Air ionizer for apartments and houses: purpose and principle of operation + five popular models

Negatively charged ions were called electric vitamins by the Russian scientist A. L. Chizhevsky at the beginning of the last century. According to his research, such particles are no less useful for the body than the usual vitamins A, B, C.

Let us examine in more detail what an air ionizer is for an apartment and a house, and why it is needed. We will also pay attention to its main advantages and disadvantages, consider the selection criteria and TOP-5 of the best offers on the market.

The main characteristics of the ionizer

Back in 1967, the first industrial devices appeared that were able to saturate gases and liquids with negative groups of atoms. Later, an air ionizer was developed, which today can be freely purchased and delivered in any room. To learn more about the dangers and benefits of ionized air, please go to this link.

If you still do not know what a home air ionizer is and how to choose it correctly, we suggest that you study this issue in detail, starting with the device.

How is the device arranged and working?

Depending on the operating principle and internal structure, air ionizers are divided into two large groups. Some work from ionizing radiation (ultraviolet, radioactive isotopes), others use high voltage with a corona discharge.

If we are talking about a device for domestic use, it means a representative from the second group. The device gives out quite powerful electric discharges, similar to lightning.

All designs for air ionization, regardless of model, work approximately the same.They create free electrons that are sent to the surrounding space, where they bind to oxygen molecules.

The result of this interaction is the appearance of negative ions.

The principle of formation of light ions with a plus and minus sign. Detached from electron molecules due to exposure to atmospheric electricity, various types of radiation

An electric current is involved in the appearance of these ions, so the devices are equipped with high voltage current sources. The task of the sources is to supply a discharge or maintain a constant current in the elements that create the electric current.

Let us consider in more detail how this happens inside the device. A corona discharge is formed on the electrodes, they are the main structural element of the product.

Electrodes in ionizers are wire and needle. The latter are faster and more efficient. Structurally, they are placed on the same rail as a “comb”.

In addition to electrodes, devices are equipped with:

• Filter rectifier - the voltage supplied to the electrodes can be alternating or constant, in the first case it is equalized.
• Diode or ion control system - provides creation and support of voltage and current strength.
• Protective devices - automation, safety mechanisms of the ionizer itself and various elements that ensure human safety when using products.

In order for ions to propagate throughout the room, they are built into the devices blowers. They can be internal and external.

In the ionizer may be provided for adjusting the flow of formation of charged particles. In such devices, the voltage across the electrodes changes according to the magnitude of the electric field around

Devices are additionally equipped with LED or ultraviolet lamps. We talked more about UV lamps for home use in this article.

If there is a cleaning option, filters are included in the design. But such devices are often referred to as ionization purifiers.

Photocatalytic, mesh, carbon, HEPA elements are used as filters. Some devices are equipped with a multi-stage system using several types of filters.

Scope of ionizers

Why else do I need air ionizers besides use in everyday life and medical facilities? Such devices are built into photocopying equipment and provide contactless charging of photo lenses.

Ionizers are installed in some models of air conditioners. The block itself is located inside, from the outside you can see only the outputs of the part

Mini-devices that can distinguish charged particles are present in keyboards, hair dryers, and humidifiers. Sometimes they perform simultaneously an antistatic function.

Pros and Cons of Using

If we compare the places with the best climate (mountains, sea coast, forest) and the urban environment by the concentration of negatively charged ions, the number of particles in the former will be 10-15 times higher. In rooms, imbalances are introduced by electrical appliances that produce positively charged atoms.

So is an air ionizer useful or harmful? There is no final answer. There is convincing scientific research, but there is also an opinion about the placebo effect from the operation of such devices.

The advantages of using include:

• ion saturation in an amount close to the parameters on the sea coasts, in coniferous forests, mountainous areas;
• beneficial effects on the body - immunity and working capacity are improved, health is improved, metabolism is normalized;
• neutralization of the negative impact of electrical appliances - TVs, computers;
• odor elimination;
• increasing the effectiveness of therapy in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system - pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis.

Air ionizers have been working in sanatoriums and hospitals for many years.Experiments prove a beneficial preventive effect on the human body and effect in the treatment of diseases.

The device is recommended for use by people with poor health, the elderly, families with young children working at a computer and in confined spaces

But before using the device, it is necessary to carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations regarding proper operation. Otherwise, the released atoms will be harmful.

The main disadvantages of ionizers:

• Solid particles from the air (dust, smoke, bacteria, pollen) are attracted to the positive electrodes and settle on them. Such objects are walls, floors, furniture, which requires frequent additional wet cleaning.
• The emergence of a high level of static electricity, when different surfaces begin to “shock”. The effect occurs with prolonged and frequent use of the device.
• If the room is too dusty, a person inhales dust with ions, which is harmful to health.
• Do not smoke when the ionizer is turned on - resins accumulate in the throat and can trigger the inflammatory process in the form of pharyngitis, laryngitis or other pathologies.
• You can not use an ionizer during the acute period of an illness with a high temperature - the operation of this device can aggravate the condition.

