Should I Use an Air Purifier in My Denver, CO Home?

Wildfires from California continue to pollute the air in nearby states, such as Utah and Colorado. Denver residents, especially those who suffer from allergies or asthma, are strongly advised to consider purchasing an air purifier and using it in the home.

What environmental conditions prompt the need for air purifiers?

As of August 2021, Denver’s air quality ranks among the lowest in the world. The poor air quality is primarily due to the wildfires that raged across California in recent months. Wind gusts blow the smoke from the West directly into Colorado. Air quality hovers at an unhealthy 160 score.

Denver residents who are prone to respiratory illnesses, including COPD and asthma, should limit their time spent outdoors. When inside, it is important to keep the windows closed to prevent the influx of hazy, smoky outdoor air from contaminating the indoor air.

Although air quality in Denver fluctuates based on the extent of wildfires, residents should still consider using air purifiers frequently inside the home. Homeowners who smoke and those who own pets will experience relief from allergy and asthma symptoms when running an air purifier.

Opening the windows in summer can introduce pollen, any lingering wildfire smoke, bacteria, and mold spores into the home environment. In efforts to prevent health complications in people, the American Lung Association recommends that homeowners run an air purifier indoors.

How do air purifiers clean the indoor air?

Today, people spend more time indoors than generations past. Spending greater time inside exposes the home’s occupants to a range of pollutants that have the potential to aggravate lung-related conditions. Indoor air pollutants are minimized by running air purifiers continuously.

Air purifiers sanitize the indoor air. Toxins, allergens and pollutants commonly found in indoor air are effectively eliminated by air purifiers. Air filters, in contrast, work differently; these devices remove particles. However, air purifiers perform double duty by also sanitizing particles.

Denver residents who are susceptible to airborne allergens, such as dust mites, dander and pollen, are advised to use an air purifier in conjunction with a device that traps airborne allergens. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter works best alongside an air purifier.

Mold spores can meander into the indoors and pollute the air. Denver homeowners with mold allergies are in danger of experiencing aggravated symptoms. While air purifiers are somewhat effective, combining these devices with a HEPA filter will reduce the amount of mold in the air.

Air purifiers that come equipped with a filter are also necessary to eliminate indoor smoke particles from landscape wildfires. Air purifiers, however, will not reduce the smell of smoke or dislodge smoke stains that develop on walls and ceilings within the Denver home.

Indoor toxins are introduced into the air from common products, such as household cleaners and personal care products. These particles can be harmful to human health. Air purifiers, to an extent, trap the indoor toxins. However, reducing the use of these products minimizes the presence of toxins.

How do homeowners choose a quality air purifier?

Not all air purifiers work in the same way. An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter is most effective against smoke particles. In these types of devices, the HEPA filter utilizes a fan to force air through a mesh and thereby trap particles.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that the best air purifiers fitted with a HEPA filter reduce particle concentrations by 85 percent. Air purifiers built with a large carbon filter are effective in also eliminating the smell of smoke that accompanies the particles.

When considering an air purifier, which can range from $50 to $1000 in cost, homeowners should choose a device designed for a space larger than what they have. For example, air purifiers intended for rooms larger than 350 square feet are more efficient at removing smoke.

Denver residents in the market for an air purifier that reduces wildfire particulates are likely to see models go in and out of stock. High demand for air purifiers in recent weeks is the reason for the fluctuations in the retail inventory of air purifiers.

Using an air purifier helps to mitigate the level of indoor air pollutants. Denver homeowners can take additional steps to ensure optimum air quality. Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and, at home, wear a face mask that is designed to block particles from entering the wearer’s nose and mouth.

Denver residents should spend most of their time indoors and inside a room with the least number of windows. Install the air purifier in this room and run it continuously 24/7. When the indicator light turns on, change the air purifier’s filter.

Wildfire smoke that enters the home can be a major irritant. While air purifiers help clean the air to a certain degree, they will not remove smoke stains. When your home is affected by smoke damage, consult ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration for immediate, professional cleanup.

Smoke damage is unsightly. As a byproduct of a home fire or wildfires, smoke can leave permanent damage. Tarnishing and etching occur long after the initial fire is extinguished. Protect your property and belongings by calling ServiceMaster for fire and smoke damage restoration.

Our skilled fire and smoke damage cleanup technicians prevent permanent damage by pre-cleaning goods affected by smoke and soot. In addition to soot and smoke damage removal, we eliminate smoke odors, offer content cleaning and pack-out services, and perform structural repairs.

ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration teams are also equipped to conduct biohazard cleaning of your Denver property. Dangerous materials are removed and safely disposed of. Our specialists utilize powerful cleaners and disinfectants to return the affected areas to habitable and safe conditions.

Denver, Colorado, residents have access to the comprehensive fire and smoke damage cleanup services from ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration. High-quality cleanup is our business, and we’re available on an emergency basis 24 hours a day. Call to schedule dependable restoration services.