Indoor air quality affects human health. Lack of regular cleaning and ventilation contributes to the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms and allergens, which cause frequent illnesses.
Ionizers are designed to improve the air quality in your apartment and house. These devices appeared on the market relatively recently, but today they are experiencing a surge in development and interest in them from buyers. What is an air ionizer? How does he work? Is it useful, or is it all an invention of marketers? And how to choose a device for home use? Read about it in the FAN .
Why do you need an air ionizer?
An ionizer is a device that saturates the air with positively and negatively charged particles of oxygen and nitrogen. In nature, this process occurs naturally. Its “initiators” are ultraviolet radiation and lightning discharges, under the influence of which molecules of air gases “split” and lose or gain electrons. Such incompletely “charged” molecules are called ions.
If you compare the air in an ordinary city apartment with that in the countryside, it turns out that the concentration of ions in it is 15-20 times lower. At the same time, at the beginning of the last century, scientists, including Soviet ones, put forward the theory that air saturated with negative ions is especially beneficial for health. Research in this direction was carried out by Soviet biophysicist Alexander Chizhevsky , who proposed artificially saturating indoor air with negative ions.
For this, he developed a device, later named the Chizhevsky lamp in his honor. Externally, the device actually resembled a lamp: an oblong sphere, enclosed in a metal casing, suspended from the ceiling and connected to the mains. Under the influence of the device, the concentration of air ions in the air increased - this is what Professor Chizhevsky proposed to call charged air particles.
According to Chizhevsky, air saturated with such particles has a therapeutic effect:
• reduces the tendency to catch colds; • reduces the severity of allergic reactions and chronic respiratory diseases; • promotes normalization of rest; • increases performance.
Elimination of aeroion deficiency in rooms, as Chizhevsky believed, is beneficial for the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and brain.
Fact. Soviet science did not fully recognize the research of Alexander Chizhevsky. His work has been repeatedly criticized, including for violation of experimental methods. Until now, the theory about the therapeutic effects of ionized air on the body has not been officially confirmed. But the ability of the ionizer to cleanse the air of pollutants has been proven.
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What is ionization
The function of the ionizer is to saturate the air in the room with negatively charged oxygen molecules - air ions. In the natural environment, air ionization occurs naturally, under the influence of solar radiation or lightning discharges. The greatest number of air ions is found in mountainous areas, forests, on the banks of large bodies of water, and near waterfalls:
- the concentration of negative ions in the mountains ranges from 5 to 10 thousand units/cm3;
- the content of air ions on the shore of a reservoir is from 1 to 5 thousand units/cm3;
- the number of negatively charged ions in the atmosphere after a thunderstorm is from 50 to 100 thousand units/cm3.
To improve the indoor microclimate, bringing it as close to natural as possible, air ionization is used. The flows of charged particles created by ionizers reduce the harmful effects of radiation from computer monitors, TV screens, microwave ovens and neutralize static electricity. When deciding to purchase an ionizer, take into account all the indications and contraindications for its use. Ion-producing devices can have both beneficial and negative effects on the human body.
How does an air ionizer work?
Modern ionizers are hardly similar to the devices proposed almost a century ago by a Russian professor. However, the principle of their operation has not changed. They generate a current that splits air gases - oxygen and nitrogen. Thanks to their influence, the content of ions (negative or positive) in the air increases several times.
There are two types of devices on the market: • bipolar; • ordinary.
The former generate particles with both positive and negative charges. Conventional ones produce only negative particles, “adding” an extra electron to the oxygen and nitrogen molecules. Most devices intended for domestic use operate on this principle.
Fact. Every second the ionizer produces millions of charged particles. The more powerful the device, the faster it saturates the air in the room. Therefore, the operating time of high-power devices must be strictly limited, while low-power or intensity-controlled devices can operate longer, for example, throughout the night.
Tips and tricks
Before purchasing, think about where the device will be used - in the home or office. If an ionizer with a Hepa filter is purchased for an apartment, then it is enough that the area indicated in the documents is slightly larger than the room or corresponds to it.
