If you are shopping for an air cleaner to use in your classroom, you're on track towards making it a healthy and successful school year for both you and your students. But before you make a final decision, here are 6 answers that will help you select the best cleaner for your room.
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. It should also have a carbon-based filter that can efficiently remove gaseous pollutants such as odors, gases, and chemicals.
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. Having a unit with multiple filters is a money saver because it will take longer to fill than a cleaner with just one filter.
How many square feet 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.
Better to oversize the computer for the 20 to sometimes 30 students in your room. 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.
As their name suggests, these are the first line of defense against the big and medium size particles that can be seen with the naked eye. 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? Little to no maintenance should be required to have the unit work at peak efficiency. Avoid those that require you to go inside the unit to do anything other than replace the filter. 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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