Air Purifier Vs. Ionizer

Purifier

• The traditional, filter air purifier uses a microfilter to remove air particles. This filter is a physical obstruction made of cloth or some other material that allows air to pass through, but not airborne particles. The most effective version is the HEPA filter, which removes nearly all particulates from the air.

  An air ionizer also tries to remove dust from the air, but it uses a different method. An ionizer creates an electric impulse which it broadcasts into the air. This impulse briefly charges nearby particles. The system uses metal plates or other surfaces to attract these particles, forcing them to become attached as they pass through. The user then cleans the plates to remove the dirt.

Costs

• Purifier and ionizer costs remain relatively equal. In 2010, purifiers tended to cost around $200, but prices could go up to $600 or more. Ionizers followed the same trend, although the most expensive ionizers tended to be manufactured in as a supplement within filter-based purifiers. For air purifers, filters need to be changed regularly, representing an ongoing, additional cost, but ionizers do not use filters and rarely need their metal plates completely replaced.

Efficiency

• Traditional air purifiers are almost always clean the air more efficiently than ionizers. The technology they use is years old and researchers have proven its effectiveness. While charging the air does help remove a certain number of particles, other particles escape and continue to float on. With an efficient filter like a HEPA, purifier efficiency is extremely high, and even ionizers sometimes use a traditional microfilter in addition to electrostatic treatment.

Safety

• Ionizers send an electrical charge throughout all particles in the air, including the air itself. This charge ionizes oxygen particles too, creating ozone. Ozone is a gas that is sometimes used for purification, but it is extremely corrosive and should not be inhaled by people in any amount. Even in low levels, ozone irritates the lungs and can make asthma and similar conditions worse. While the ozone cannot be filtered out by normal air purifiers, using ionizers deep within vents may lessen any related problems. Overall, ionizers are more dangerous than simple filter-based air purifiers, which are not hazardous to people.

Maintenance

• While washing an ionizer plate instead of replacing it is convenient and easy on the wallet, there is more than one type of ionizer. Some types broadcast a far-reaching signal to dust particles, charging them where they are and causing them to stick to nearby surfaces. As a result, homeowners may find they have dirty walls, particularly near vents, that require extra cleaning. Homeowners must replace air purifier filters when they become clogged, typically a few weeks to several months (costs vary but in 2010, $50 to $100 was a typical range), and there are no issues with dirt bonding to walls.