Attention! After starting to use the ionizer, some people begin to feel unwell. The cause is dry indoor air. For such people, an ionizer with a moisturizing function is suitable.
To make choosing an air ionizer easier, it is recommended to follow these tips:
- The permissible distance from the device to a person is at least 1 m.
- For a children's room, choose a model with a humidification function or a bipolar one.
- In order for an ionic cleaner to last a long time, it is necessary to properly care for it. Models with electrostatic filters should be wiped every day; models with HEPA should be vacuumed once a month. In devices with a humidification function, change the water once a day.
The benefits of an air ionizer
Molecules with an extra electron become charged and become invisible, microscopic “magnets.” They capture and attract microparticles of pollutants present in the air. Large particles of dust, suspended debris, allergens, even bacteria “stick” to them. The only thing they cannot cope with is viruses, as they are too small. Therefore, trying to clean a room from viral infection using an ionizer is a pointless undertaking.
But since, in general, the air quality in the house and apartment becomes better, the ionizer can be useful for people who suffer from allergic reactions and frequent diseases of the respiratory system. It is advisable to install it in a bedroom, children's room, or office. In winter, when proper ventilation is not possible, the device will help keep your living space clean and safe.
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The best air ionizers with ozonation
Ozonation and air ionization are often confused with each other, although they are two different processes. When the ionizer is operating, a small amount of ozone is also felt in the air, but this is only a side effect of the work and is not sufficient for high-quality ozonation. Therefore, manufacturers produce 2 in 1 models - ionizer + ozonizer.
The result of the operation of an ionizer (usually unipolar) is the purification of the air and its saturation with negative ions. The ozonator is responsible for the destruction of viruses and bacteria.
Green World JQ-881 – a reliable home hybrid
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
Thanks to 6 operating modes, this device can purify air and water, saturate the environment with ozone and negatively charged ions. The kit includes tubes and 4 nozzles for processing different surfaces. Microcomputer control effectively distributes ozone and ions throughout the room and makes control simple and straightforward. Green World JQ can be used inside the refrigerator, as well as for water intended for washing food, bathing and other purposes.
Advantages:
- 6 operating modes;
- 4 nozzles included;
- Microcomputer control;
- Simple controls;
- Rapid spread of ions and ozone.
Flaws:
- No flavoring.
The JQ-881 device from Green World will be effective in rooms up to 40 square meters. m. But the main advantage of this device is the versatility of its use.
Ozone generator "Altai" - a productive ionizer with a timer
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The device is designed for air and water treatment. It comes complete with flexible silicone tubes and attachments for working with various surfaces. Compact dimensions make it convenient for use, storage and transportation. At the same time, the device turned out to be very productive, producing up to 400 mg/h of ozone and 4 million ions per cubic meter. cm.
Using the device, you can saturate air and water with ions and ozone for bathing, washing fruits and vegetables, cleaning fish and meat from bacteria, as well as for disinfecting aquariums and other purposes. "Altai" has an operation timer of up to 30 minutes and a mechanical regulator.
Advantages:
- Compact dimensions;
- Timer;
- Multifunctionality;
- Ease of use;
- High performance.
Flaws:
- No built-in fan.
The Altai device is designed for ionization and ozonation of large rooms up to 100 square meters. m.
READ ALSO
11 Best Oxygen Concentrators
Harm of air ionizers
It is important to understand that particles of contaminants do not disappear from the room. They only “stick” to the air ions, and then to the nearest surface. Therefore, after using the air ionizer in the room, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning. Otherwise, all the dirt will remain in it: on the floor, walls, countertops and window sills.
It is also worth considering other features of the device.
