"Catch Yellow Dust and Fine Dust"... 'HEPA Filter' Clean Air Appliances Gain Popularity

Various Home Appliances Including Vacuum Cleaners and Air Conditioners with HEPA Filters Released One After Another

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic continues and springtime fine dust intensifies, interest in air-purifying home appliances is growing. Recently, a variety of products have been released that add filter functions to vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, and clothing care devices, enabling them to also serve as air purifiers.

According to the industry on the 28th, as interest in indoor air quality rises, air-purifying appliances equipped with various filters are emerging as a trend. Consequently, consumers are also paying attention to the performance of filters, which determine the effectiveness of air purification. The recently spotlighted “HEPA filter” is known as a high-performance filter that captures 99.97% of particles sized 0.3 micrometers (㎛). HEPA filters have been confirmed to effectively trap harmful substances such as dust, viruses, and bacteria, as well as droplets (approximately 5㎛) and aerosols (approximately 1㎛), which are well-known carriers of COVID-19.

According to a recent study published by a research team from South Ural State University in Russia in the internationally recognized dental journal 'Journal of Dental Research (JDR)', dental clinics?known to be highly vulnerable to COVID-19?using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters showed significantly lower COVID-19 antibody positivity rates compared to those without such devices.

In response, the home appliance industry is releasing products equipped with HEPA filters not only in air purifiers but also in vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, and clothing care devices.

Kirby Avalir 2 ECO. Photo by Kirby

With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic making indoor stays a daily routine, the Kirby ‘Avalir 2 ECO’ stands out for consumers concerned about the indoor infiltration of fine dust and harmful viruses. This product features a robust filtering system with a 7.6L HEPA filter rated EN1822 class 11, consisting of six layers, plus two layers of fabric bags, totaling eight layers of sturdy filtration in the dust bag.

The HEPA filter’s dense microfibrous structure is so fine that not even water can pass through a single layer, safely filtering 99.99% of indoor ultrafine dust, house dust mites, as well as pollen·bacteria·and mold spores. Therefore, cleaning alone helps improve indoor air quality.

A Kirby representative explained, "Especially when replaced with the air purification suction guard, it can function as an air purifier, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both a vacuum cleaner and an air purifier. Additionally, using the various tools provided with the product purchase enables cleaning in hidden areas throughout the home."

Carrier 'Aero 18-step Air Conditioner'. Photo by Carrier Air Conditioner

Air conditioners have also joined the ranks of air-purifying appliances. Carrier Air Conditioner recently launched the ‘Aero 18-step Air Conditioner,’ a multifunctional product that not only performs the basic functions of an air conditioner but also suppresses viruses and harmful bacteria while purifying the air. Virus reduction, sterilization, and disinfection functions are applied at every stage of airflow.

Moreover, it provides optimal indoor air quality throughout all four seasons, offering personalized cooling with 18 levels of wind strength and 30 wind combinations (based on cooling mode). Notably, it uses an ifD electronic HEPA filter that removes fine dust and reduces airborne viruses by 97.7%.

A Carrier Air Conditioner representative stated, "The internal air of the product is purified with a UV-LED dual sterilization function capable of killing 99.9% of viruses," adding, "It is the only product in Korea that sterilizes both the ‘heat exchanger’ and the ‘fan,’ through which air passes, thereby enhancing its purification capabilities."

Samsung Electronics 'Bespoke AirDresser'. Photo by Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics’ ‘Samsung Bespoke AirDresser’ has added a ‘sterilization option’ that can remove 99.9% of viruses such as influenza, adenovirus, and herpes, as well as harmful bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, considering consumers’ growing interest in hygiene and health. Additionally, the number of drying courses has increased from two to nine, allowing delicate, customized drying for various types of clothing such as shirts, blouses, outdoor wear, and swimwear, Samsung Electronics explained.

An industry insider commented, "Recently, high concentrations of fine dust and yellow dust have again swept across the Korean Peninsula during spring, and with people spending more time indoors due to COVID-19, consumer interest in air quality is gradually increasing." They analyzed, "It is expected that various home appliances equipped with purification functions and filters that meet customers’ needs for health and indoor environment will be released throughout this year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.