The Science Behind Air Purifier Filters

Air purifiers have become essentials in the modern household. People want to relax at home, comforted by the knowledge that, no matter what’s going on outside, their personal air supply is clean.  

So how do they work? 

Let’s take a deep dive into the filtration system and how each layer helps protect your home’s air quality. 

What Do Pre-Filters Do? 

Pre-filters are the first layer of defense and made with a variety of materials, including nylon, material containing activated carbon, and fine woven fabric. They catch large airborne particles, such as: 

•  Hair 
• Pet fur 
• Fibers 
• Lint 

Pre-filters help protect and extend the life of the main filter, since main filters are made to trap exceptionally fine allergens and would quickly get clogged or damaged by these larger particles.  

What Do Main Filters Do? 

• Fine dust 
• Pollen 
• Pet dander 
• Smoke particles 
• Mold spores 
• Certain bacteria and viruses 

The main filters are typically made of fiberglass or plastic polypropylene. These materials are ideal for catching and trapping those tiny contaminants you don’t want to breathe.  

What Do Activated Carbon Filters Do? 

• Smoke 
• Household & pet odors 
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 
• Fumes 
• Formaldehyde  
• Benzene 
• Ammonia 
• Hydrogen sulfide 

This carbon typically comes from burnt coconut shell, which has been put into a mesh filter. An activated carbon filter is classified as “high-efficiency" based on the weight of the carbon. The more carbon and the heavier the filter is, the better the filtration and the longer the filter will last. This filter could be especially useful for those in areas with lots of car exhaust fumes, wildfire smoke, and other kinds of airborne pollution. 
 
Levoit’s exclusive ARC Formula® is a treatment for our Custom High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filters. It is especially helpful for pet and cooking odors, chemically decomposing molecules trapped within the filter to prevent oversaturation and secondhand pollution. 

Levoit’s Specialized Replacement Filters 

Every home is unique, and so are the pollutants they may face. For several of Levoit’s air purifiers, such as the Levoit Vital 200S, custom filter replacements are available to help you tackle specific air quality issues.