differences and similarities between them and how they can play a role in increasing indoor air quality.   
 
##What is a carbon or charcoal filter?
 
Charcoal is a black residue that results from burning wood or other materials. It contains a high concentration of carbon, which is why you might hear filters referred to as “carbon’ or “charcoal” filters in the same way. 
 
But how could this black residue possibly be related to cleanliness? The fact is charcoal has been used as cleaning agent for centuries. The Romans actually combined fragments of shells, bones and bark with charcoal powder to make a cleansing toothpaste.1 (1 Colgate, The Evolution of Charcoal.)
 
Today, “activated” carbon or charcoal filters are chosen for their cleansing capabilities and are commonly used in water and air filtration systems.
 
##What is an activated carbon filter?
 
Activated carbon is charcoal that is processed in a way to make it extremely porous.2 (2New World Encyclopedia, Activated Carbon.) The increases its absorption power, which can make it an ideal material for attracting pollutants in the air. 
 
A good way to think about the absorption properties of charcoal is to consider its use in the ER to absorb and deactivate drugs or other harmful substances in the stomach.3 (3Activated Charcoal, An Effective Treatment for Poisoning, National Capital Poison Center.) 
 
Now, apply that same example to an activated carbon filter in an air purifier, with air being the pollutant ingested. As air is “consumed” by your air purifier, the activated carbon filter is designed to capture and deactivate pollutants, such as odors and VOCs, much like charcoal deactivates pollutants in the stomach. 
 
##What is a VOC?
 
While everyone knows what an odor is—whether caused by your pets, your trash, dirty laundry or even your cooking—there can be many odorous chemicals in your home whose source may not be that obvious.  
 
For example, a VOC, or volatile organic compound can be in the home or office environment. These chemical contaminants can be released into the air from a range of origins. 
 
Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds4
- Caulks, sealants, adhesives
- Paints, varnishes, stains, wall coverings
- Carpeting, vinyl flooring
- Fabric materials, furnishings
- Cleaning agents, air fresheners
- Personal products, like perfumes and shampoos
- 4CDC, Indoor Environment Air Quality: Chemicals and Odors. 
 
##Part of a multi-staged filtration system
 
Many air purifiers have external filters to catch larger particles, along with HEPA filters to catch much smaller particles, like bacteria, viruses and mold, as well as pollen, pet hair and dander. But, when it comes to airborne odors and chemicals, that’s the job of the activated carbon filter. Learn more about its air cleaning capabilities. 


What is an activated carbon filter? Activated carbon is charcoal that is processed in a way to make it extremely porous. This increases its absorption power, which can make it an ideal material for attracting pollutants in the air.

UVC LED Room Air Purifier

$499

A Compact and Ready Room Air Purifier

Key Features

UVC LED Light

3 Filtration Systems

Five-year warranty*

Air Purification Technology

HEPA Filter

Carbon Filter

UVC LED Light

4-Speed Fan

Keep the quiet

Get easy features and fussless maintenance

Product Reviews

From the Blog

Top 5 Indoor Air Quality Solutions for 2022 and Beyond

Does an Air Purifier Help With Covid?

Cutting through carbon filter confusion

UVC LED Room Air Purifier

$499

A Compact and Ready Room Air Purifier

Key Features

UVC LED Light

3 Filtration Systems

Five-year warranty*

Air Purification Technology

HEPA Filter

Carbon Filter

UVC LED Light

4-Speed Fan

Keep the quiet

Get easy features and fussless maintenance

Product Reviews

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From the Blog

Top 5 Indoor Air Quality Solutions for 2022 and Beyond

Does an Air Purifier Help With Covid?

Cutting through carbon filter confusion

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