Whether you have respiratory problems or you’re just looking to improve your indoor air quality, you may be considering purchasing an ionizer or air cleaner. However, it’s important to be careful and do your research before selecting one, or else you could end up cause more harm than good.
What Is the Difference Between an Ionizer and an Air Cleaner?
An ionizer is an air purifier that sanitizes the air by emitting negative ions, whereas an air cleaner filters the air. Simply put, ionizers help with particles that make us sick, like viruses and bacteria and air cleaners help with particles that make us sneeze like dust and pollen.
How Do Air Cleaners Work?
Air cleaners filter the air, collecting dander, dust, dead skin, and other large particles. Their performance is measured by a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate). However, CADR doesn’t test for smaller particles including mold, milder, VOCs, viruses, cigarette smoke, and chemicals. CADR only tests for larger particles.
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- Reduces Allergens
- Kills Viruses, Bacteria & Other Pathogens
- Low Maintenance
The Pros of Air Cleaners
- Effective in removing large particles including dust and pet dander
- Helps reduce asthma attacks
The Cons of Air Cleaners
- Many air cleaners have a loud fan
- Filters are often expensive to replace
- Many air cleaners don’t address the negative ion issue
How Do Ionizers Work?
Ionizers attract positive ion particles by emitting negative ions to help neutralize the air. Charged particles are then collected onto plates inside of the ionizer device.
The Pros of Ionizers
- No need to replace filters
- Effective in removing odors and outside pollutants as small as .01 microns
The Cons of Ionizers
- Ionizers create low levels of ozone
- Some ionizers can produce a foul smell
- Not effective in removing dander, pollen, dust, dirt, and other large particles
- It likely won’t neutralize all particles, especially those on surfaces
- Some ionizers (without collection plates) will leave dirty particles on your surfaces
Ionizers vs. Cleaners
So what is the best way to improve your indoor air quality? The easiest, most cost-effective way to improve your air quality should be with an HVAC air cleaner rather than a standalone unit. HVAC air cleaners are installed in your ductwork and circulated throughout your home or business. They are highly effective in removing mold, viruses, bacteria, dust, and other particles in the air. To learn more and receive a free estimate, give us a call today. We proudly serve the Clark County WA area.
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Pros and Cons of Ionizers and Air Cleaners in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
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