How to Test an Ionizer

Ionizers work by producing a stream of negative ions that attach themselves to airborne particulates and either drop them out of the air or deposit them on filters or collector plates. These contaminants can include bacteria, viruses, pet dander, pollen, car exhaust, dust, smoke, dust mites and other allergens and particulates. Testing an ionizer is important to ensure that it is working to full capacity.

Instructions

• 1

  Fill a closet-sized sealed space with various kinds of airborne particulates, such as smoke and dust. Place the ionizer unit in the space and close it. Check back a few days later. If the smoke and dust have been alleviated or eliminated, the ionizer is working properly.

• 2

  Purchase a charged-plate monitor if you want more accurate readings. Some charged-plate monitors come with a color graphics display to view waveforms discharged by ionizing equipment. Some also come with a PCMCIA slot on which you can dump images and other information for further analysis on your computer.

• 3

  Read and interpret the results of the charged-plate monitor's testing. Charged-plate monitors essentially work by providing a charge to the ionizing plates of your ionizer, and then using a non-contacting electrostatic field meter to measure the charge in a waveform. The pattern, depth, and shape of the waveforms determine the effectiveness of the ionizing equipment.

• 4

  Conduct a sniff test. If, after a few days of using the ionizer, the air in your home or car is noticeably cleaner and more odor-free, the ionizer probably is functioning properly.