Simply put, ionizers help with particles that make us sick, such as viruses and bacteria, while air filters help with particles that make us sneeze, such as dust and pollen. In general terms, air purifiers and ionizers perform the same function: to clean the air and to eliminate allergens and contaminants. Both can remove particles that measure a thousand times less than a millimeter, but the way they do it is very different. Air purifiers equipped with specialized filters permanently remove odors and contaminants from indoor air by trapping them as air flows through the filters.
The air purifiers then release cleaner air to the living room using a fan. On the other hand, by means of electrical charging, air ionizers temporarily reposition some air contaminants on surfaces. Using an air purifier in the home has no negative health consequences. Conversely, air ionizers can produce ozone and other toxic gases, all of which are harmful to humans and pets. Because they remove a much narrower range of particles, air ionizers may not be as effective at eliminating triggers for allergies and asthma.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been installing ionizers in offices and restaurants. We conducted a study on air purifiers to eliminate viruses and bacteria and classified them according to their ability to remove them from the air. For this reason, it is important to weigh the positive impact that an ionizer can have on the level of particles in the air against any harm it can cause to health by producing ozone. For example, Honeywell's Air Touch S8 air purifier can cover up to 452 square feet, which is more than enough for larger rooms. The maintenance costs of passive air purifiers include the periodic replacement of HEPA and activated carbon filters, while active air purifiers usually do not involve any maintenance costs other than regular maintenance. As air flows over the precipitation plates due to an ionic wind moving in one direction, air contaminants are charged and deposited on the plates.
A HEPA air purifier uses a fan to suck up ambient air and pass it through a series of air filters. Air ionizers perform a similar task, except that they purify the air in the room by creating negative ions that attach to allergens, which are positively charged, helping the impurities to settle in the soil. Ionizers produce electrically charged particles that attract and attach to medium-sized air contaminants, such as some bacteria, dust and mold. While air purifiers remove particles from the circulation by trapping them, ionizers simply make them heavy enough to fall to the ground, meaning they still need to be cleaned and, in addition, they can easily be disturbed and reintroduced into the air. Many of these particles are known irritants that can aggravate allergies and asthma, but they can be removed from the air with an air purifier.
When it comes to choosing between an air purifier or an ionizer, it is important to consider your needs. If you are looking for a device that will help you reduce allergens or pollutants in your home or office environment then an air purifier is probably your best option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a device that will help you reduce odors or smoke then an ionizer may be more suitable for your needs. It is also important to consider how often you will need to replace filters or clean your device.
Air purifiers require regular filter changes while ionizers require less maintenance but may not be as effective at eliminating allergens or pollutants from your environment.
