How to Pick an Ionizer

The air inside your home is typically laden with all kinds of floating matter--dust particles, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, dust mites and discharge from electrical equipment. An ionizer produces negatively charged air molecules that attract particulate matter. The ionizer then deposits it on a collector plate. Ionizers are most useful for people with allergies to airborne contaminants, but the devices also provide a benefit to anyone living with any of the particulates listed above.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the square footage of the room in which your ionizer will be placed. The most powerful ionizers can scrub a room up to 1500 square feet in area, but are considerably more expensive than smaller ionizers, which are more appropriate for bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Pick an ionizer that is slightly larger than recommended for the size of the room.

• 2

  Consider whether you will need an ionizer with different power settings, which let you determine how much air the ionizer affects. If you will be moving your ionizer from room to room, pick a model with different power settings so that you can tailor the power output.

• 3

  Select whether you want a fan-based or non-fan-based model of ionizer. Fan-based models are better at distributing clean air, but are louder than non-fan-based models, which affect a smaller area of space. If the ionizer is for your bedroom, you are better off picking a model with no fan, while a fan-based model would be best for garages, living rooms, or commercial spaces.

• 4

  Decide on a filter or non-filter model. Less expensive ionizers require that you replace a filter after a specified period, so you will have to keep paying for new filters over time. Higher-end ionizers don't use filters but require that the collector plate be cleaned with a paper towel about every 2 weeks with constant usage. If you would rather not have to purchase filters, pick an ionizer with a collector plate.

• 5

  Determine whether you want or need extra features along with the ionizing function of your ionizer. Some models include any or all of the following: humidifier, UV sterilizer (which kills airborne bacteria), air purifier (which adds filtering capabilities to the ionizing function) and various methods for power (cigarette lighter, batteries, or standard electrical power).