• The device should not operate around the clock. This makes no sense, since it does not have a disinfecting effect. The operating time of the device must be limited. For a powerful effect, 15 minutes a day is enough, for example, before going to bed or starting a working day. After this, turn off the device and wipe the surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. • You should not be near the ionizer. The safe distance for a person is at least a meter. Manufacturers often recommend leaving the room while the device is operating. Therefore, the most appropriate technique for using it would be to leave the room, close the door and let the device purify the air. • There is a risk of static electricity building up. The less power a device has, the safer it is considered. In this case, the risk of excessive accumulation of negative charges in space tends to zero. However, you shouldn’t keep even a low-power device plugged in 24 hours a day. It has been proven that static electricity accumulates in rooms in which the ionizer operates for a long time. It does not cause any harm to humans, but it can have a negative effect on equipment. • Ozone odor is dangerous. Air saturated with ozone is considered healing, but this is a common misconception. In fact, this gas is extremely toxic, and since ozone is a “modified version” of oxygen, it can appear during the operation of the ionizer.
Advice. When choosing an ionizer, pay attention to its characteristics. The passport must indicate the volume of ozone produced by the device. A safe indicator is no more than 0.1 mg per cubic meter of air. If this parameter is not indicated in the device passport, refuse to purchase. If you notice a strong, characteristic smell of ozone during operation of the device, turn off the device and ventilate the room, and in the future reduce its operating time.
The use of an air ionizer does not eliminate the need for regular ventilation of the room. Only in combination with it and daily wet cleaning will the device help maintain a safe microclimate in the house and apartment.
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What is an air ionizer for home
A powerful air ionizer for home use saturates the oxygen in the room with useful trace elements and other substances. There are electrodes inside it, and under the influence of current from the power source, high voltage is generated. It provides electrons, which, when colliding with air molecules, knock out light ions.
The method of operation of the device differs slightly from its type. Functions also largely depend on the series of the device. But the main task of the ionizer in any case is the release of useful oxygen ions. The devices also purify, humidify the air, and calculate the moisture content in it (a hygrometer is provided for these purposes).
Important! Equipment modifications that respond to commands from the dashboard or remotely are easy to use. It will be useful to have a backlight and a timer.
Household ionizers are compact and have a stylish, attractive design
Rating of the best air ionizers for apartments and houses
When choosing a device, give preference to one that produces negatively charged particles in a volume of up to 50 thousand per cubic centimeter of air. This is the recommended standard for residential premises.
Please also note the following device specifications.
1. Area of processing of the room. The manufacturer indicates the recommended area that the device can clean. Choose a device that fits the area of the room where you plan to use it. 2. Filter system. The efficiency of air purification depends on its quality, so it is preferable that the filter system contains several elements, for example, an ESP filter and a photocatalysis filter. 3. Dimensions. Manufacturers offer models for floor and tabletop installation. The first ones are larger, designed for processing large areas. If you intend to use the device in one room, it is enough to choose a compact desktop device designed to clean a room of 10-25 sq.m. Floor-standing models can handle up to 110 “squares” of space.
Fact. Compact devices can operate both from the network and USB. And if you want the air in the room to become not only clean, but also filled with pleasant odors, give preference to an ionizer with an aromatization function.
BiOSE Ion-Effect
Pr Scr Yandex.Market /
The compact device can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall, making it an excellent solution for families with small children. A small device in a neat white case is equipped with a power button and an indicator light. The air passes through the grilles on the front and side surfaces of the ionizer and is saturated with negative particles with a volume of 50 thousand air ions per cm3. Its power is enough to treat a room up to 25 m2.
According to reviews, the device consumes almost no electricity, the smell of ozone is not felt during operation, so users are not afraid to leave it on all night. The front panel display is convenient in a child's room - no additional night light is needed. The device copes with its task: users note that the air becomes cleaner and fresher. However, some consider it too weak, and the area indicated by the manufacturer is overestimated.
The average price is 1300 rubles.
Boneco P50
Pr Scr Yandex.Market /
The device weighs only 300 grams and is so compact that it is convenient to use not only at home, but also to take it with you to work or turn it on in the car. It works from the network and a USB port, and can be plugged into the cigarette lighter inside the car. The device is designed for a small area - only 10 square meters, but it is quite enough to purify the air in a study, in a small bedroom or in a car. The gadget can not only saturate the air with charged particles, but also aromatize it: the aromatic capsule can be filled with oils with your favorite scents.
