Air Purification Protocol

Science-Based Approach to Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality significantly impacts health, cognitive function, and sleep quality. Research shows indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air due to:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture, cleaning products, and building materials
Particulate matter (PM2.5) from cooking, candles, and outdoor pollution
Carbon dioxide buildup from inadequate ventilation
Allergens, dust, and biological contaminants

The protocol addresses these issues through multiple filtration strategies.

Room-Level HEPA Filtration

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, including:

Dust and allergens
Pollen and mold spores
Smoke particles
Some bacteria and viruses

The baseline approach uses HEPA air purifiers in every room, particularly bedrooms where you spend 6-8 hours daily.

Oransi EJ120 Hepa Air Purifier - Amazon - High-performance model (discontinued as of January 2022)

Current Models

Mod Air Purifier - Amazon - Updated Oransi model. See EJ120 vs Mod comparison

Budget-Friendly Options

Costco Air Purifiers - Good selection with frequent sales. Winix brand units often available for ~$100 each with smart home integration
Ikea Nightstand Air Purifier - Dual-purpose furniture with built-in HEPA filtration (requires Ikea hub for automation)

Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)

While HEPA filters clean recirculated air, they don't address CO2 buildup or bring in fresh oxygen. ERV systems solve this by continuously exchanging indoor and outdoor air while recovering energy.

How ERV Works

ERV systems use a heat exchanger core to:

Exhaust stale indoor air
Bring in fresh outdoor air
Transfer heat and humidity between airstreams (70-80% efficiency)
Maintain comfortable indoor temperature without energy waste

Benefits of Fresh Air Exchange

Research shows proper ventilation improves:

Cognitive function - Studies link CO2 levels above 1000 ppm to reduced decision-making ability
Sleep quality - Lower CO2 and higher oxygen levels improve sleep architecture
Respiratory health - Dilutes indoor pollutants and VOCs
Humidity control - Prevents mold growth and maintains comfort

ERV vs HRV

ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) - Transfers both heat and moisture, ideal for humid climates
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) - Transfers only heat, better for dry climates

ERV is generally preferred for most climates as it maintains indoor humidity levels.

Installation Considerations

Requires ductwork or can use existing HVAC ducts
Professional installation recommended
Cost: $2,000-$6,000 depending on home size and complexity
Filters need replacement every 6-12 months

Whole House Air Filtration (Premium Option)

For comprehensive air quality control, whole house HEPA systems integrate with HVAC to filter all air throughout the home.

Advantages

Complete coverage - Every room receives filtered air automatically
Higher efficiency - Larger filters with greater surface area
Lower maintenance - Single system vs multiple room units
Quieter operation - No individual unit noise in living spaces
Better aesthetics - No visible units in rooms

System Types

1. HVAC-Integrated HEPA

Installs in existing ductwork
Filters all air passing through HVAC system
Requires professional installation
Cost: $2,000-$5,000

2. Dedicated Whole House Systems

Standalone filtration with separate ductwork
Can include UV-C sterilization
Higher airflow capacity
Cost: $5,000-$15,000

Considerations

Requires adequate HVAC fan power (check static pressure ratings)
May need duct modifications
Filter replacement costs higher but less frequent
Best for new construction or major renovations

Combined Approach

The optimal setup for maximum air quality:

Whole house HEPA - Baseline filtration for all air
ERV system - Fresh air exchange and CO2 control
Room-level purifiers - Additional filtration in high-use areas (bedroom, office)

This layered approach addresses both particulate filtration and fresh air ventilation.

Monitoring Air Quality

Consider using air quality monitors to track:

PM2.5 levels (target: below 10 μg/m³)
CO2 levels (target: below 800 ppm)
VOC levels
Humidity (target: 40-60%)

This data helps optimize filtration and ventilation settings.