Breathing in fresh air is essential. However, in such a polluted environment, we require air purifiers. You might have come across some, for example, HEPA air purifier, Ionizer and others.
Here, in the following article, we discuss the two in detail. Therefore, continue reading for a better understanding.
What is HEPA Air Purifier?
HEPA is a kind of pleated mechanical air filter. It refers to the High-Efficiency Particulate Air purifier.
Theoretically, these are capable of removing nearly 99.9% of bacteria, pollen, dust, borne, and other airborne particles (0.3 microns).
However, note that there is a difference between the HEPA filter and HEPA-like. It can be that in order to buy HEPA filters, you end up with HEPA -like. There is a huge difference in the quality of these two.
The HEPA-like, as opposed to HEPA, isn’t a standardized filter. They fail to guarantee the prohibition of the smallest particle size.
Also, note that you cannot enjoy the true HEPA filter’s effectiveness if there are any air leakages around the frame. Therefore, it is better to check whether it fits properly or not.
Besides, to get the best performance, check for the specifications. Here is a table below that eases your search for the specifications.
| The HEPA Class | Efficiency |
| E10 | 85% |
| E11 | 95% |
| E12 | 99.5% |
| H13 | 99.97% |
| H14 | 99.975% |
| U15 | 99.9975% |
| U16 | 99.99975% |
| U17 | 99.9999% |
Pros
- Effectively removes large particles
- You find it in various designs and styles that suit your home décor.
Cons
- Filter needs to be replaced.
- Costly
- It does not remove viruses, VOCs.
What is Ionizer?
Ionizers, unlike HEPA, do not need any medium for physical filtration. These work by spewing charged particles (ions) in the air of the room. It is similar to the charged combs attracting small paper pieces.
The ions get attached to the pollutant molecules and dust and then settle them down. Therefore, it is a normal thing if you find unusually greater dust settled.
Now, coming to the relation between ionizer and ozone. Ionizers are capable of producing ozone gas. Though it has antibacterial properties, it is dangerous. The ions interact with oxygen and then form ozone.
However, note that ionizers are effective as it caters to a much larger area. The ions easily travel far and quickly.
Using such an ionizer, you must be careful about certain things.
- Never use it when you are in the room for a prolonged time.
- Do not sleep with the ionizer ON.
Basically, ozone build-up is hazardous. Though some companies claim that there is no ozone release, still it is better to take precautions. For the same reason, many countries banned ionizers as well.
Pros
- It caters to larger areas.
- Affordable
- Not too noisy
Cons
- It releases ozone.
- It struggles to remove pet dander and dust.
Which is The Best One?
Now, which one can be best for you depends on your requirement.
If you consider money, then go for ionizers. For ionizers, you do not have to spend a lot of money.
On the other hand, for an efficient one guaranteeing house safety, HEPA air purifiers are best.
In addition, HEPA purifiers can protect your house from dust, pet odours, kitchen odours, smoke and others.
However, the ionizers, despite eliminating airborne germs, are harmful due to their ozone release.
The ionic purifiers have distinct merit over HEPA purifiers. They sanitize the air and reduce illness-causing airborne germs. Any filter-type purifiers generally do not have this ability except for some.
Basically, ionizers are ideal for light-duty cleaning.
Comparison Between a HEPA Purifier and an Ionizer
The following table highlights the basic differences between the two. Therefore, have a look.
| Functionality | Ionizer | HEPA Air purifier |
| Air cleaning | The charged air particles get collected on the filters or plates. A fan then moves the air through the purifier. | The air is forced through the HEPA/ pre-/ carbon filters. Thus, it traps the particulates. |
| Area of purifying | It caters to a larger area. | It does not cater to a larger area. |
| Killing of germs | Moderate, it depends on the particular product. | Not much. However, some products kill. |
| Dust cleaning | Poor | Good |
| The rate of ai flow | Moderate. No option to select fan speed. | Good. Adjustable fan speed. |
| Ozone release | Very less | No release |
| Cigarette smoke cleaning | Fairly good | Very good |
| Pet dander cleaning | Fairly good | Very good |
| Pet hair cleaning | Poor | good |
| The odor reduction | Poor to moderate | Good, especially the ones with carbon filters |
| Allergy relief | It is fair | It is good |
| The filter maintenance | No proper filters. The plates are washable and reusable. | You need to replace filters. (on average, you must replace them 6-8 months) |
| The average cost | Above $50-$65 | Above $50-$100 |
What are the Hybrid Models?
There are devices that come with both filters and ionizers. They clean the air. However, the effectiveness of purification might vary.
In some hybrid models, there are both a filter and an in-built ionizer section. It is an extra feature.
However, do not get influenced by these. It is better to buy purifiers with proven facts under great reviews. Also, consider your room size.
Therefore, always buy considering your own needs.
Wrap Up
Now that you know both the purifiers, you can decide accordingly. It is up to you what you choose. However, we will recommend only one thing, choose according to your requirements.
Thus, to sum up, clean air is necessary, and these purifiers help you to breathe in fresh and clean air.
Shirsendu Roy Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of REVIEWCIRCLES. He is Bachelor of Computer Science has experience of 7+ years in Web Development, Technology Blogging, Review Video Production. His passion for solving problems shifted him to consumer electronics sector and led to form this platform to influence consumer to take proper purchasing decision.