WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW…

Overview

Let’s begin by defining what an ozone ionizer air cleaner is and isn’t. There is a lot of confusion amongst consumers, due to the fact that some “ionizers” create ozone. Once we have ‘cleared the air” (sorry for the pun) about the differences we’ll talk about different air cleaners and ionizers models that you’ll find reviewed on this site.

Ozone and Ions are different.

What Is Ozone?

Ozone is an oxygen molecule (O2) with an added, unstable molecule added (O3). This unstable molecule is created by lightning, orby electrical charge. In the case of the Air Purifiers ozone machines are called “ozone generators and while very effective for mold, mildew, odors and gases too much Ozone can irritate lungs. Brand names include Alpine and Ecoquest as well as some Chinese air purifiers with Ozone added. These Ozone molecules go out into a room and kill odor, they don’t work inside the machine itself.

VIDEO: Ozone Ionizer Air Cleaner Dangers

What Is An Ionizer?

An ionizer uses electrically charged metal plates, and often charged wires, to create an electrical field that has both a negative and a positive charge. These plates attract pollution and odors. That’s because these toxins also have a charge so the plates act like a magnet. Models include the Oreck (truman cells), Ionic Breeze, and any air cleaner called ionic. They use washable plates or grids. The challenge has been that these “ionic plates” can create ozone as a byproduct of the electrical charge. So the term ” Ozone Ionizer Air Cleaner ” might better be called “ionizer air cleaner that creates ozone”.

The video below explains Ionizers and their pro’s and con’s.

Ionizer Pros and Cons

Conclusion

While ionizers are fine for removing odor and pollution they are not very effective at dust and pollen. This is because pollen and dust have little electric charge. But if pollution and odor is your main problem they would be an inexpensive way to treat these issues. I would just look for an ionizer that has plates which do not create ozone.

Ozone on the other hand is great for mold and odor, but you want to be away from the room you are treating when you run ozone.

A complete list of air ionizers and air purifiers, with comparisons, is available via the link below…

Ozone Ionizer Air Cleaner Comparison Chart

See The Chart Further Down

For Best Results:

Before jumping to the home air purifier comparison chart please read the following suggestions:

After 30 years in the air purifier industry I have watched people choose the wrong air purifier system hundreds of times. I’d like to help you avoid making that mistake. My suggestion, as the best way to begin, include these steps:

1) First: Learn the 10 technologies to determine which is best for your needs

2) Review the Home Air Purifier Comparison Chart below to find several models which match the technology.

3) Watch the video reviews, written specs, and particle tests on this site to narrow your decision.

You’ll find a review on almost every brand name air purifier on the market via the left menu. A complete list of air purifiers reviewed is available on the site can be found using the link below:

Home Air Purifier Comparison List

STEP 1: Learn The 10 Technologies

There are 10 primary air purification technologies available. The video below covers all 10 and what they help.

Quick Review:

#1 HEPA Filters – Particles: Allergies, dust, pollen

#2 UV – Pathogens: Kills germs, viruses, bacteria

#3 Carbon – Gas: smoke, chemical fumes, odors

#4 Pre-Filters – Particles: Hair and Dust

#5 Tio2 – Magnifies UV effect making it much more effective

#6 Ozone – Gas: Smoke, odor, mold (May harm lungs)

#7 Negative Ion – Does remove some smoke, mold and pollution and has a positive effect on the physical body (sleep, breathing, energy)

#8 Electrostatic – pollution (soot), smoke, odor

#9 Water – Collects dirt, hair and dust by passing air through water

#10 Ionizers – Collects pollution and will kill some odor and smoke

Keep a list of the technologies in mind as you review the comparison chart to find models that match your needs.

STEP 2: Home Air Purifier Comparison Chart

Armed with the knowledge of which technologies you want look over the comparison list below with an eye toward which models match your criteria.

STEP 3: Watch the Complete Reviews

Via the link below, and the left menu, you’ll find complete reviews on all major brands of air purifiers. These reviews include:

1) Spec Sheets

2) Pros and cons

3) Video reviews

4) Written reviews and comments

5) Particle tests for many popular models

Best Wishes finding the right air purifier for you.

