Air ionization assumes its saturation with light ions of positive and / or negative orientation. These useful elements have a positive effect on the human body, they also disinfect premises, food, water, etc. The richest in light ions are air masses in mountainous, forest and sea areas. In the city, especially in office premises and apartments, their content is significantly reduced, which is manifested by headaches, decreased performance, colds, stress.
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What is an air ionizer and how does it work
Air ionizers are intended to saturate the air with these useful elements. The principle of operation of the device for an apartment is as follows: the electrodes inside the device, under the influence of a current from a power source, generate a high voltage field, which gives electrons, which, when colliding with air, can knock out light ions from its molecules. The method of action is slightly different depending on the type of device.
The functions of the device also depend on the version. The main task is the release of useful oxygen ions. Also, the device can humidify and purify the air, determine the moisture content using a hygrometer, there are options with the aromatization function. Popular devices can receive control from the panel or remotely, have a timer and backlight.
Beneficial features
Experts note that air ozonation has a positive effect on the human body. Charged ions directly affect the skin of a person, as well as his respiratory system, through which they affect other organs and their work. Why is an air ionizer useful in an apartment:
- is an indicator of air condition;
- cleans and disinfects indoor air (prevention of the development of infections, viruses, allergies);
- improves the functioning of the respiratory, cardiac and circulatory systems;
- by improving blood supply, it helps to increase performance, including brain activity, slows down aging;
- improves the condition with insomnia, eliminates the depressive state, the effects of stress, improves mood, relieves fatigue;
- eliminates unpleasant odors (tobacco, dampness, burning, etc.);
- reduces the level of negative effects of waves from household appliances;
- has an antibacterial effect on the surface of the room (fights against fungus, mold).
Also, devices can be used to clean and ozonize food, walls and shelves in the refrigerator, sterilization helps to keep food longer, prevent rotting. According to manufacturers, the ionizer can also reduce the level of pesticides and chemicals in the composition of products, but whether the device helps in this case has not yet been confirmed.
Device safety is virtually guaranteed by purchasing certified items from a reputable store.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that the health benefits of the device are great, there are a number of negative points when using it that you need to pay attention to:
- When using an ionizer, the amount of dust settled on all surfaces near the device increases; it is attracted from the air to tabletops, chairs, and other surfaces. This requires wet cleaning after turning off the device;
- A ban on use for children under 1 year old, as well as patients with cancer and colds. In babies, the ionizer does not allow the formation of immunity, in the absence of it, the risk of getting sick increases, therefore, for newborns, it is better to coordinate the installation of the device with a pediatrician. In cancer, cells that have received enhanced nutrition from the device begin to grow faster. In case of illness, the infection from the sick person spreads even faster.
- Possible excess of the permissible level of ozone in the air.
Where to place the appliance and how to clean
The installation features of the ionizer depend on the specific model and are described in the instructions. However, there are a number of general requirements for where it is better to set and how to ensure the correct operation of the device:
- do not put it next to the bed, preferably a place near a computer, TV, or other equipment;
- be located at a distance of 1-3 m from a person, depending on the range of the device;
- do not open windows during operation, because this will nullify the effect of exposure;
- leave the room for people and animals with the device turned on, and then wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth from dust to prevent it from settling in the respiratory system;
- arrange frequent, but short treatments, and not long one-time inclusions.
Before cleaning the device, you must carefully read the instructions, because different types of filters can be included in each model. Some of them can be rinsed under running water, while others will crumble, losing their properties. If the filter is damaged or filled, you will need to buy new consumables.
Types of ionizers
Air ionizers can be divided into several varieties, depending on the underlying criteria. So, there are uni- and bipolar devices. The first of them can produce only negative or only positive ions, the second - both types of particles. Bipolar devices are considered to be quieter and less harmful to health. produce only a small amount of ozone and create a not so strong electrostatic field. Unipolar models are usually inexpensive, unlike the second variety.
Also, brands are divided into active and passive, depending on whether the device is equipped with an air intake and distribution system. Active ones cover a large area of the room, evenly clean and distribute air masses throughout the room, but they are noisier. The efficiency of the passive is lower, but it is quieter and more affordable, models of this type are budgetary.
