What is The Main Difference Between Ionizers and HEPA Air Purifiers?
The difference between an ionic air purifier and a HEPA purifier is that the filters of these cleaners work differently while they clean the air in your room.
An Ionizer purifies the air by electrically charging air molecules. As a result, it can remove tiny particles of dust and dangerous airborne infections. These electrically charged ions also make particles too heavy to float in the air, and that’s why they just collect on the plates or fall down on the floor. It would be a very good idea to use this type of air purifier in the gym, for example.
A HEPA air purifier uses an in-built fan to suck air inside and runs it through the dense filter to trap small parts of dust (contaminants). Its traditional physical filter is simple to understand and is usually considered to be extremely efficient, so people prefer to buy it.
Ionic Air Purifiers Pros
I have explained the capacity and working mechanism of Ionic air purifiers above. Let me show you their positive and negative points to know if these purifiers are worth spending on:
1. Ionic Air Purifiers Do Not Require Filters To Be Replaced
Ionic air purifiers use electrically charged ions to trap particles and are pretty effective at removing allergens, dust, and smoke from indoor air. These purifiers don’t need a filter (because of their working mechanism), which is a significant advantage. Because these purifiers do not require filters, ionic air purifiers are also more low-maintenance than other appliances. If you don’t want to deal with filter maintenance and replacement, investing in an Ionic air purifier is the smartest thing to do.
2. Ionic Air Purifiers Are Compact
One big advantage of ionic air purifiers is their compact size and smart shape. Since these purifiers do not rely on filters or other moving parts, they can be very small and lightweight. This compactness makes Ionic air purifiers ideal for narrow spaces, such as next to a desk or in a small room. Ionic air purifiers are also low-maintenance, which makes them a smart choice for those who want to improve the air quality in their home without making too much of a fuss.
3. These Purifiers Reduce Odor From Indoor Air
Ionic air purifiers can effectively reduce odors from indoor air because the ions generated by the purifier attach to odor molecules, eventually neutralizing them. This feature can be especially helpful in homes with pets, as it can also remove pet odors. Ionic air purifiers can also eliminate other odors, such as cooking odors, musty smells, or smoke. If you’re concerned about your home’s ambiance, these purifiers can help create a fresher and more pleasant indoor environment.
Ionic Air Purifier Cons
Like any other appliance, an Ionic air purifier has some downsides. Here are some points you should understand about ionic air purifiers:
1. Ionic Air Purifiers Are a Bit Louder Than Others
One of the most significant disadvantages is that these devices can be quite loud. This is because an Ionic air purifier relies on a fan to circulate air through the unit. As the air moves past the ionizer, charged particles are attracted to the oppositely charged plate. This collision of particles can create a fair amount of noise; something light sleepers don’t like. If you want your air purifier to operate quietly, an ionic model may not suit you the best. However, if you don’t mind a little background noise, your Ionic air purifier will be your good friend.
2. They Are Not as Effective at Removing Larger Airborne Particles
Ionic air purifiers use electrical charges to attract and remove particles from indoor air. However, this air purifier is not as efficient at removing large particles, i.e., dust and pollen, as its HEPA counterparts. This drawback arises because large airborne particles are not as easily charged as smaller ones. This downside of Ionic air purifiers can be a bit concerning for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. If you suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, get an air purifier specifically designed to remove large particles from the air you breathe in.
With these advantages and disadvantages of both air purifier models in mind, you can make a smart decision and inhale pollutant-free air.
3. Ionic Air Purifiers Produce Ozone
This is by far the biggest disadvantage of ionic air purifiers. The negatively charged plates produce unsafe levels of ozone, which are a danger to one’s health.
HEPA Air Purifier Pros
Here’s what gives a HEPA air purifier an edge over other appliances:
1. HEPA Air Purifiers Are Very Effective at Removing Airborne Particles
HEPA air purifiers remove small airborne particles from indoor air, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. These smart purifiers draw in air and pass it through a filter, ensuring you always inhale clean air. HEPA filters are made of tightly woven fibers that trap small particles, so they don’t spread around. HEPA air purifiers can also improve indoor air quality by reducing the number of allergens and other irritants in the air.
2. HEPA Air Purifiers Are Relatively Quiet
A HEPA air purifier uses a good-quality filter to improve your home’s indoor quality. This feature makes them much more effective than other air purifiers, which mostly remove around 80% of airborne pollutants. HEPA air purifiers are impressively quiet, which makes them a good choice for bedrooms or other spaces where noise levels must be at a minimum. Also, HEPA filters do not emit any Ozone and are a safer option for rooms where people spend extended periods.
3. They Require Little Maintenance
Most people are familiar with the standard air filter you might find in a furnace or air conditioner. These filters trap large airborne particles, such as dust and pollen. However, they are ineffective at removing smaller particles, such as viruses and bacteria. A HEPA air purifier, on the other hand, is designed to remove both large and small particles from the air. As a result, it can provide much cleaner air for your home or office. Best of all, a HEPA air purifier won’t require much maintenance. The filters can last for many months before they need to be replaced, and the unit itself doesn’t require any special care. As long as you keep a HEPA filter clean and dust-free, it should provide years of reliable service.