Overview

On this site you’ll find the best ratings for air purifiers based on particle tests (video), video reviews that take you inside each machine, comparison charts and consumer opinions. But to get the best air purifier for you watch the video below that will explain the ten technologies and how to properly determine square footage.

Once you have the technology you want and the square footage then read the comparison chart for models that match. After you have chosen several models then watch the complete reviews, videos, and particle tests on those brands from the left menu.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW FIRST TO LEARN ABOUT THE 10 AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGIES…

Why Most Ratings Miss the Mark

If you were to simply chose your air purifier based on Consumer Reports top ratings for air purifiers you might, like many consumers, chose an air purifier that is less than ideal. That’s because of the following:

1) Because each room is a different size, and since each air purifier is rated for a different square footage, many consumers buy air purifiers that are either too big or small.

2) The ten different types of air purification technology each work in different ways. I have seen, for example, people buy an ionic air purifier for pollen allergies, only to discover that HEPA is the only one that handles pollen effectively.

3) Most ratings don’t account for operating expenses. EX: If you buy the most expensive air purifier on the market you’ll also be paying 190 every 6-9 months for the replacement filters (See the comparison chart for replacement prices).

Importance of Particle Tests

Particle tests are the only way to determine whether an air purifier can remove dust and pollen effectively. Few particle tests exist online, but on this website you’ll find we have tested almost every brand.

Ratings for Air Purifiers That Include Video

Because of my technical background (or maybe my geeky nature) I like to see what I am buying, whether it’s a house, a car, or an appliance. Because any air purifier is only as good as the filters inside I have taken the time in every video review on this website to take apart each air purifier. This way you can see the filters inside each machine.

Finally the comparison chart (you can find it via the left menu or right column) on this website will give you a good look at filter prices, warranties, prices and filters included.

The link below takes you to my Top 10 air purifiers reviewed in video format.

I bought my 1st ionizer air purifier in the 1970’s. I hoped to get help with asthma and severe allergies. Did it actually work? Just the reverse: It brought on an asthma attack, and I’ll explain why shortly. It was many years later that the Sharper Image model was removed from the airwaves for this very reason.

The Ionizer Problem

The problem with some Ionizers is this:

The washable “plates” in many air purifiers create dangerous levels of ozone.

This has caused much confusion for consumers. And most consumers don’t know the difference between ions, ionizers and ozone.

Ionizers do something different from ozone. Ionizers aren’t made intentionally to create ozone, they work in a different way, but some ionizers just (because of their design) happen to make ozone.

Perhaps the important major point about ionizers is that they are not particularly good for pollen and dust. The plates simply do not work well since most dust and pollen does not have very much electrical charge. The static electricity from the plates, which also creates the zapping noise often complained about, however does attract some dust.

What Exactly Is Ozone?

It’s oxygen (O2) that has an extra molecule added to it. It’s this extra molecule that is short-lived, unstable, which can actual kill odor and that can irritate lungs. So while ozone can also clean the air the way they work is different from ionizers.

Several “ozone-machines” are available for sale today with popular names like Ecoquest or Vollara. These ozone machines send ozone out of the machine into the room, they don’t clean the air inside the purifier itself.

The same way ozone can kill mold and odor too much can also attack cells in the respiratory track and sinuses bringing irritation.

The Ionizer Air Purifier

An Ionizer Air Purifier cleans the air inside the machine itself. By charging steel plates with electricity (+, -) it attracts charged pollution and odor molecules like a magnet. The Oreck (truman cells are plates) and the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze are the most well known ionizers. Their plates are washable.

These flat “plates” have a tendency to create ozone because of the positive electrical charge. But it’s not what they are trying to do.

Conclusion

An ionizer is different from ozone machines, but can create ozone. The fact that an ionizer doesn’t work particularly well for dust or pollen may be the reason to look at air purifiers that use HEPA instead.

Overview

To choose the air best home purifier , at the best price, I am going to suggest watching the video below. This way you can determine which technologies you want, and also what the square footage is. Once you have the tech you want then reading our handy comparison chart (see the left menu for it) and watching our comprehensive video and written reviews will help you choose the right one for your needs.

If you know the technology, and just want to begin watching the air best home purifier video reviews on each model you’ll find them via the left menu. We have tested and reviewed over 200 models to date.

