What Is An Ionizer? And How Do They Function?

what is an ionizer

what is an ionizer

Mai Delacruz

Mai Delacruz
Personal Fitness Trainer & Health Coach

Updated on 3/26/2023

The use of air purifiers in homes is on the rise, partly due to rising levels of anxiety around air quality. Even though your house was built specifically to protect you from the elements, many of us spend much more time there than previous generations did. As a result, you may be subjected to a greater number of indoor particles and pollutants, which might cause lung-related ailments or worsen them.

Are air purifiers, despite their claims, a trustworthy method for removing pollutants from the air inside? The simple reply is "yes," but only to a certain extent. Continue reading to learn how these devices function and whether or not it would be beneficial to consider installing them in your house.

The Air Purifier Working Procedures

air purifier

air purifier

Sanitizing the air, which may contain contaminants such as allergies, poisons, and pollutants is the primary function of air purifiers. Essential oil diffusers, as well as humidifiers, on the other hand, count up particles to the air inside the home, and these devices are the polar opposite of these.

In addition to this, air purifiers function differently than filters. Purifiers have the ability to not only eliminate but also sterilize the particles that they remove.

The precise particles that an air purifier can clean are ultimately determined by the model that is purchased. While some versions contain filters that capture particles as air passes through them, other versions may be able to neutralize other particles in the air without first filtering out the particles that they encounter.

There is also the substitution of using an air purifier that releases negative ions, which helps to attract positive ion particles in the air and neutralizes them in the process. The potential for ozone emissions is a drawback associated with selecting this alternative.

How Extraordinary Are They?

Allergens

Allergens

The quick answer is yes, but it is more likely that an air purifier will not delete or neutralize all molecules in your home that are causing you displeasure. This is owing to the fact that many particles can stay on soft surfaces, such as furniture and carpets, in addition to hard surfaces, such as your walls. This is also true of surfaces that are not porous, such as walls.

To assist in the removal of the particles detailed below, an air purifier may be utilized in conjunction with a filter and several additional removal methods.

Allergens

Allergens are chemicals that have the potential to provoke a negative immunological response, most commonly in the form of allergies or asthma. Pollen, dander from pets, and dust mites are three of the most frequent allergens that can be found in the air.

An air purifier may be used in conjunction with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is the most well-known filter for its ability to capture allergens that are carried through the air.

Mold

air purifier

air purifier

Mold spores found indoors can cause similar symptoms to those caused by allergies, making them particularly dangerous for persons with asthma and other respiratory disorders. Filtration is a far more effective method of getting rid of mold in the air than using an air purifier, which may help to some degree.

In addition to lowering the humidity levels in your home, the most effective solution would be to use an air diffuser with a HEPA filter.

Smoke

Air purifiers with filters may also be able to remove smoke from the air, and this includes smoke from tobacco smoking and smoke from fires started in the garden. Even yet, air purifiers cannot completely eliminate the odor of smoke, and despite their use, there may still be some cases in which smoke stains are visible on the walls and ceilings.

Quitting smoking is preferable to attempting to purify the air by filtering out smoke particles. According to the findings of a study that trusted sources looked into air purifiers, these devices were not very effective in removing nicotine from indoor air.

Toxins Found Inside

air purifier

air purifier

In addition to being a potential source of airborne allergies and mildew, your home might also be a potential source of indoor toxins from things like cleaning agents, personal care products, and other things.

These particles can become dangerous to your health if they are allowed to circulate in the air. Toxins can be removed from the air in your home using air purifiers; however, the most effective method for doing so is to decrease the number of toxins that are used there in the first place.

Advantages Of Using An Air Purifier

Air purifiers may be able to remove the irritants in the air that are causing you to have symptoms in the first place. Medications for asthma and allergies can help reduce symptoms and avoid reactions. After consistent use, there is a possibility that you will have a reduced number of allergic responses as well as asthma symptoms.

However, this is not a substitute for your meds, and it is still very important to make sure that the allergens that trigger your symptoms do not enter your home in the first place. Always consult your primary care physician before modifying your prescription regimen in any way.

Why are they Not Working?

air purifier

air purifier

Even though air purifiers can contribute to cleaning your indoor air space, they often function more efficiently when coupled with a filter.

One last thing to regard is the capacity of the purifier. If you want to clean the air throughout your entire home, you should look into purchasing a more powerful system. In that case, you might require a number of more compact or portable purifiers for each room.

In spite of the fact that they could be beneficial, buying an air purifier may be a waste of money if you don't also take additional measures to clean the air in your home. They are only effective in removing particles in the air, but they won't be of much use once the particles have settled on the surfaces in your home.

The following are some of the ways in which you may help prevent potentially hazardous particles from entering your indoor air space:

  • Routinely vacuum upholstered items, as well as carpeting and rugs. At a bare minimum, you should use a HEPA filter vacuum to sweep these areas once each week.
  • If you have extreme allergies, you might consider installing vinyl or hardwood flooring instead of carpets.
  • Once a week, wash the bedding in very hot water.
  • Give your frequent pet baths. If you are sensitive to animal dander, you should try to avoid sharing your bed with your pets.
  • Make sure the humidity in your place is at the ideal level, which should be low enough to prevent dust mites and mold from growing.
  • Never, ever light up inside the home.

air purifier

air purifier

  • If you can help it, switch to cleaning products that aren't hazardous. If you have to use more powerful chemicals, be sure to ventilate your home by throwing open a window and turning on the fans.
  • Based on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, it is recommended that HVAC air filters be changed every 30 to 90 days.

You should evaluate the air quality in your home before purchasing an air purifier to determine whether or not you actually require one. This will save you money.

Products Worthy Of Contemplation

A wide selection of air purifiers is available to purchase from both Amazon and other retailers. To get started with your search, you should think about the following options:

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America regards the Fellowes AeraMax Baby Room Air Purifier for those with asthma and allergies.

On Amazon, the product Medify Air Medical Grade Filtration has received a rating of 4.6 stars.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America regards the Dyson Pure Cool Wi-Fi Enabled Air Purifier for those who undergo from asthma and allergies.

You might also check for air purifiers and filters that have been given the seal of approval by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America as being suitable for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. It's possible that an allergist will also have special recommendations that are catered to your lifestyle and requirements.

To Conclude

air purifier

air purifier

It has been demonstrated through research that filtering the air can, in fact, assist in the removal of dangerous particles from interior environments, including allergies, smoke, and mildew.

However, the most effective way to clean the air in your house is to use a combination of suitable filtration and cleaning methods. It is not an option for an air purifier to improve the quality of the air on its own, but it can undoubtedly assist in this endeavor.

Discuss with your primary care physician ways in which you might enhance the quality of the air within your home in order to better control the symptoms of any underlying health conditions you may have, such as asthma and allergies. It is imperative that you never stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor.