| Keywords |
PM2.5; Removals; Mechanical air cleaner; Residential environment; Indoor air quality |
| Abstract |
In this study, we conducted full-scale experiments to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical air cleaners in removing indoor PM2.5. The experimental subject had excellent airtight performance (1.32 ACH50).
By using three different air cleaners with an application area of 38 m2, the indoor PM2.5 concentrations decreased immediately. It took between 42 and 67 minutes to meet the national criteria, and the removal rates were above 90% within 70 minutes. The removal effects increased proportionally with the size of the application area. However, the results for EH-C-1~3 have not yet been fully validated in this study; therefore, further research is required. Air cleaners with an application area of 38 m2 can efficiently reduce high levels of PM2.5 to below 50 μg/m³ in a bedroom in just 15 minutes of operation. It has been revealed that air cleaners can be a valuable tool for managing indoor PM2.5 in environments where complex activities occur, such as studio apartments. When the bathroom exhaust fan is used in conjunction with an air cleaner, it can enhance the efficiency of eliminating pollutants. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of air cleaners in controlling PM2.5 concentration based on various factors, such as airtightness performance, application area, and occupancy activities. |