All you need to know about cold plasma air purifiers and the technology behind it #2

When was the last time you thought about the quality of air in your home? If the answer is either “not lately” or “not ever”, that’s understandable. After all, most of us (if not all of us) – tend to be under the impression that the air inside our homes is safer and cleaner, especially when compared to the polluted air outside. 

Granted, we do our best to keep our houses spotless and ensure that all corners are free from dust, germs and other particulates, so that should be enough, right?

The answer is a resounding no, unfortunately. This is because the air indoors is thought to be about two to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. While it’s easy to see when you need to dust or sweep, it’s harder to know when the air in your home needs cleaning or purifying. 

Of course, there are some simple ways to tell if the air quality around you is poor, such as:

  • Coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Constant sneezing or allergic reactions
  • Skin dryness or irritation
  • Recurring headaches or nausea
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Unpleasant odours 

If you have been experiencing this either at home or at the office, then you may have considered purchasing air purifiers, or have already invested in air purifiers or have considered buying one in light of the COVID-19 pandemic – which is a good move to keep viruses and bacteria at bay or even to offer comfort to family members who have allergies. 

But with so many different brands out there, how do you know if you’re making the right choice? All air purifiers have the same promise: to help breathe healthier and better air, but not all purifiers are made the same. More common and popular air purifiers tend to utilise HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, while some use cold plasma technology – like our products at White Umbrella

Are there any real differences, you ask? Let’s dive deeper into this matter.

Understanding the different air purifier filters

There are seven different types of filters that are often used in air purifiers these days, each with its own capabilities and “special power”, so to speak:
Image: Freepik

There are seven different types of filters that are often used in air purifiers these days, each with its own capabilities and “special power”, so to speak:

PCO

Uses filtered media that is coated with materials that react with chemicals.

Chemical scrubber

Treats “polluted” air through chemical media by reacting with contaminants.

Biofilters

Treats “polluted” air through biological media by reacting with contaminants. 

Ultraviolet

Kills germs and removes airborne particulars with ultraviolet light. 

Carbon filters

Absorbs and filters chemicals. 

HEPA filters

Traps air contaminants and airborne particles in a complex web of fibres or a fine mesh.

Particle filtration

Utilises pre-filters, bag filters, pre-treated filters and fibreglass filters to trap airborne particles. 

Cold plasma

Breaks down dangerous contaminants into harmless molecules. 

As mentioned previously, most air purifiers tend to use HEPA filters, which can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). 

However, when comparing HEPA with cold plasma, it becomes evident that the latter is the more superior and effective choice since it breaks down dangerous contaminants instead of trapping them. So, if your current air purifying device is running on HEPA filters, it may be time for an upgrade!

HEPA filters vs cold plasma 

HEPA filters with the innovative cold plasma technology
Image: Dreamstime

To help put things into perspective, let’s compare the more popular HEPA filters with the innovative cold plasma technology. 

While HEPA filters can be used to reduce the number of pollutants in the air, it is actually not very effective. The filter catches and holds bacteria, viruses and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) making the removal of filters difficult, and the air has to pass through the filter first before it is cleaned. 

On top of that, HEPA air filters need replacement at some point. This is for the sake of ensuring you are getting a high level of air cleaning. As the filters collect particles like pet dander, mould spores, pollen, and other airborne allergens, the airflow resistance will increase. This results in less airflow through the filter and lower air cleaning performance. If the filter is clogged it will have a difficult time moving the air to clean your space.

So, why should you trade the traditional HEPA filters for cold plasma? Well, learning the mechanics alone hints that HEPA filters are not exactly ideal for long-term use, and their upkeep requires more energy and money. Although there is no expiration date set on HEPA filters, a recent study has suggested that they can lose a quarter of their efficiency in the space of 6 months.

The science behind cold plasma technology

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Image: Screenshot from White Umbrella

Now, onto the science and mechanics behind our cold plasma air purifiers or plasma air technology. It may sound hard to grasp in theory, but we have broken it down into much simpler terms so you know exactly what you’re signing up for and how it works (in the event that you do).

Unfiltered air which goes through cold plasma produces both positive and negative ions. As these ions have a similar chemical makeup to water, this allows them to separate and merge around the harmful particles that are present within your living space or workplace. 

The positive ions then latch onto the viruses and bacteria in the air before breaking the toxins’ molecular structure. In other words, the ions virtually scrub the air clean. The added electrons and bonded leftover particles also become larger in size, making them much easier for your air filter to catch. 

Simply put, a cold plasma air purifier, like the ones available at White Umbrella, causes an atmospheric disruption in the air that causes the air to be its own filter. In even simpler terms, your lungs will be filled with healthy, clean air all year round!

A case for cold plasma technology: More reasons to adopt it

Have you ever felt invigorated, awake and alert while walking on a mountain trail or strolling on the beach? This happens because the air in natural environments like these contains high amounts of ions (negative ions, in specific, whereas the city or concrete jungle is filled with positive ions). 

