When choosing an air filter, you want to ensure your home’s air is as clean as possible. Traditional air filters do a lot to keep you healthy, removing dust and larger particulates from the air and trapping them. That can help prevent respiratory problems that impact your quality of life.
So how do carbon air filters work, and do you need one? The right air filtration option can make a big difference in air quality for you, other residents of your home, and even your guests. Making sure you are getting a filter that meets those needs is vital.
If you are unsure whether a carbon filter meets your needs for air filtration quality, here is what to know about carbon air filter options and whether they may be right for you.
Historical Uses of Carbon As a Filter
Carbon has been used as part of filtration systems since ancient times. Egyptians used this material as an air purification system in medical settings where infection could cause issues. Even sailors used this material for water filtration. Carbon would be added to water barrels to keep water fresher longer while on long voyages across the sea.
Carbon has proven to be a great air filtration option in more modern times. In World War I, gas masks were used to filter out dangerous gasses, like mustard gas, used as a deadly form of warfare. These gas masks work within the same principles as carbon air filtration systems today.
The Carbon Air Filtration Process
When you have a traditional air filter, the particles in the air are trapped through absorption. The air filter material traps these particles, so they cannot recirculate in your air. Carbon filtration works differently. Rather than absorbing the materials, carbon uses adsorption to trap chemicals inside the filter. Adsorption refers to the process of chemically bonding to another material so that it is attached to the carbon.
This process allows carbon air filters to trap smaller particles, odors, and chemicals that can impact the quality of your home’s air. For those who may experience damage to their health from these air impurities, a carbon air filter can trap these particles in a safe, effective way, so you can breathe easier in your home.
Does Carbon Make a Difference to My Home’s Air Quality?
Because carbon air filters can be a little more expensive, many people are unsure whether it is time for an upgrade or whether a traditional air filter may be appropriate for their needs. Traditional air filters can only remove certain things from the air, however, so consider your needs and factors that can impact the air quality in your home.
For example, carbon air filters remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your air. VOCs are gaseous particles that can impact your health. These chemicals come from common household items, such as cleaning supplies and pest control, and a traditional air filter may not remove them thoroughly from your home.
A carbon air filter may be right for you if you want an air filter that helps remove odors from the air in your home. These filters can help keep your air clean and fresh beyond the scope of a traditional air filter.
Replace Your Air Filters with FilterKing
Keeping your air fresh, clean, and breathable is vital, especially if your loved ones have respiratory issues that may worsen without extra care for their health and safety. Sometimes, a traditional air filter may not be enough, but a carbon air filter can help.
These filters offer a different filtration process that can mean cleaner, fresher air for you and the residents of your home. If you are struggling to breathe easily, check out our options. Looking for the right air filter? FilterKing has what you need. With many options to choose from, including variety in size and MERV rating, you can get the filtration you need for a happy, healthy home. When it’s time to replace your filter, check out our site to learn more. Need help choosing an air filter? Give our team a call to get answers.
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