According to users, the device is convenient due to its compactness. The air in the immediate vicinity of it actually becomes pleasant and feels fresh. But the filter that comes with the device raises questions and seems ineffective.
The average price is 3990 rubles.
How to choose an air ionizer for an apartment
To choose the best air ionizer for an apartment, you need to take into account a number of parameters. Then the device will successfully cope with the assigned functions.
Room area
The device whose range of action meets the declared range will work effectively. There is no point in taking one that is too powerful; a weak one will not cope with the current tasks.
Ion concentration
The value should not be less than 400-500,000 ions/cm3. Anything below is not particularly effective.
Noisiness
This parameter is important when the device is purchased for children or people with sensitive sleep. Low-noise models are more expensive, but they are as comfortable as possible in operation.
Functional
The device must combine air purification and ionization options - simple ionizers are not practical enough. You can use different types of filters; many people like models with air humidifiers and essential oils. Carbon filters are ideal for allergy sufferers.
Energy consumption
Modern models are quite economical, but this parameter deserves attention. If network loads are important, it is imperative to take it into account.
Related costs
The ionizer must not only be purchased, but also maintained - cleaned, consumables replaced. All these numbers need to be taken into account in advance. For example, the model may be budget, but the filters are expensive.
Backlight
Its presence is very desirable - for ease of use and comfortable sleep. In a nursery, an illuminated ionizer will serve as a night light.
Prices for equipment are very different, functionality is also different
Yantar-5A
Pr Scr Yandex.Market /
The model differs from its analogues in design. It is enclosed in a wooden case and equipped with a decorative grille, behind which the electronic “stuffing” is not very well disguised. The device does not look very modern, but it will be a good alternative for users who want to get away from the abundance of plastic in the interior. It copes well with ionization functions: it cleans a room of up to 25 square meters, makes almost no noise, operates on mains power and is equipped with three modes. Selecting a mode allows you to set the number of particles produced by the device.
According to users, the device looks nice and is equipped with a remote control, making it convenient to use. The range of adjustments is wide, there is no smell of ozone during operation, you can breathe easier in its “presence” and sleep better. Among the disadvantages, they note the impossibility of switching the device to unipolar mode: the manufacturer only provided bipolar, which confuses some users.
The average price is 4800 rubles.
AIC XJ-2100
Pr Scr Yandex.Market /
This device is considered universal, since three useful functions are contained in a compact case. The device not only ionizes the air, but also treats it with ultraviolet light, thereby destroying viruses and bacteria, and complements disinfection with ozonation. The latter function requires the device to operate only at times when there are no people in the room. At the same time, processing an area of up to 25 sq.m. takes less time compared to other devices: the AIC XJ-2100 design includes a fan that accelerates air movement.
Users believe that the device copes with its tasks: it cleans and disinfects the air, refreshes it, and does it almost silently. There is no need to change the included filter; just remove it and rinse it under running water. The design of the device is modern, the cost is adequate. Disadvantages are discovered at the moment of breakdown: purchasing a replacement UV lamp after the “standard” one fails is not an easy task.
The average price is 4899 rubles.
Which air ionizer is best for home?
There is a large selection of models on the market. Their price depends on the set of functions.
Top 10 budget air ionizers for home
To choose the best air ionizer in the budget category, you need to compare the characteristics of different models and prices. The average cost is 5 thousand rubles.
Timberk TAP FL70 SF
Affordable, stylish, productive device. The materials are high quality and comply 100% with safety standards. Consumption is only 3 W. There is a touch control panel, a timer, and a fine filter. The downside is that the device is noisy.
A beautiful but noisy ionizer model has an affordable price
AirTec XJ-888
The best air humidifier with an ionizer in the economy segment, which cleans and ionizes molecules. The price is affordable, the efficiency is high, the dimensions are compact (you can put the device on the table). The operation is stable, the noise is minimal. Operating modes 2.
