How a Filterless Air Purifiers Work

A filterless purifier works by giving the incoming air an electrostatic charge. This charge also charges particles in the air. The air is then moved past an oppositely charged collection grid. The impurities in the air are attracted to the grid, like a magnet. The grid must be removed periodically and cleaned of the impurities. This is easily done with a damp cloth. Once the grid is completely dry, replace it and turn the machine back on. These systems can be installed on a forced air heating system to treat the whole house, or can be purchased in portable units.

This process creates ozone in the air. If you have been outside after a thunderstorm, you have smelled natural ozone in the air. These systems clean the air the way nature cleans the outdoor air.

However, some feel the ozone that is created can be a health hazard, particularly if it is highly concentrated. If you are using a portable air cleaner, be sure it isn’t too big for the room in which it is being used. The square footage is listed on the box and in the owner’s manual. Another option is to run it for a while and then turn it off before using the room.

Benefits of a Filterless Air Purifier

There are no filters to change with this type of purification system. Replacement filters can be expensive and not having one saves money in the long run.

They use a collection grid to collect impurities, rather than a filter. The impurities stick to the grid and are wiped off with a damp cloth. Once the grid is clean and dry, place it back in the machine and turn it on.

The filtration process leaves a fresh smsell in the air that many people find vitalizing. You won’t need to use air fresheners with these systems.

They are nearly silent when running. This is great for night time use. Some air purification systems can be very noisy and may need to be turned off at night.

Drawbacks of Filterless Air Purifiers

The safety of these filtration systems was called into question a few years ago when Consumer Reports gave the Ionic Breeze a bad review and called it hazardous. The reason is the ozone that is a by product of the purification process. Ozone is a pollutant and can be irritating to people with asthma or other respiratory disorders. Sharper Image responded by adding a component called “Ozone Guard” which is said to convert most of the ozone into oxygen. On a later review, Consumer Reports still gave the machine low marks, but said the ozone output is now in acceptable levels.

These systems are more expensive than other air purifiers. However, when you add in the cost of replacement filters, this price difference diminishes over time.

The collection grid must be cleaned frequently. If it isn’t clean, it won’t work. The frequency depends on the number of impurities in the air. Homes with pets, smokers, a lot of dust, etc, will need more frequent cleaning.

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Ken Morris releases many articles for www.air-purifier-and-cleaner-guide.com. He is featuring filterless air purifier and air cleaner.

First of all, lets define the term air purifier. An air purifier is a mechanism that is designed to free air from contaminants. Different techniques are used to render this task and these include filters, adsorbents, and electrostatic charges.

Asthma sufferers, those that have allergies, and those with other respitory problems have the most to gain from an air purifier. Air purifiers work by drawing these contaminants (pollutants, particles, and pollen) from within the air that we are breathing. Harmful air is pulled into the air purifier by the inlet grill. Some air purifiers have a pre-filter that helps contain the larger of the airborne particles. Air will then travel through the carbon filter which will help reduce unpleasant odors. Then the air will pass through another filter that is composed of many tightly woven fibers.

Finally, the fan redirects the filtered air throughout the room.

There are several factors that must be taken into consideration to determine how much expense will be involved in the purchase of an air purifier.

When considering cost, you must look into how much the replacement filters will run as well as how often they will need changed. What may appear to be a bargain up front on a less expensive model, could potentially cost you much more later on down the road.

Also,it is important to see if you can order the replacement filters in bulk at a discounted rate. It is always a good idea to find out from the manufacturer what the estimated electrical usage will be and whether or not the air purifier runs on a cycle or does it have to stay on constantly.

At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide if an air purifier is right for you and your family, but hopefully the information contained here has given you a working knowledge on what exactly air purifiers are and how they work.

About the Author

Reggie Dunn is a long time volunteer environmentalist and the webmaster of