Based on the pros and cons of the ionizer, it is impossible to clearly say what effect will be from its use. It depends on the individual characteristics of a particular person.

Do not install the device in rooms where children under one year old live, asthmatics with acute attacks, patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Asthmatics and allergy sufferers need clean air like no other. Therefore, a household air purifier is more suitable for them than an ionizer. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the selection criteria air purifier for an apartment for allergy sufferers.

Equipment Selection Criteria

After analyzing all the pros and cons, the question arises - how to choose an ionizer? Living quarters are usually filled with soft materials, they may contain animal hair, which is why high-quality air cleaning is important.

Type of device for air ionization

There are two types of ionizers - unipolar and bipolar. The former are able to generate extremely negatively charged ions. They are used mainly in medical institutions, but not constantly.

Bipolar particles produce both positive and negative particles in the right ratio. With their help, the effect of "mountain air" is achieved.

Ionizers are divided into passive and active. In the former, the developed particles depart randomly and not far from the device. The second ones are equipped with a built-in fan to “disperse” the ions around the room, but this action produces additional noise

Main technical parameters

Significant indicators when choosing an ionizer are power, productivity, covered area. So, the higher the power, the more ions the device generates.

The performance of the ionizer is expressed in the concentration of air ions within a certain distance from the device. The minimum number for positive ions is 400 pcs. on cm³, the average - about 1.5-2 thousand, the maximum reaches a mark of 50 thousand

For negative, the minimum value is set within 600 ions, the average is 3-5 thousand, the maximum coincides with positive ones.

When choosing, you should also pay attention to the coverage area of ​​the device, comparing it with the dimensions of the room where the ionizer will have to work.

If you need a device for a bedroom, a bedside territory in a nursery, a product with a small radius of action is suitable. It is enough to provide clean air for a place to sleep.

A large house needs a powerful device with a coverage area of ​​100 square meters. m. Such devices operate through walls

To ionize a home workplace or room where the family spends the most time, a device with average parameters is enough. Its coverage area is 15-25 square meters. m

All performance indicators must be confirmed by appropriate certificates. This is a guarantee of safe use of the device.

Additional device functionality

The ionizer can be combined with other equipment: humidifier or air purifierbaby monitor. Users note the convenience of such devices.

The device can be equipped with an electrostatic or HEPA filter. The first creates an electric field like a thunder discharge, thereby neutralizing the action of heavy ions. It is enough to periodically wipe or rinse.

The second - HEPA - filters the air with the highest quality and is considered the most effective modern purifier, but it needs to be changed regularly.

The cost of HEPA is low, but finding an element in the distribution network is problematic due to the constant change of the model range by manufacturers

Health Checks Using Simple Methods

There are no problems with other equipment - I turned it on and I can immediately see if it works or not. It is impossible to determine what the ionizer does after turning on the network and / or pressing a button: most home appliances are quiet and have no indicators on the panel.

To test the operation of the device, you can create the simplest device from a glass container, a conductive ball and two petals of a metallized film. If the petals diverge, the ionizer works

You can check the operability of the device without an air ion counter in another way. Cut a thin strip of paper, take a plastic stick, rub it against dry hair and try to raise the strip with an “electrified” end.

Then transfer the wand into the range of the device and again try to raise the strip. If this does not happen, the charge is neutralized, everything works. Such checks can be used not only immediately after the purchase of the ionizer, but also in cases when it falls to the floor.

TOP 5 best offers on the market

The rating includes the best price and quality devices from Russian and foreign brands. The cost of devices varies from 1.7 to 10 thousand rubles. and depends on the set of functions of the country of manufacture.

Rank # 1 - Milldom M900 Premium

The device is designed and manufactured in Russia, but from Japanese components. This ozonizer-ionizer is the most productive analogue on the market.

The device is capable of serving large areas, which is beneficial for owners of large residential, commercial premises. Mildom M900 Premium can also be used as an ozonizer of water, food, and interior items.

Characteristics:

1. Power (W) - 10.
2. Overall dimensions (mm) - 268x188x69.5.
3. Serviced volume (m²) — 160.
4. Weight (kg) - 0.94.
5. Power is the network.

The device is equipped with a timer for 5-30 minutes, the time until shutdown is displayed on the front panel. It is possible to give commands to the ionizer through sensors.

The compact device does not take up much space and is convenient for transportation during trips. The ionizer resource is designed for 17 years of service.