Small but effective ionizer model with carbon filter
Xiaomi Mi Car Air Purifier
Compact, inexpensive cleaner for city apartments and cars. Quickly creates a comfortable microclimate, decent performance. The filter catches the smallest particles, the unit weighs only 1.5 kg, and has Bluetooth. The model is durable, high noise.
Universal ionizer, ideal for cars
ATMOS HG-190
The best ionizer and air purifier among inexpensive, durable devices. High performance, low weight. The noise is low, which is also a plus. The case is high-quality, durable, and the reusable panel has dust collection plates that are easy to remove and clean from dirt.
High-quality assembly extends the service life of the device
Ballu AP-100
A high-quality compact model, it has an integrated 3-stage cleaning system that eliminates allergens, dust, and other small inclusions. You can add aromatic oils. There is work from the network and USB port. HEPA filter, not much noise.
Small but effective model for apartments
AIC CF8410
The housing is beautiful, high quality, the filter removes all types of contaminants. There is a UV lamp. Timer, sterilization, sensor - in the basic package. The design is attractive, the assembly is high quality. The device is noisy during operation.
A very stylish ionizer that will fit harmoniously into the office interior
ATMOS Maxi-212
Five-stage cleaning, 4 filters included, so the work is effective. The cost is average, there are built-in sensors that assess the degree of air pollution and adjust the operating mode. Indicators are reflected in a specific color. The design is nice.
The Atmos brand is not particularly well known, but it produces high-quality ionizers
Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier Pro
The Xiaomi brand has also made itself known in the household appliances market. The ionizer model is suitable for large rooms with an area of up to 60 square meters, the performance is good. The screen is built-in and has automatic brightness adjustment. Filters – carbon, HEPA. The system effectively removes dust. If you install the application, you can control the work from your smartphone.
An interesting ionizer model that effectively removes dust
Tefal PU4025
Tefal knows that cleaning quality is very important to the health of occupants. The device operates at several levels of filtration and removes up to 99% of bacteria in the air. Indicators monitor the degree of contamination, and there is a convenient carrying handle.
If design is important, you should choose ionizers of this type
Ballu AP-110
A good ionizer in terms of price-quality ratio. Filters remove viruses, dust, debris, and disinfect the space. Sensors determine when filters need to be changed. The device is not designed for large rooms; there are no other disadvantages.
High-quality parts make the model as durable as possible
Rating of the best air ionizers for home 2021
If your budget allows you to choose the best of the best, you can pay attention to such models. They are far from budget (they cost around 20 thousand rubles, but there are cheaper ones), but they pleasantly surprise with their well-thought-out functionality.
AIC XJ-4000
The Italian development has an attractive design and is equipped with a timer and remote control. There is a sensitive filtration system that removes dust and other contaminants. Very effective cleaning, 6 power modes, several filters, a full set of sensors.
Modern model with maximum level of air purification
ROYAL CLIMA ANCONA (RUH-A350/5.5E)
A budget model (about 5 thousand rubles) with good technical potential, has an attractive design and receives high marks in user ratings. The performance is excellent, the 5.5 liter tank comes with a pair of handles, and there is a hygrostat to control humidity. The main technology is Ionic Wave.
Thought out to the smallest detail and at the same time average in price model
POLARIS PUH 0605DI
Safe solution with automatic humidity support, average price. There are touch controls, the functionality is thought out to the smallest detail. Filters can be cleaned and reinstalled. There is air aromatization, the degree of protection is increased.
One of the most practical solutions with protective shutdown
BALLU UHB-1000
Ultrasonic hygrostat of high quality. It has compact dimensions, stylish design, and can be installed at home or in the office. Ultrasonic type, long-term stable operation is possible. There is a rotary sprayer. The antibacterial filter removes allergens and harmful inclusions. A functional security system has been thought through.
Modern ionizers provide comprehensive air treatment
ELECTROLUX EHU-3710D/3715D
Night model, long cycles possible. There is a remote control, the appearance is modern, stylish, and the dimensions are compact. There is a backlight for use as a night light. Very functional model with demineralizing cartridge.
This ionizer model is not only beautiful, but also has more functions than its competitors.
