HEPA Vs. Ionic Air Purifiers

HEPA Technology

• HEPA filters were originally developed for the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1950s as a way to remove radioactive particles from a room. These filters work as a maze of folded fibers through which particles attempt to pass. This structure makes it virtually impossible for undesirable or harmful agents to move through the filter as they twist and turn and sometimes collide with other particles to find a way out. Particles end up sticking to filter fibers, which have a paper-like structure on one side and are made of polymer on the other.

Ionic Technology

• Ionic air purifiers use a stream of negatively charged ions, which is a molecule with an extra electron attached to it, to trap undesirable air particles. The negatively charged ions, in effect, take particles out of the air by making them stick to the next thing they touch, which can be furniture, walls, clothing, or anything else in the room in which the purifier is located. Therefore, the particles are not actually taken out of the environment. This technology should not be confused with ionic breeze air purifiers which use electrically charged metal plates to catch particles in air that is forced through an air purifier.

Pros and Cons

• HEPA air purifiers are the choice for allergy sufferers because they are more efficient at trapping particles that are .3 microns or larger in size such molds, pollen, and other allergens. In addition, because of filters inside these machines, once particles enter, they are trapped and not released into environment. They do not remove chemical fumes or cigarette smoke and are considered inefficient at removing undesirable odors from the air.

  Ionic machines can remove very fine particles from almost anywhere in a room, making them suitable for large spaces. These appliances are commonly used in commercial applications such as chicken coops to keep dust at a manageable level. Ionic machines are quieter and less expensive to maintain. Like HEPA machines, they are not able to effectively remove odors. In addition, they don't kill germs but are able to remove them from ambient air.

Hybrids

• Because of the superior trapping ability of HEPA filters, some newer air purifiers use a combination of ionic and HEPA technologies to provide even better air filtration. The accordion-like construction of HEPA filters, however, leaves them prone to clogging. Thus, even with additional ionic technology, they must be changed regularly to maintain proper filtration.

Efficiency

• Overall, HEPA air cleaners are considered to be more efficient at removing undesirable particles from the air. According to Airpurifiers.com, HEPA machines remove an average of 99.97% of airborne particles, while ionic machines are 95% efficient.