Question
I currently have been using a desktop holmes air hepa air purifier (HLSHAP242UC), but it does not seem to remove some harmful indoor toxins. What airborne toxins can not be removed by such hepa air purifiers as this? the area is small and even with new filters there is little difference. is it possible chemical vapors are present and can’t be removed? Thank you.
-David Parker
Answer
Hi David,
Your Holmes air purifier is not rated under the clean air delivery rate program so I cannot be sure how well it removes particles from the air. Generally speaking, HEPA filters do the best job of removing small particles but they will not filter any gasses at all. Keep in mind a HEPA filter alone is not indicative of whether or not an air purifier is effective. It needs a strong fan to draw in air and a tight enclosure that does not leak the air it draws in.
My opinion is that most of the smaller air purifier models are not very effective in cleaning the air because their fans are typically not powerful enough to move enough air through the filter.
I am not sure what toxins you are most concerned about. See our guide to indoor air pollution which lists the most common forms of home pollutants and how effective air purifiers are in dealing with them.