Most Common Air Purifier Mistakes

When it comes to air purifiers most consumers make the following mistakes:

1 – They choose air purifiers that are too small for the area they are trying to cover

2 – They choose the wrong technology. The most common example is purchasing an Oreck Air Purifier which can handle smoke and odor but which does a poor job on dust and pollen because it fails to include HEPA. Hepa is what Doctors recommend most.

3 – They pay too much. Air Purifiers are very profitable, and the infomercial models are very overpriced.

4 – They fail to look at the replacement filter costs. Most air purifier companies overcharge for their replacement HEPA filters and UV bulbs. The comparison chart on this website shows the different prices of these. Every 6-9 months you will have to pay for these filters. Some less expensive air purifiers can actually cost you more once you factor in filter costs over time.

For Allergies – Make Sure It Is Tested

If you have allergies to pets, pollen or dust then you’ll want to make sure that the air purifiers you are looking at offer particle tests. This is the only way to properly determine whether an air purifier will remove the dust and pollen causing your allergies.

So while almost all HEPA air purifiers should remove allergens down to “0” you’ll find some that do not. You’ll see particle tests done in real time on many of the models reviewed on this site. To find the air best home purifier for allergies make sure you watch the particle tests.

For Dust – Make Sure It Has HEPA

While electrostatic air purifier and ionizer tout that they help with dust the fact is that HEPA filters, a cloth like filter similar to those you’ll find by your furnace, are the better choice. Electrostatic plates or truman cells simply do not attract and hold very much dust.

Which Best Buy Air Purifier is Best?

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW…

Overview

In this review I’ll be answering the following questions:

1) What are the most popular air purifier models on the market?

2) What brands sold at Best Buy stores are any good (if any)?

3) What do you consider the top Best Buy air cleaner ?

Because I live in Minnesota, near their headquarters, I’ve had a chance to watch their test cases on air purifiers in their local stores.

Choosing the Right Air Purifier

There are popular air purifiers and then there is a much more important factor:

Which best buy air purifier is best for you?

The answer depends primarily on the proper square footage, which of the 10 air purifier technologies matches your needs, and your budget. Other considerations include filter replacement costs (most often overpriced), warranty and guarantee terms, noise, quality, and customer service.

Don’t know the ten technologies? You can learn about all 10 technologies and what they help by watching the video on the home page:

Consumer Reports Air Purifier Purchase Mistakes

Consumers often purchase air purifiers only to discover that:

1) The air cleaner they chose did not help the problem they have

2) The air purifier was too loud for sleep

3) The replacement hepa filters were overpriced

You can avoid these mistakes by reviewing the comparison chart below.

Best Buy Air Purifier Models

The air purifiers sold on BestBuy.com (currently there are 20 models) are drop shipped from the supplier, not from BestBuy directly. This is also true for Target, Home Depot and other big box stores. Amazon does have a few models that they ship directly, with special arrangements they make with the manufacturer.

Best Buy currently sells these brands:

Honeywell

Blueair

Sharp Plasmacluster

Electrolux

Ionic Pro

[you can find reviews on all these models via the left menu]

My Suggestion</h2

>Because these companies do not service or ship directly my suggestion is to purchase directly from the company for better service, and cost. The exception is if you love BestBuys service or their policy protects you from problems with quality.

The Air Purifiers sold in their stores (when they do) are generally the less expensive models from Hunter and Honeywell. They are the more profitable models, and being small take up less space on their shelves. I don’t recommend most of the models they have in their stores. For awhile they sold (or tried to sell) some of the better rated models, but that hasn’t worked out for any of the big box stores.

WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW…

Best Home Air Purifier

If you’re searching for the best air purifier unfortunately you’re going to get as many answers as there are websites. A much better question to ask is this:

“What’s the best home air purifier for my home?”

And the answer to that question is: “The one that fits your problem, the size of the room, and your budget”. Each persons needs are different. EX: two people have a dust problem but one person has a large 800 square foot living room, the other a 12 x 12 bedroom. Many people buy air purifiers too small for the job, and I’ve seen people needlessly spend 800 on a large air purifier for a small room.

Most popular air purifier websites use the confusion to make more money – by selling expensive air purifiers which may not do the proper job but that are labeled “Best”. Unlike other sites the reviews on this site give you particle tests, pro’s and con’s and specifications to help you find the best one for you.