Small ion count at various locations

With cold plasma air technology, you and those dear to you will be able to experience that at home, at the office or wherever you are – no venturing off to the high mountains or sunny seasides required. 

But convenience aside, here are more reasons to invest in cold plasma air purifiers:

1. Destroy coronavirus and other harmful viruses and bacteria

Products powered with cold plasma technology eliminate 99.99% of airborne viruses and bacteria such as HCoV (coronavirus), H1N1, and E.Coli. On top of this, our cold plasma air sterilisers also prevent mould and remove harmful organic particles and pollutants.

2. Enjoy an improved quality of life for you and your loved ones

Contaminated air can cause illnesses, allergies and asthma flare-ups. Better air quality can tremendously improve not only your quality of life but that of those around you. People who suffer from asthma, allergies, or those concerned for their family’s health, have found they can improve indoor air quality with cold plasma air purifiers.

3. Practice an eco-friendly and cost-effective lifestyle 

The benefits of cold plasma-powered products don’t just stop at providing safer, cleaner air for you. Our cold plasma air purifiers are also environmentally friendly as they are designed to consume 30% less energy compared to other air purifiers. This, in turn, reduces energy costs. 

4. Feel more energised

Negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood-boosting chemical serotonin. This helps to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost daytime energy. To put it simply, our cold plasma air purifiers will literally make you happy!

Cold plasma air purifiers for your lifestyle

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Image: Screenshot from White Umbrella

Since cold plasma is the clear winner when it comes to cleaning and purifying the air around you, does this mean you have to splurge to get a special air purifier equipped with cold plasma technology now? Not at all and not necessarily. 

There are some steps you can take to ensure that you’re breathing better and healthier air at home, on the go or at the office as soon as you can, all thanks to the innovative products brought to you by White Umbrella

Here are some solutions and suggestions for you to consider:

For the home

You can start simple and slow as long as your home is equipped with air-conditioners by supercharging them with our cutting-edge PureAir Cold Plasma Ionisers, which will enhance your air-conditioner’s air sterilising and purifying capabilities. 

For long drives or when you’re on the move

If you’re constantly on the go, there’s a cold plasma air purifier solution for you too. A good example of this is our Flesta Portable 300T1, a small lightweight flask specially designed for car interiors and other small spaces. 

With just a simple touch of a button, this portable air steriliser decomposes and eliminates all harmful airborne particles, such as viruses, HVOCs and bacteria, as well as smoke and odours within the vicinity. Its ultra-quiet design also ensures you have the ultimate peace of mind – so yes, this means you can take it with you during those long drives in the city!

For the workplace

Buildings like schools, hospitals, and office buildings require large HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to control the temperature. Unfortunately, the air handlers that are controlling the temperature can also act as the vehicle or the source that not only transports all types of indoor pollutants but also attract them. 

HVAC systems are equipped with filters, and the filters will create a small reduction in air pollution. However, the type of filter that would actually be able to reduce indoor air pollutants to a manageable level is a HEPA filter.

As you may know by now, HEPA filters are much too dense to allow the amount of airflow that a central air unit needs to run properly. HEPA filters, as mentioned previously, would also require multiple replacements to work properly. 

This may add extra strain to the unit, causing more mechanical breakdowns and the need for repairs – in other words, cost efficiency is definitely out the window, especially if you’re in charge of large buildings and want to minimise spending altogether.

A smart and sound solution to this problem is to install cold plasma air purifiers such as our PureAir+ Cold Plasma Ions System into the ductwork of the HVAC system.

The cost of running our air purifiers is very little and they will add zero extra strain to the HVAC unit itself. With cold plasma technology, our PureAir+ can sterilise indoor areas quickly and effectively, while destroying airborne viruses, mould and bacteria.

What’s more, is that the cold plasma air purification process will also eliminate any mould and mould spore production coming from the condensers and drip pans within the unit, and effectively capture any outdoor pollutants that are circulated throughout the vent.

These three solutions only scratch the surface of our range of products at White Umbrella, so be sure to reach out to us if you have further questions regarding other products and innovations.

Breathe cleaner, fresher and better air with White Umbrella

Most people spend 90% of their time in an indoor setting, so this means that they are prone to inhaling harmful contaminants that could put their health at risk. Hence, improving the quality of the air indoors should be a top priority for everybody. 

As one of the leading technology development companies that introduced the life-changing cold plasma technology to the region, White Umbrella believes that everyone deserves to breathe clean air and provides powerful, innovative products that can help make people’s live’s happier, healthier and more comfortable. 

If you’re looking for the right cold plasma technology to eradicate VOCs, allergens, mould, viruses or bacteria and improve the quality of air in your home and office, our team at White Umbrella will be more than happy to help you find the best solution to suit your concerns, budget and lifestyle. 

Head to the White Umbrella site today for more information, or contact us to schedule a consultation.