Using an air purifier in a child day care center is a great way to remove airborne germs and pollutants that can cause wide spread health issues because so many children are in such close proximity to one another. Here are 6 features to choose to insure that your purifier is effective and efficient.
Durable-If an air purifier is to last around little ones, it needs to be tough as nails to avoid damage or injury to the children while they engage in their normal daily activities such as running, jumping, free play, and yeah, pushing. An air purifier that has rounded ages with all of the parts well enclosed in steel housing is a perfect choice. Opt for a lead-free powder coated finish that can be wiped down with a damp cloth to look like new after spills of juice, paint, or both.
Variable Air Flow-Choose a filter that lets you control how fast you can filter the air. Being able to control the speed makes you able to deal with life when it happens. Having at least 3 speeds allows you to increase the speed to filter out smoke from an accident in the oven, or germs when children are coughing a lot, or any other unexpected event that makes it necessary to filter the air more quickly than normal. And being able to leave it on medium or low overnight (depending on what’s gone on during the day) means you and your children walk in to fresh, clean air every morning.
Numerous Placement Options-Be sure that the air cleaner you choose can be placed where you need it to be as opposed to having to be placed in the center of the room. Don’t laugh, there are some air purifiers out there that require placement in the center of the room. Read the fine print to make sure that you can place it high, low, and/or can be placed as close as 6 inches from the wall. Holding out for this feature makes the room safer for the children and gives you maximum use of your space.
Heavy-Duty Warranty-Make sure you have a warranty of 5 years. This means that any repairs will be done by the manufacturer, and it also lets you know that the company stands behind their product. This is an indication that the product does work, and needs few repairs; otherwise the manufacturer couldn’t stay in business.
Infrequent Filter Changes-Look for a filter that last 5 years. A child day care center is busy enough without having to take time from the children for frequent filter cleaning, changing, spraying and recharging. Not to mention that if you change the filter frequently your purifier is off rather than on and working to filter your air. Choosing a cleaner with a 5 year filter life, and a 10 minute changing proceeding means your purifier is up and running the maximum time possible.
Quiet Operation-It can get pretty noisy when children are at play, but when you ask for quiet, you want your voice to be what they hear rather than the air purifier. Choose one that is quiet but is still able to be effective to create the best atmosphere for you, your staff, and the children.