Air ionizers for home and office: how to choose, the best models

There are many devices on the home appliance market that can improve indoor air quality. These include ionizers. Thanks to them, the air is enriched with negative oxygen ions, which brings it closer to the natural composition. When choosing a device, it is important to consider several important aspects.

What is an air ionizer?

Air ionizers are used in residential premises and offices. Such devices are recommended when a person is indoors for at least 2 hours a day.

The ionizer is especially important in rooms and offices with an installed computer, TV, air conditioning system. Such a device is useful in rooms where household gas is burned, there is a high level of dust, and they constantly smoke. Among the recommendations for the use of the ionizer is the decoration of the room with polymer or synthetic materials.

Device and principle of operation

The process of ionization means that the air is saturated with ions with a negative charge. There are different types of ionizers, but the principle of their operation is the same: the device provides the production of free electrons that enter the air in the room. These electrons bind to oxygen molecules, resulting in the formation of ions with a negative charge.

The production of free electrons is provided by electric current. For this purpose, the devices powerful voltage source. It can supply a charge or maintain a current level in special elements that provide electron production.

Every device has rectifier with filter. Thanks to him, alternating current from the electrical network becomes constant.

It is important to create and maintain a certain voltage and current. This is provided control system.

Voltage and current must be rated for emitting device. It is represented by thin metal needles and provides the transfer of free electrons to the surrounding space through a powerful impulse.

Ionizers provide built-in fan. Such a device ensures the blowing of negative air ions and their uniform distribution in the air of the room.

The ionizer can be provided air filters from foreign odors and harmful impurities. Such devices are referred to as air purifiers with an ionization function. The filter in such a device can be electrostatic, photocatalytic, mesh, carbon or HEPA. In high-quality devices, a multi-stage cleaning system is provided, that is, the simultaneous use of several types of filters.

For details on the principle of operation of the device and the differences between different types of ionizers, see this video:

Advantages and disadvantages of air ionizers

The advantages of such devices include the following qualities:

• giving the air properties identical to the atmosphere of a mountainous area or a seaside resort: the user can breathe clean air while being in a small room;
• improving well-being with regular use of the ionizer;
• strengthening immunity;
• elimination of fatigue and increase of efficiency;
• acceleration and normalization of metabolism;
• cancer prevention;
• neutralization of the harmful effects of various devices, in particular, a computer and a TV;
• increasing the effectiveness of treatment for pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchial asthma, allergies;
• cleansing of unpleasant odors and harmful impurities.

The main disadvantages of air ionizers include:

• The need for wet cleaning. It is recommended to perform it 1-2 hours after the ionizer is turned on or after its operation is completed. Wet cleaning is necessary to remove dust with pathogenic microbes: during the operation of the device, they settle on the walls of the room and furniture.
• Increasing levels of static electricity. This effect is observed when the ionizer is used frequently and for a long time. High levels of static electricity means that you can get an electric shock if you touch various surfaces.
• If the ionizer works in a too dusty room, then during its operation people are harmed. This is due to the inhalation of air ions along with dust. This mixture penetrates deep into the lungs.
• Do not smoke while the ionizer is in operation. Otherwise, cigarette tar accumulates in the throat, triggering an inflammatory process. This can cause diseases such as pharyngitis, laryngitis and other respiratory pathologies.
• It is harmful to turn on the ionizer in the room where people are during illness, especially when accompanied by elevated body temperature. The operation of the device can only aggravate this condition.

Criterias of choice

When choosing an air ionizer for your home or office, you must consider the important parameters of the device:

Negative ion concentration

This parameter is calculated in the number of air ions that the device produces per cubic centimeter. The indicator must correspond to the limit of 1000-50000 ion / cm³.

If the parameter is less than the allowed value, then the device is ineffective. Exceeding the upper limit means that the device is intended for medical institutions.

It is worth considering that the maximum concentration of ions is assumed to be at a distance of a meter from the device. At the far point of the room, this figure will be much less.

Ionization area

It should be borne in mind that the maximum values ​​u200bu200bare indicated in the characteristics of the device. It is necessary to determine the area of ​​the room for which the device is intended, and add 10-15% to this value.

