The products presented are selected independently by our editorial team and we can earn a commission for purchases made on our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
For years, air fresheners have been seen as a “nice to have” addition to the home, but not really an essential device, unless you live in smoky environments or maybe you are prone to allergies. But Covid’s rise changed all that, and air purifiers quickly became a must-have when it comes to keeping the air in your space clean and virus-free.
The best brands of air purifiers have doubled their technology in recent months too, with powerful units that can now capture and destroy harmful bacteria, including, say some brands, the Covid-19 virus.
One such brand is EnviroKlenz, whose Air System Plus Air Purifier is considered 99.9% effective in helping to ward off viruses. Using a premium HEPA filtration system, germicidal UVC rays and “advanced chemical technology” (more on that later), EnviroKlenz says his tests have shown that his medium-sized air purifier can essentially filter out pathogens that are about 1/4 the size of the SARS-CoV-2 virus – also known as the virus that causes Covid-19.
EnviroKlenz
“When EnviroKlenz decided to order third-party tests, we did so under the guidance of the FDA on what they consider a replacement or more challenging virus to remove phi-X174 – a virus about ¼ the size of Covid-19 and particles from the Influenza ”, explains George Negron, VP of Customer Relations and Operations at EnviroKlenz. “Our third-party tests showed 99.9% removal in less than two hours.”
In addition to the phi-X174 virus (which the FDA essentially dubbed Covid’s “replacement virus”), EnviroKlenz says the tests were also conducted against Staphylococcus epidermidis (bacteria) and E. coli (bacteria), with 99.9% results reduction rate for all three pathogens. EnviroKlenz says its air purifier was also able to effectively capture and filter droplets in the air, which is how the Covid-19 virus is usually transmitted.
We tested the EnviroKlenz Air System Plus in our home (about 2,000 square feet) and it made a noticeable difference in air quality. The air seemed less stagnant and stuffy, and our allergies also improved (we have a cat, and the air purifier was able to effectively capture and reduce allergies and animal hair, so that our throat became less dry and our eyes less watery).
The air purifier works using a state-of-the-art HEPA filter, which is a “high-efficiency particulate air” filter. Essentially, it is a superfine mesh filter that captures and retains dust, pollen, mold and other potentially harmful particles in the air. The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier also has a military-grade air cartridge, which the company says works to remove and destroy toxic and harmful odors, chemicals and pathogens. The company’s “NanoActive” technology neutralizes chemicals and odors, breaking down harmful chemicals until they become inactive. EnviroKlenz says that this technology “has been tested and certified for a wide range of chemical pollution mitigation, including highly toxic chemical warfare agents”.
What really sets Air System Plus apart from other air purifiers on the market, however, is the use of two nine-watt bulbs, which use the power of UV-C light for additional germ-killing power. EnviroKlenz says that its UV-C system also helps to clean the system internally.
EnviroKlenz
The industrial looking unit is not as attractive as some of the other top air purifiers on the market, but it was smaller and less intrusive than it looked in the photos, easily accommodating in the corner of our living room. The four-speed blower was also surprisingly quiet, and even at the highest speed settings, the air purifier was noisier than an electric fan. Everything is set up in minutes and the front control panel is super easy to use and monitor.
Of course, there is no guarantee that Air System Plus can completely eliminate the coronavirus, but it definitely helped with peace of mind to keep the unit on while we were at home.
Negron says EnviroKlenz’s sales increase “almost 400% year after year” as people across the country look for ways to keep their homes safe, preventing the spread of the coronavirus. “The CDC and EPA claim that the use of an air purifier is designed to reduce the risk of airborne transmission,” he says. “While I cannot guarantee that you will not receive Covid-19, it I can however, providing air exchange that can help to significantly reduce the risk of airborne viral particles and transmission in an enclosed airspace. “
EnviroKlenz
And while Covid’s fears continue to dominate the discussion today, Negron says there is a long-term benefit to having an air purifier. post-pandemic also, as a way for people to control their indoor air environment.
“I believe that the impulse to buy air purifiers was more of an intensified awareness or – if I can – a hyperconsciousness of all the terrible things that can fly, ”says Negron. “We pay close attention to what is in our water, the food we eat, but we never really think about what could potentially be in the air. The pandemic has shown us that it is better to be prepared now for any of the unknowns ”.
“I believe that a big misconception is that people think they should only operate an air system if there is a negative threat that leads to poor air quality (that is, fire smoke or mold mitigation),” he continues. “Air systems must work routinely to help filter and supply clean air. We should see and treat our indoor air routinely, just as we take vitamins, and [use it as] a proactive measure to help our immune system and not wait until we get sick. “