Based on the principle of action, the following types of ionizers are distinguished:
- Ultraviolet. The design is usually closed, equipped with a fan that draws in air with a UV lamp inside. Rays capable of decomposing organic matter, disinfecting breathing air, ridding it of dust, smoke, mites, allergens. At the same time, active oxygen removes the toxicity of contaminants, eliminating unpleasant odors.
- Plasma. Equipped with a high-voltage ionizer, which replaces the carbon filter and disinfects the incoming air stream and also ionizes it.
- Thermal. Gas is heated inside the device, which becomes a conductor of an electric field that generates electrons.
- Crown. There are pointed electrodes that carry out a corona discharge, due to which light ions are obtained.
All options can be desktop or wall-mounted, as well as located inside the refrigerator, machine. Ionizers can be independent devices or be part of the design of air purifiers, humidifiers, climate systems, hair dryers, and cooling chambers.
The following types of devices are also distinguished:
- without a filter (working exclusively for ionization);
- with charcoal filter;
- equipped with HEPA filtration;
- on the water filter;
- fabric-based;
- with photocatalytic element.
Rating of quality air ionizers for an apartment
The popularity of device models is based on their quality, durability, ion production efficiency, exposure area, price and additional functions. There is no unequivocal opinion which ionizer is better, but it is preferable to purchase a device made by a company that has been on the market for a long time and has a good reputation. The best air ionizers for an apartment are presented below.
Fanline IV-2
Weight: 1 kg.
Power consumption: 10 watts.
Air ion concentration, at a distance of 1 m: no more than 50,000 ion / cm3.
Type: Bipolar, UV, tabletop, with ventilator.
Size: 160 * 140 * 210 mm.
Filters: 5 stages of pre-cleaning.
Additional functions: air purification.
Average price: 3 600 rubles.
Advantages:
- long production history, quality tested by time;
- small size;
- cleaning in addition to ultraviolet radiation occurs through filters;
- low power consumption;
- ease of operation, disassembly and cleaning.
Disadvantages:
- weak fan, not suitable for large rooms;
- simple design, no remote control, timer, LCD display;
- easily soiled case.
LG HPS-B090BW
Size: 270 * 110 * 110mm.
Weight: 0.85 kg.
Impact area: 10 sq.m.
Power consumption: 4 W.
Type: Bipolar, tabletop, plasma, with air intake.
Filters: pre-cleaning.
Additional functions: air purification, lighting.
Average price: 4 600 rubles.
Advantages:
- light weight;
- good degree of ionization;
- there is a "night mode";
- odorless plastic;
- low energy consumption;
- there is a backlight;
- touch control;
- stylish appearance.
Disadvantages:
- quite noisy;
- designed for a very small room;
- easily soiled color;
- no remote control, humidification.
AIC CF8410
Type: Unipolar, outdoor, photocatalytic, ultraviolet, with air intake.
Additional functions: air purification.
Weight: 4.2 kg.
Dimensions: 324 * 409 * 162 mm.
Power consumption: 55W
Area: 35 sq.m.
Filters: pre-cleaning, HEPA, carbon, carbon.
Average price: 9 500 rubles.
Advantages:
- low noise level;
- high level of ionization;
- there is a timer, touch control, indication, including the need to change the filter;
- several speeds of work;
- easy to find replacement filters;
- several stages of air purification.
Disadvantages:
- high weight and energy consumption;
- little noise at maximum speed;
- one color option, not resistant to dirt;
- the declared area is not covered, somewhat less.
ATMOS 3101
Type: Unipolar, outdoor, photocatalytic, ultraviolet, with air intake.
Additional functions: cleaning, air humidification.
Weight: 6.5 kg.
Size: 400 * 800 * 260mm.
Power consumption: 90 watts.
Area: 50 sq.m.
Filters: pre-cleaning (cloth).
Average price: 9 600 rubles.
Advantages:
- the presence of several functions for air handling;
- there is a timer, display, remote control, low water level indicator;
- ease of management;
- easy to disassemble and clean the filter;
- silent;
- solid construction and good quality materials;
- neutral design.
Disadvantages:
- one color option;
- not the most compact size and weight;
- high level of energy consumption.
Yamaguchi oxygen
Dimensions: 350 * 470 * 180 mm.
Weight: 5.6 kg.
