| By :
Debbie Davis
Filtering classroom air with an effective cleaner can get the year off to a good start and keep it that way. Here are 6 answers you should have in order to make sure you select the best purifier for you and your students. What kind of filter should it have? It should have a number of filters in order be able to eliminate particles that range from visible to microscopic. Because carbon filters are renown for their ability to remove gases, odors, and airborne chemicals, it is important that the unit you select contains an activated carbon filter.. One filter can't possibly remove every type of pollutant, and in your classroom you want a cleaner that can multi-task and remove most pollutants that are likely to be found in the air. Choosing a cleaner that has a number of filters is cost effective because the more filters you have the less time and money you will spend replacing the filter.. How much area should it be able to clean? Classroom size varies, but the one thing that is certain is that even though your room may be 700 or 800 square feet, the number of students in your room will generate way more pollutants than are found in a home or office. You need lots of cleaning capacity for a unit to be effective for 20 to 30 students.. That way you are sure that the cleaner can do an effective job of removing all that your students will bring from their homes and the outside. Does the cleaner need a HEPA filter? By definition a HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filter must be able to remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 particles as small as .3 microns. This type of filter is essential for removing particles that are invisible to the eye such as bacteria and viruses. So in a word, yes, your cleaner should contain this type of filter. How long should the filter last? A cleaner with multiple filters should last for years without a filter change. Look for a unit that warrants the filter. There aren't many out there, but they exist. A filter that has a warranty is a pretty clear indication that the manufacturer stands behind the product. Pre-filters are also an excellent indication of longevity in a filter. And unit that contains several sizes of these filters is a sure bet for a long lasting filter. The pre-filters are the first filters inside the unit, and their job is to trap large and medium size particles.. They save the filter for minute particles (the HEPA) from becoming needlessly clogged and reserve it for particles such as bacteria and viruses. Where is the best place for it? If you choose a unit that can pull air in from every side, placement can be anywhere as long as you leave approximately 6 inches from any surface. That means it can be tucked away in a corner, or beside your desk, it can even be placed up high on a shelf (if secured properly) or under a desk. The air closest to the unit will be cleaned first. But as long as there is room for air to circulate around all sides, it will still operate at 100% efficiency. What kind of maintenance is reasonable? The unit should require very little maintenance from you in order to run effectively.. Read the technical specifications or owner's manual for the unit first. If it requires that you go inside the unit for maintenance, run from it as fast as you can.. Using a small hand held vacuum to clean the outside of the unit occasionally should be all the maintenance it requires.
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