Both HEPA and ionic air purifiers are designed to serve the same purpose; to improve air quality indoors. Their design methodologies are different from one another considering the approach they employ. This article will outline the differences between the two by studying the advantages and disadvantages of the above-mentioned types.
Ionic Air Purifier
This type has an ionizer that is integrated with the negative ion generator. The negatively ionized generator produces a stream of negatively charged ions meant to attract the positive allergens and dust particles in the air. Thus, it will affect their ability to flow and thus eradicated from the air entering the house. Since the dust particles acquire a positive charge, they find themselves attracted to surfaces like the floor or wall surfaces.
The use of ionic air purifier will have the surfaces near it darkened by dust deposits. However, there are special electrostatic precipitators which are used to attract the ionized dust particles. If these plates are installed, they are required to be regularly cleaned to ensure its viability.
If you are looking for a cheaper way of clearing smoke particles, ionic air purifier is good for you. However, it is not the absolute way to ensure complete eradication of dust and pollen. It also produces ozone as a byproduct which is a concern for your health. This gas can cause lung damage, can initiate asthma attacks and even cause death.
Pros
- Eradicates very fine particles (about 0.01 microns).
- Decontaminate bacteria, smoke, viruses and other toxins.
- They do not produce any noise because they are not made of fans or motors.
Cons
- Produces Ozone as a byproduct which is harmful to health, especially if you have allergies and asthma, claims the testing group behind Consumer Reports.
- Does not remove the odor.
- It works well in the removal of particles from the air, but it does not remove it from the room. The particles deposited on the floor, walls or furniture may be easily launched into the air.
Video: Are Ozone Air Purifiers dangerous or safe?
HEPA Air Purifier
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is an ingenious purification technology that was established during the Second World War. They employed this form of purification to remove radioactive pollutants to protect the soldier’s respiratory systems.
Today, these systems are applied in households to ensure that the occupants are supplied with 99.97% pollutants free air. It has the capability of trapping very minute pollutants (up to 0.3 microns).
HEPA air cleaning systems are the best for patients who have allergic reactions with air pollutants like pollen and dust. Such pollutants with size of about 0.5 microns usually brings about instability in the body’s defense system. Doctors recommend HEPA to their patients because of their reliability in removing contaminants down to the microscopic level.
HEPA can be installed with air filters. It will be in a position to trap small particles (below 0.3 microns) like cigarette smoke, chemicals and toxic fumes.
Pros
- Have high efficiency in the removal of pollen, dust, mold spores, dust mites among other allergens.
- Eradicates bacteria from the air.
- When the solid particles are captured, they are not launched back into the air.
Cons
- Without an additional filter, it does not remove chemicals, fumes and cigarette smoke from the air.
- They are not very effective in capturing microscopic viruses.
- When the installed filter captures the microorganisms, it can help them breed and reproduce thus increasing their population.
According to consumers, the two types of air purifiers differ considering their design methodologies, prices and usability. Majority of the people say that ionic air cleaners are effective as compared to HEPA air purifiers because of their ability to remove contaminants as small as 0.1 microns.
However, HEPA filters are very reliable since their performance is constant as compared to its ionic counterpart whose performance rapidly drops. This is because ionic air purifiers employ magnetism in its operation.
When it comes to health, HEPA air cleaners are dependable. Ionic air purifiers are not good because of the byproduct (Ozone) they release to the environment. Cost is one factor to be considered when getting one. Though HEPA air purifiers can be costly because of the need to replace the filters, it also offer a lot of quality benefits for the health and home.