HEPA Air Purifiers Cons
Now that you understand the good sides of a HEPA air purifier let’s look at the other side to know its cons. So, here goes:
1. Some HEPA Air Purifiers Are Quite Expensive
Sure, a HEPA purifier is excellent for improving your home’s indoor air quality, but you must be aware of its expenses before bringing it home. The main drawback of a HEPA purifier is its price. HEPA purifiers are more expensive than other air purifiers, and they may require frequent filter upkeep sessions (but only if you don’t regularly clean them), which can add to their overall running cost. However, rest assured that a HEPA purifier is worth the investment because of its capabilities.
2. HEPA Air Purifiers May Not Be as Effective at Removing Odors
HEPA air purifiers are always effective at removing pollen, dust, and other allergens from indoor air, but they are not as good at removing odors. This happens because HEPA filters trap large particles, while odors are typically made up of smaller molecules that can easily pass through such purifiers. So if you want an air purifier that will also reduce odors in your home, consider a different purifier, like an Ionic purifier. However, if your main concern is eliminating allergens and dust from your breathing air, a HEPA purifier will suit you well.
FAQs
Why Is It So Important to Choose An Air Purifier Carefully?
There are a lot of people who don’t pay attention to indoor air quality and pureness in their houses.
In most cases, they are sure there is no need to buy purifiers because they don’t have asthma or any type of dust allergies. Some people don’t want to spend their money on an air cleaner because they live in small towns and air quality is quite high here.
However, it’s not true. The adverse effects of dust on the body can cause diseases. For example, it may cause pneumonia, allergies, chronic respiratory diseases, and eye irritation. That’s why doctors from all over the world recommend using air purifiers to minimize the danger.
Related post: How Do You Know if You Have Dust Mites?
What Area Size Can These Air Cleaners Cover?
It is also really important to remember the area size which these gadgets can cover.
The fact is that HEPA purifiers, which use physical filters, are not as powerful as Ionizers. In most cases, the maximum area that HEPA cleaners can cover is about 1,500 sq. ft. As you probably understand, it’s an ideal alternative for customers who are looking for an efficient home air cleaner. It will make the air in your house pure with no problem at all.
However, if you are looking for purifiers that can clean a very big house or enormous premises for business look for ionic air purifiers because they can cover more than 3,000 sq. ft.
What Are The Price Differences Between HEPA Air Purifiers and Ionizers
Even despite the fact that ionizing technology looks significantly more difficult than its competitor, HEPA is a more effective and more advanced technology, that’s why it is more expensive.
In most cases, it’s not a problem to find a good Ionizer for the price of about $50, while reliable HEPA air cleaners usually cost more than $150.
Moreover, it’s also important to know that HEPA purifiers require more money for maintenance. As I mentioned, they use physical filters, so you’ll have to buy new filters from time to time (once a year) to get the best results.
Must read: Top Rated Air Purifiers with Reusable HEPA Filters
How to Choose the Best One?
There is no universal answer to this question because everything depends on your own needs.
If you are not ready to spend a lot of money on this product, you should consider Ionizers. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more efficient alternative that can guarantee your house’s safety, buy HEPA air purifiers.
In addition, your final choice may also depend on possible smells and particles which you want to remove. For example, buy HEPA air purifiers to protect your house from:
- Pet odors (cats, dogs, and so on)
- Odors from the kitchen
- Dust
- Smoke
- Other unpleasant odors
Recommend: Best Air Purifier for Cigarette Smoke
What Type Of Air Purifier Is Best?
HEPA and Ionic both types of air purifiers are good. HEPA ones remove around 99.97% of particles from indoor air (source), including dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, and other allergens. Ionic purifiers use charged ions to attract and capture particles in the air. These units are typically smaller and less expensive than HEPA ones, but their performance is usually worth the money. It’s best to pick a model according to your budget, home size, and air quality preferences.
Do HEPA Purifiers Emit Ozone?
No, HEPA air purifiers do not emit Ozone. It is a common misconception that HEPA air purifiers emit Ozone, but luckily it’s not true. HEPA purifiers smartly remove airborne particles from the air and do not emit Ozone or other pollutants. Many HEPA air purifiers are certified by independent organizations for being effective at reducing ozone levels. So if you’re concerned about inhaling Ozone, a HEPA purifier will solve this doubt.
How To Distinguish Ozone Generators and Ionic Air Purifiers?
Some customers also do not pay attention to the product type they buy – ozone generators or Ionizers.
Ozone generators are not as efficient as their competitors and they may also be harmful to people. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency declares that ozone concentration which does not exceed health standards is not efficient enough to protect people from viruses, bacteria, and other types of pollution. Moreover, they also admit that some gadgets can produce significantly more ozone than it’s permitted even despite the fact that customers follow all manufacturer instructions.
So, if you want to keep your house safe and protect your family, employees, or yourself, you may want to refrain from buying ozone generators. You should also read the product descriptions on the box to make sure that the shop didn’t sell you an ozone generator instead of an Ionizer by a mistake.
Related article: How to Use an Ozone Generator Safely in Your Home
