It’s hardly shocking that mould can cause serious harm to your health. Exposure to mould spores has been associated with a wide range of respiratory problems, including asthma attacks, allergic reactions, sinus congestion, coughing, sore throat, and more.
The danger is particularly acute for individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions. Even those without prior sensitivities can develop issues after prolonged exposure over time.
So, what actions can you take to mitigate this risk? And do air purifiers for mould genuinely make a difference?
The Financial Toll of Mould
Beyond the health concerns, mould can severely damage materials in your home, such as plasterboard, wood, and fabrics. Moreover, mould remediation comes with a hefty price tag, with costs for an entire house averaging around £1,800.
The earlier you tackle your mould issue, the lesser the damage it will inflict. An air purifier is one of the most effective tools for capturing airborne mould spores before they become problematic.
How do Air Purifiers for Mould Work?
Operating an air purifier round the clock offers continuous defence against mould proliferation. Utilising air purifiers to combat mould is effective because these devices incorporate filtration systems designed to capture particles as air circulates through them.
These particles can encompass mould spores, which are generally sized between 3 to 40 microns.
Air purifiers target mould and other allergens through several key filtration stages:
- Pre-Filter: Captures larger particles such as hair, dust, and pet dander, thereby prolonging the lifespan of subsequent filters.
- Green HEPA Filter: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are engineered to eliminate 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, capturing most mould spores in the process. The densely packed, pleated design traps particles as air flows through.
- Activated Carbon Filter: Absorbs gases, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and odours, which are often byproducts of mould growth.
It’s essential to replace filters regularly to ensure optimal mould removal efficiency. For example, Coway’s filters are typically designed to last between six months to a year, depending on the model.
Top-Recommended Air Purifiers for Tackling Mould
If your home suffers from visible mould growth or musty smells, investing in an air purifier is crucial for the health of both you and your home. In choosing an air purifier to combat mould, there are several key features to consider:
Green HEPA Filter: As previously noted, a green HEPA filter is essential for capturing mould spores and other allergens. Models certified by the British Allergy Foundation (BAF) are subjected to stringent testing to ensure they meet medical-grade HEPA filtration standards.
Large Room Capability: The size of your space is an important consideration. It's advisable to opt for an air purifier that can effectively cover larger rooms. Mould commonly proliferates in basements, bathrooms, bedrooms, and spacious living areas. Explore Coway’s selection of air purifiers designed for large and extra-large spaces.
High CADR Rating: The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) indicates the efficiency of the unit’s filtration. Aim for a high smoke/dust CADR rating since mould spores are within this particle size range.
For Extra Large Spaces up to 176 square metres
Coway Airmega 400s: This air purifier is capable of covering areas up to 176 m² in 60 minutes. It features a pre-filter and a Max2 Filter, which combines an Activated Carbon Filter with a Green True HEPA Filter for enhanced capture and neutralisation of smaller particles. The Max2 filter also includes activated carbon for effective odour control.
For Large Spaces up to 149 square metres
Coway Airmega 300s: Equipped with HyperCaptive® Air Filtration, this air purifier's technology secures and neutralises an unparalleled 99.999% of particles as small as 0.01 microns, smaller than most bacteria and viruses. Additionally, it utilises a Max2 filter for superior purification, capable of cleaning 149 m² within 60 minutes, and is highly effective in reducing VOCs, smoke, dust, and odours.
For Medium Spaces up to 104 square metres
Airmega Jet: Designed with adjustable airflow courtesy of MegaJet™ technology, this air purifier has been awarded as the top-performing air purifier in Europe by Testfakta. It ensures clean air in spaces up to 104m², making it ideal for allergy sufferers. It's doubly certified as allergy-friendly by BAF in the UK and ECARF in Germany, thanks to its GreenHEPA™ filtration system.
For Small Spaces up to 73 square metres
Coway Airmega 150: Coway's compact air purifier efficiently purifies up to 73 m² in 60 minutes. Its potent 3-stage filtration system eradicates harmful bacteria, mould, dust, pollen, and viruses. The intelligent auto mode dynamically adjusts speed based on the air quality, while the night mode ensures ultra-quiet operation, perfect for bedrooms. An air quality indicator ring allows for easy monitoring of its performance.
Special Features That Enhance Mould Removal
Additional features can significantly enhance an air purifier’s efficiency in tackling household mould:
Particle Sensors: Indoor air quality is paramount for a healthy living space, as external pollutants from sources such as traffic and industry can amalgamate with indoor contaminants arising from activities like cooking, cleaning, and keeping pets.
Utilising advanced sensors and apps to monitor air quality in real time provides essential insights into potential hazards. The Coway Airmega, integrated with the IoCare app, enables users to monitor indoor air quality, assess filter conditions, receive updates on outdoor air quality, and remotely control the air purifier.
App/Voice Control: Linking your Coway Airmega air purifier with Amazon Alexa is straightforward. Ensure both devices are Wi-Fi connected, activate the Coway Smart Home skill within the Alexa app, and sign in to authenticate your purifier. You can assign each Airmega a distinctive nickname, enabling the control of multiple units via Alexa voice commands.
Commands like "Alexa, tell Airmega to turn on," streamline the process of managing your home’s air quality without lifting a finger. Voice assistants broaden the horizons for smart home device management, including air purifiers, allowing for remote adjustments and air quality monitoring even when you're out.
High Energy Efficiency: Continuous operation of units is crucial to inhibit mould growth. Opt for energy-saving models, like those offered by Coway, which are distinguished for their energy efficiency and strong dedication to sustainability.
Prevent Mould and Breathe Easier with a Coway Air Purifier
Air purifiers act as a crucial barrier against household mould. Securing a high-quality model that’s correctly sized for each problematic area in your home is a significant step towards safeguarding your family’s health and easing respiratory conditions.
It’s essential to be meticulous about replacing filters as recommended and utilising humidity control features to prevent mould proliferation. With a leading air purifier, you can enjoy the comfort of breathing clean, filtered air, devoid of airborne allergens.
Explore our selection of air purifiers designed for any room size. Protect your loved ones and your home with Coway.
Sources:
GOV UK - Housing and Local Community
GOV UK - Publishing Service
Allergy UK - Coway Air Purifier
NHS - Lifestyle
Oxford Mail - News
About Coway Co., Ltd.
Established in Korea in 1989, Coway, the "Best Life Solution Company," is a leading environmental home appliances company making people's lives healthy and comfortable with innovative home appliances such as water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, and mattresses. The company's most recent venture, the BEREX brand, aims to improve sleep and wellness through cutting-edge mattresses and massage chairs. Since being founded, Coway has become a leader in the environmental home appliances industry, with intensive research, engineering, development, and customer service. The company has proven dedication to innovation with award-winning products, home health expertise, unrivaled market share, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Coway continues to innovate by diversifying product lines and accelerating overseas business in Malaysia, the USA, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and Europe, based on the business success in Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.coway.com/ or http://newsroom.coway.com.