In the following videos you’ll soon be headed for an answer to finding the best home air purifier – based on what you’ll be learning. But first here are the four necessary steps:

4 Steps to the Best Home Air Purifier ……For YOU!

STEP 1 – Discover and know the 10 air purifier technologies available to determine which will help your problem.

STEP 2 – Square Footage: Measure (or estimate) the square feet (Video #1 explains how doorways and high ceilings affect this number and how many manufacturers “cheat” the numbers).

STEP 3 – Examine the comparison chart to determine several models that match your discovery from Step 1 & 2.

STEP 4 – Watch videos and reviews of each model, including particle tests, via the left menu.

Follow these four steps, in order, and you will soon discover the best rated home air purifier for you.

STEP 1& 2: Ten Technologies & Square Footage

The following video explains the pro’s and con’s of the top 10 air purification technologies, and how to measure square footage:

In review the ten technologies are:

1) HEPA

2) Ultraviolet

3) Tio2

4) Pre-Filters

5) Carbon

6) Electrostatic

7) Negative Ions

8) Ozone

9) Zeolite

10) Water, etc.

Step 3 and 4

Now that you know the 10 technologies, and square footage, you should have a better idea of the specifications needed for your home.

Armed with the knowledge of step 1 and 2 you can now proceed to step 3 and 4. The comparison chart and reviews via the menu to your left, or via the link below, will help you determine which brands may be suitable.

See The VIDEO and 5 Mistakes Below

After 30 years in the Air Cleaner Home Purifier industry I have watched people choose the wrong air purifier system hundreds of times. I’d like to help you avoid making that mistake. My suggestion, as the best way to begin, include these steps:

STEP #1: Review the 10 types of purifier to determine which fits your needs (reviewed below)

STEP #2: Read the Comparison Chart below to choose several that match the type you need.

STEP #3: Watch any video reviews, spec sheets, particle tests and ratings from those models on this site to make your decision.

You’ll discover a review on pretty much every brand name Air Cleaner Home Purifier on the market from the left menu . A complete list of air purifiers reviewed is available on the site can be found using the link below:

Air Cleaner Home Purifier Comparisons

5 Mistakes

The 5 mistakes most consumers make when choosing an air purifier:

1 – Buying an air purifier that does not cover adequate square footage

2 – Discovering that the replacement filters are overpriced on the model purchased

3 – Choosing the wrong technology for the job (EX: buying an Oreck to get rid of dust when the Oreck does not include a HEPA filter, and hence is inadequate for dust)

4 – Failing to review the warranty terms

5 – Purchasing an overpriced infomercial model

STEP ONE: Learn The TEN Technologies

There are 10 primary Purifier technologies available. The video below covers all 10 and what they help.

To Review:

#1 HEPA – For Particles including dust and pollen

#2 UV light – To Kill germs, viruses, and bacteria

#3 Active Carbon – For Gases: smoke, chemical fumes, and odors

#4 PreFilters – For large particles: Pet Hair, hair and Dust

#5 Tio2 – Improves UV effect making it much more effective

#6 Ozone – Great for Gases: Smoke, odor, mold (But can hurt lungs)

#7 Negative Ions – Can remove some smoke and pollution but more important has a positive effect on the physical body (better sleep, breathing, and more energy)

#8 Electrostatic Plates – pollution (soot), smoke, odor

#9 Water – Can gather dirt, hair and dust.

#10 Ionizers – Collects pollution and will kill some odor and smoke.

Keep a list of the technologies you want as you look at the comparison chart to find models matching your needs.

Air Cleaner Home Purifier comparison Chart

Watch the Reviews

From the link below (or the menu) you can find complete reviews on all major brands. These reviews include:

1) Spec Sheets

2) Pros and cons

3) Video reviews

4) Written reviews and comments

5) Particle tests for many popular models

There are many facts about air purifiers, and many more misconceptions about air purifiers in the world. For over 30 years, I’ve been involved with air purifiers and helping thousands of people get cleaner air. The following facts are designed to shorten the learning curve and get you educated to find the right air purifier for you.

