Ionic Air Purifiers
Ionic Air Purifiers contain an electrically charged plate to produce negative gas ions that charge airborne particles like pollen, dust, smoke and pet dander. These particles in turn become attracted to room surfaces thus removing the harmful particles from the air. However, movement in the room may stir the particles and return them to the air. To combat this problem many Ionic air purifiers include positively charged plates to attract and contain the contaminants.
Ionic Air Purifiers don't work on odors, but they can remove very small pollutants from large spaces. To increase efficiency, some ionic air purifiers are built with a small fan to increase airflow and remove contaminants at a faster rate.
Ionic Air Purifiers are quiet or silent thus making them excellent bedroom companions.
Ionic Air Purifiers are generally cheaper than other air purifier types and use very little electricity – some units profess to use only 10 watts. There are typically no filters to change and maintenance involves periodic cleaning of the blades with a cloth. An Ionic Air Purifier will pay for itself quickly when compared to the extra cost of electricity and filters required for other purifier types.
Strengths
- Removes particles down to 0.01 microns
- Simple and cheap to maintain
- Little or no noise
- Ions can circulate throughout the room and remove particles from all corners.
- Effective on dust, smoke, bacteria and some chemical fumes.
Weaknesses
- Does not capture most of the airborne particles which tend to settle or cling to furniture.
- No effect on odors
- Does not kill the bacteria collected.
- Ineffective on many chemicals.
