Electronic air cleaners like ionic
air purifiers basically utilize three different
technologies to clean the air. These types of air
purifiers attempt to charge particles and then deposit
them on metal plates or on the floor. Ionic air
purifiers can be very effective when used in combination
with other air cleaning technologies.Here is a
rundown of the three types of ionic air purifiers:
Electrostatic Precipitator
This type of ionic air purifier works by charging
particles with a negative charge as they come into the
purifier. Positively charged metal plates are also
present in the unit. The newly charged particles
are then "attracted" to the oppositely charged plates
where they are trapped. The metal plates must be
cleaned often in order to remove the particles.
Negative Ionizer
Ionic air purifiers that use this technology emit
negative ions that seek out and "ground" positively
charged particles such as dust, smoke, and fumes.
The particles, once charged, then stick to furniture and
the floor. They must be removed by vacuuming or
else they are re-introduced into the air through
movement.
Media-Charged Filter
This type of ionic air purifier makes use of a
charged filter that collects particles by being
oppositely charged to the ionized particles. It is
similar to a HEPA filter but will begin to lose its
efficiency must quicker and will need to be changed much
more often.
Be sure to keep in mind that ionic air purifiers will
produce ozone, which generally has a sweet, unpleasant
smell. Of the three, the electrostatic
precipitator and media-charged filter will produce the
lowest levels of ozone.
Recommendations
If you are thinking of purchasing an ionic air
purifier, we would recommend buying one that uses either
the electrostatic precipitator or the media-charged
filter. The negative ionizer will not be as
effective because it just causes the particles to stick
to everything in your room. Eventually, if they
are not "picked up" they will get re-circulated.
All in all, ionic air purifiers are effective in
removing all size particles from the air, neutralizing
viruses, bacteria, smoke, and fumes, and circulating
throughout the room.
To find air purifiers that utilize this technology
effectively, review our list of the
best air purifiers
on the market today.
