Air purifiers and ionizers are both used to clean the air by eliminating allergens and pollutants. But do air ionizers really work? The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. Ion generators are often used to remove small particles, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from the air. However, they are not effective in reducing VOCs and can even be considered indoor pollutants that can cause health problems.
Ionizers produce ozone when negative ions electrically charge airborne particles. Air purifiers and ionizers both serve the same purpose: to clean the air by eliminating allergens and pollutants. They can both remove particles that measure a thousand times less than a millimeter, but they do so in different ways. When considering whether ionic air purifiers work better than other alternatives, the answer is no.
We recommend using a mechanical air purifier with a Honeywell HEPA (High Energy Particulate Air) filter. These filters have been proven to capture and remove at least 99.7 percent of all particulates, both large and small, from indoor air. The HEPA filter is especially recommended if you have mold or other hazardous substances in your home. Additionally, Honeywell air purifiers contain activated carbon pre-filters that help eliminate odors from the air. Yes, air purifiers work, but with some caveats.
Ionizers use electrostatically charged plates that produce negatively charged ions. These ions attach to small airborne particles, such as cigarette smoke and other toxins, as they move through the air. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been installing ionizers in offices and restaurants. Bipolar ionization (also known as bipolar needle-tip ionization) is an air purification technology that disperses positively and negatively charged ions in a space. This is usually administered through a ducted air conditioning system. In conclusion, while air ionizers may be effective at removing some airborne particles from the air, they are not as effective as mechanical air purifiers with HEPA filters.
Additionally, they can produce ozone which can be harmful to your health. Therefore, it is best to use mechanical air purifiers with HEPA filters for optimal air quality.