Ionization: up to 20,000,000 "-" ions / cm3.
Type: Unipolar, outdoor, photocatalytic, ultraviolet, with air intake.
Additional functions: air purification.
Power consumption: 60 watts.
Filters: pre-cleaning, HEPA, carbon.
How much: RUB 26,900
Advantages:
- low noise level;
- stylish backlit case design;
- there is a timer, remote control, easy to operate;
- several degrees of filtration and disinfection, the air is really purified;
- different modes of operation are laid, including "night";
- there is air quality control.
Disadvantages:
- high price of the device;
- expensive replacement consumables;
- no moisturizing, aromatization.
Redmond RAC-3706S SkyAirClean
Type: Unipolar, outdoor, with air intake.
Additional functions: air purification.
Filters: pre-cleaning, HEPA, carbon.
Density of negative ions: about 3,000,000 ions / cm3.
Dimensions: 345 * 583 * 176 mm.
Weight: 5.45 kg.
Power consumption: 27W
Effect area: 15-25 sq.m.
Approximate price: 14,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- consumes energy in a small amount;
- the presence of several types of filters;
- good level of ionization;
- one of the quietest;
- several blowing speeds;
- there is a timer, electronic display, remote control, indicators;
- reflects indicators of air purity;
- several operating modes, including "night", "smoke removal";
- high-quality assembly;
- compatible with mobile devices, can be controlled from a smartphone.
Disadvantages:
- expensive replaceable filters;
- high price of the device;
- no moisturizing, aromatization;
- dimensional, heavy.
Winia AWX-70
Weight: 10 kg.
Impact area: 50 sq. m.
Power consumption: 24 W.
Type: Unipolar, outdoor, with air intake.
Size: 410 * 420 * 325mm.
Filters: water, HEPA, with silver beads.
Additional functions: humidification, air purification.
Average price: 20,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- the quietest;
- good quality of air cleaning and disinfection;
- the presence of a hygrometer, humidification;
- there are several modes of operation, colors;
- capacious tank;
- display with demonstration of indicators.
Disadvantages:
- large size and weight;
- high price;
- average air ionization rate;
- the need for frequent filter maintenance;
- lack of remote control.
Electrolux EHU-3710D / 3715D
Impact area: 45 sq.m.
Power consumption: 110 W.
Weight: 2.3 kg.
Type: Unipolar, floor / table, with air intake.
Size: 209 * 382 * 209mm.
Filters: dustproof, pre-cleaning, disinfecting for water.
Additional functions: humidification, air purification, backlight.
Average price: 7,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- good degree of ionization, air purification;
- there is a hygrometer, automatic regulation of humidity at a set rate;
- there is a backlight of different shades, suitable as a night light in a children's room;
- there is an LCD display showing all the characteristics, a timer;
- complete with control panel, water softener cartridge;
- economical water consumption;
- several operating modes;
- low noise level;
- there is a function of aromatization;
- has a stylish design, compact size.
Disadvantages:
- high power consumption;
- Baby mode does not work well;
- buttons are not illuminated at night;
- it is difficult to find a filter cartridge.
How to choose
If there is a question about which ionizer is better to buy, then experts recommend taking into account several main points:
- Room area. The range of the device must correspond to this indicator.
- Ion concentration. The indicator should not be less than 400-500,000 ions / cm3.
- Noise level. This parameter is especially important if the device is purchased for children.
- The amount of ozone emitted. It should not exceed the norm permissible for a person.
- Device functions. It is advisable to find an option that combines air purification with ionization. If necessary, you can add moisturizing, aromatization with essential oils.
- The presence of filters and other methods of air purification. The more there are, the better allergy sufferers, children with asthma will feel. They are also useful if there are animals and people who smoke in the house. For allergy sufferers, it is recommended to pay attention to carbon cartridges, HEPA filters.
- The amount of energy consumed.
- The presence of a display, sensors, ease of disassembly - all this facilitates the care of the device.
- The cost of replacement consumables. Sometimes only very expensive filters can be bought for a budget model.
- Backlight. An up-to-date characteristic for a child's room, color play and dim light will calm the child and create conditions for a comfortable sleep.
With the right choice, an ionizer in the home will help maintain the health of all family members.