Place # 2 - Amber-5M

This needle ionizer is made at the Yantar NPF, which is located in Kazan. Since 1996, the company has been manufacturing devices, deliveries to Europe, the USA, and fulfills government orders from Russian enterprises.

The device can work in three modes, it is configured individually. The control unit is an ATMEL microprocessor, which ensures stability and accuracy.

Characteristics:

1. Power (W) - 3.
2. Overall dimensions (mm) - 170x100x125.
3. Serviced volume (m²) - up to 20.
4. Weight (kg) - 1.2.
5. Power is the network.

The device is made in an interesting design from environmentally friendly materials - aluminum and solid pine. The case does not emit harmful substances, it is not electrified.

If a bipolar ionizer is used in the home office, it must be installed at a distance of 2-3 m from the workplace. One device compensates for aeroionic deficiency in an area of ​​15-20 square meters. m

Place # 3 - AIC XJ-2100

The device is manufactured by the Italian company AIC, which has several design and engineering laboratories.Brand products undergo a 4-step level of control, therefore, receive good reviews from consumers for reliability.

The ionizer is equipped with a fan. The device can be installed in the car, the necessary batteries and adhesive strips are supplied.

Characteristics:

1. Power (W) - 8.
2. Overall dimensions (mm) - 350x220x126.
3. Serviced volume (m²) — 25.
4. Weight (kg) - 1.4.
5. Food - from a network and the cigarette lighter.

Model AIC XJ-2100 can work in two modes. At a high power level, it ionizes air continuously, at a low level it turns on for a minute and takes a break for 3 minutes.

The device is equipped with a removable unit with metal plates, which are easy to care for. They need to be periodically wiped from the accumulated dust.

Place # 4 - AirTec XJ-110

The device is made in Taiwan. The climatic equipment of the brand belongs to the budget class and is multifunctional.

The vertical body of the miniature device has only one removable element - the battery compartment. You can determine the status of the device by the LED indicator on the front panel.

Characteristics:

1. Power (W) - 1.2.
2. Overall dimensions (mm) - 132x73x140.
3. Serviced volume (m²) — 15.
4. Weight (kg) - 0.28.
5. Food - 6 (type "D", 4 pcs.).

The device can be used in residential, office premises, it can be installed in cabinets, refrigerators, car interiors. It works almost silently, consumes little power.

In addition to ionizing air, AirTec XJ-110 can attract dust, destroy unpleasant odors, kill germs and bacteria.

Periodically, you need to wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. Increased noise during operation indicates the need for such maintenance.

Rank # 5 - iBaby Air A1

The product was created by the American company iBaby Labs. The brand is known for its unique developments in the field of high-tech "parent" gadgets.

The device can analyze the air around it and independently enable the ionization option, if necessary. It connects to Wi-Fi, the climate in the nursery is controlled through the application.

Characteristics:

1. Power (W) - up to 3.
2. Overall dimensions (mm) - 127х152х152.
3. Serviced volume (m²) — 5.
4. Weight (kg) - 0.9.
5. Food - from a network.

This ionizer is equipped with a two-way audio system for monitoring the child, temperature and humidity sensors, can work like a nightlight with a choice of lighting colors.

The iBaby Air A1 gives parents advice on improving the air in the room, provides a schedule for changing indicators over a certain period, and an unlimited number of users can be involved in monitoring the climate.

In addition to the products examined, there are also similar devices and classic Chizhevsky lamps on sale, but the latter are unipolar and do not meet the requirements SanPiN 2.2.4.1294-03. According to the regulations, the device must generate ions of both polarities.

Operation tips

To choose the location of the device, keep in mind that dust will stick to surfaces near the device. Walls and ceilings are more difficult to clean than a table or nightstand. The best option is next to the bed, workplace.

Place the ionizer 2-4 meters away from the respiratory system. For the first time, 5-10 minutes of work is enough, it is recommended to increase the time gradually

Annually it is necessary to disassemble the ionizer and clean all the parts. It is best to entrust this work to the specialists of the service center, so as not to damage the mechanisms.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Visual demonstration of the process of air ionization.

Some information on the choice of ionizers.

Interview with scientist S. G. Bolotov about aeroionization.

Knowing the device, the principle of operation, varieties and models of ionizers available on the market, it is easier to choose a device for your apartment or home. Whether he is needed or not - an individual decision for each.

Judging by the reviews, sick people feel an improvement, healthy users do not notice any effect from using the product.

Thinking about buying a household ionizer, but you still have doubts about the advisability of acquiring such a device? Ask your questions to our experts and other site visitors - the owners of ionizers will be happy to share with you the experience of personal use of the device.