Using Ionic Air Purifiers for your Home
Using an ionic air purifier in your home can remove most airborne particles such as smoke, dust, pet dander, mold, and pollen. Ionic air purifiers are one of the many different types of air purifiers to consider when making an investment. Researching the different types of air purification systems is arguably the most important step in the air purifier buying process. This step is important because each type of air purifier uses its own distinctive technology to combat air quality issues. Ionic air purifiers, for example, use electrostatic technology to reduce cigarette smoke, pet dander, mold, mildew, bacteria, and allergens.
Common benefits of ionic air purifiers
- Effectively reduce smoke, pet dander, dust, bacteria, germs, mold, and allergens
- Make the air in the room healthier to breathe
- Help improve allergies, asthma and other breathing problems
Some of the most effective air purifiers use ionizers to increase cleaning efficiency.
How Does an Ionic Air Purifier Work?
Ionic air purifiers clean the air through the use of electrostatic precipitators. These precipitators are armed with positively and negatively charged plates that add charges to oxygen ions as they flow through the purifier. After acquiring a charge, negative oxygen ions are generated and released back into the air. These ions subsequently bind to other particles such as dust, mold, allergens, and pet dander.
Air contaminates in the room essentially become magnetic as they acquire a charge. This process can be beneficial for trapping air particles, as they will become easier to capture when flowing back through the air purifier a second time. Although the particles become easier to capture, they also become weighted down as they group together. The weighted down contaminants can subsequently fall to the ground or attach to home surfaces such as walls, tables, and screens.
While the weighted down air pollutants fall to the ground instead of being inhaled, they can create dirty surfaces. Due to this occurrence, it is important to consistently vacuum, sweep, and dust when using an air purifier of this type.
Are Ionic Air Purifiers Safe?
The process of ionization is effective at reducing air pollutants, but can be harmful to human lungs if not used correctly. If an ionic air purifier is being used while people are in the room, it is inevitable that they will inhale the electrostatic charged particles. Studies have shown that inhaling these particles can negatively effect human lungs. Additionally, ionized air can create ozone, which can have further damaging effects on human lungs and can cause breathing related issues.
Do to the risks associated with ionic air purifiers; they should not be used while people are in the room. It is best to use these air purifiers to clean and purify the air while away, then turn them off while at home.
Best Uses for Ionic Air Purifiers
Through the use of charged particles, ionic air purifiers effectively reduce cigarette and wildfire smoke, pet dander, dust, mold, mildew, bacteria, and allergens. These air purifiers can also positively impact breathing problems such as asthma and emphysema.
When used correctly, ionic air purifiers can leave your air cleaner, fresher, and healthier.
Looking to learn about HEPA technology? We talk about HEPA technology for air purifier filters here. If you are looking for an air purifier you can find them here: air purifiers.
Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.