Voltage

This parameter refers to the emitter of the device. The voltage should be 20-30 kV. A lower value indicates the inefficiency of the device. Exceeding the norm means that aerons are produced in large quantities, which can harm the health of the user.

Operating modes

This indicator reflects the duration of continuous operation of the device and additional settings. Depending on the model of the ionizer, you can set continuous or pulsed operation. The second option means alternating the operation of the device and turning it off. It is also possible to select the intensity of the blower.

Device size

An important condition when choosing an ionizer is that the distance between the emitter and the output of the network wire must be at least 0.2 m. Otherwise, the device will be ineffective.

Type of propagation of air ions

It can be active or passive. Devices of the first type are supplied with a fan or blower. This ensures the distribution of air ions throughout the room, but increases the noise level.

Availability of UV lamp and filters

The ultraviolet lamp provides a bactericidal effect. The possibility and degree of air purification depends on the availability, quality and quantity of filters.

The best air ionizers

Before buying an ionizer for your home or office, you should familiarize yourself with the TOP of devices, which will allow you to make a final choice.

Sharp KC-A51 RW/RB

This device belongs to the climatic complexes. The maximum service area is 38 sq.m.

Air purification is multi-stage — preliminary, coal and HEPA filter. Cleaning performance — 306 cubic meters / h. There is an automatic mode of operation.

There is a triple sensor (dust, smell, temperature with humidity). There is a display, electronic control. The dust level is indicated by a 5-step indicator.

Humidification function is provided. To do this, there is a hygrostat and a 3.6-liter water tank. Water consumption is 600 ml per hour. In the absence of water, the device turns off automatically.

For ease of movement of the device, wheels are provided.

Among the shortcomings, users highlight the noise level (49 dB), the need for regular filter washing, and the inability to regulate the humidity level.

AIC GH-2152

This device is designed for an area up to 80 sq.m. Its power is only 18 watts.

The fan speed is adjustable, which allows you to set the power and adjust the cleaning speed of the room depending on its usable area.

An important advantage of the device is a multi-stage air purification system. It consists in the presence of a pre-filter (foam filter), a photocatalytic filter, an ultraviolet lamp and a compartment with electrostatic plate filters. As a result, purified and oxygen-enriched air is obtained at the outlet.

The advantages of the device include the absence of the need to replace filters — they need to be washed regularly. Among the disadvantages are the periodic replacement of the ultraviolet lamp (designed for 8000 hours) and noise during operation.

LG HPS-A090BW

Among the advantages of such a device are compact dimensions: its height is only 26 cm, and its width with depth is 11 cm.

The device provides air purification by means of flame ionization. There is an air filter. Recommended room area up to 10 sq.m. Power consumption is only 3.2W.

The device has built-in lighting. Touch control, designed for 2 speeds.

Among the disadvantages of the device is a small area of ​​action. It is advisable to purchase the device for bedrooms and small offices. The filters need to be cleaned twice a month.

Panasonic F-VXD50R

This device is not just an ionizer, but a whole climatic complex. The cleaning function is designed for 40.5 sq.m, and the humidification area is 120 sq.m.

There are 3 modes of operation and the presence of a gas analyzer and a hygrometer. Purification is carried out in several stages due to the presence of a coal and antibacterial filter.

The water tank is designed for 2.7 liters. The water consumption is 500 ml/hour.

Among the shortcomings of the device, users note the lack of a remote control, the insufficient volume of the water tank and the lack of wheels for ease of movement around the room.

Yantar-5A

This device is a needle-type bipolar ionizer. Designed for continuous operation. Power consumption — 5 W.

The ionizer is designed for rooms up to 25 sq.m. Ion concentration (within a radius of meters) 500-100000 ions/cc.

Fan provided. Noise level — 40 dB at maximum mode. Fan performance — 80 cubic meters per hour (maximum), air flow speed — up to 0.3 m / s (within a meter radius). Silent night mode is provided.

A distinctive feature of the device is a wooden case. Its advantage lies in its environmental friendliness, but some users consider this design a disadvantage. Additional cleaning and moisturizing is not provided.

The use of ionizers can significantly improve the quality of indoor air by saturating it with oxygen and reducing the amount of unwanted impurities and dust. Modern devices are multifunctional, therefore they often provide for additional cleaning and moisturizing.