To begin your journey in learning the facts about air purifiers, here are some questions you will need to be able to answer:

1) Which of the ten available Air Purifier Technologies match your needs? (And if you don’t know those 10 technologies watch the video below)

2) What is the square footage for my room? This is determined by multiplying the width by the length. (You can approximate this, but be sure to factor in high ceilings.)

Once you have these two questions answered view the air purifier comparison chart on our top ten models to see ratings, square footage, filters included,warranty info, and prices. The video further down the page will walk you through the technologies and what to look for. Because each technology has different strengths and weaknesses (EX: HEPA is good for allergies but not odor) it’s likely you’ll be looking for a multi-technology air purifier. The chart below can be more easily viewed on smaller screens via the link to the right.

Consider The Top 3 Reasons Why Most People Choose The Wrong Air Purifier

There are three primary reasons why most people choose the wrong air purifiers. Here are the top 3:

Mistake #1: Not knowing the 10 technologies and buying an air purifier that misses the technology that solves your problem.

REASON 2: You don’t understand some of the questionable practices of air purifier manufacturers (EX: you end up buying an air purifier with a limited warranty, or overpriced replacement filters).

REASON 3: You pay too much for an air purifier because the infomercial or marketing convince you it will solve your problem.

To compare air purifiers properly you’ll want to use this information to choose the best one for you.

Facts About Air Purifiers – More Reviews

How to Understand Air Purification Technology

Become A Smart Shopper

There’s no replacement for getting educated about what you’re buying, especially with a larger purchase like an air purifier. You’ll have it (likely) for years. Save money and “Stay Smart my Friends”!

Facts About Air Purifiers – Conclusion

If you watched the 10 technologies video, and figured out your square footage, then it’s time to begin doing some comparisons. You’ll find more air purifier video comparisons and stat sheets on the major brands via the left menu.

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped others…

Overview

In this review of air purifiers for the home I'd like to first ask: "Do you understand the ten technologies, and how they match (or fail to match) your homes needs?" That's

where I find most people end up wasting money.

Please watch the video below first to learn:

1) Which of the ten types of air purifiers for the home match your homes needs

2) What size air purifier you need.

Armed with that information the comparison chart (via the left menu) can help you narrow down several air purifiers for the home that match your homes needs. Then watch the video reviews and

particle tests on these model available on this site.

You'll find complete video reviews and specification information on almost every home air purifier here. To date we have tested and reviewed over two hundred air purifiers for the

home.

Top 10 Home Air Purifier Mistakes

1 – Incorrect Type of filters. EX: If allergies are your main concern avoid electrostatic air purifiers like the Oreck. You need something with a HEPA

filter, according to allergies and experts. Learn the 10 technologies first.

2 – Too small or too large. Check the square footage of your room, and the square footage of the brand name. With small rooms you can often buy 2 for the price of one large air purifier.

3 – Paying too much. Many air purifiers are overpriced for what they do and their square footage.

4 – Poor warranties. Many warranties are pro-rated, meaning if it breaks down you'll have to pay to get it fixed. Read the warrantyb terms first.

5 – Failing to check replacement part costs. Many companies overcharge, in my opinion, for their HEPA filters, carbon filters, and UV bulbs. But if you own their model you're stuck

buying their filters so check replacement costs first.

6. – Not checking decibel levels. If you plan on using it in the bedroom make sure you look for a model that has a decibel level below 24. I've seen consumers who had to return the model

at their cost by not checking for quiet.

7. – OZONE machines. As ironic as it sounds some air purifiers that produce ozone in large amounts can irritate your lungs and cause breathing problems. Ozone machines are good for smoke and

odor, but the health risk is there as well.

8. – Falling for Infomercial Claims. Most infomercials need a 7 times markup – which means they are generally overpriced.

9. – Old technology. Many air purifiers, and even several expensive "top-rated" models, still use the old brush-type fan motors which use more electricity, break down faster and

are noisier. Look for a brushless motor with the latest electronics.

10. – Failing to see for yourself. Watch the videos on this website to see inside each machine, the size of the filters, and particle tests.

Overview

It’s true that a home ozone air purifier (while good at smoke, mold and odor) can hurt your lungs and airways. But let’s start by explaining the difference between ozone and ions, because they are two different things. Certainly there is a lot of confusion for consumers about the difference, and the controversy about ozone.

Ozone Explained – Ozone is a very unstable substance, which makes it good for cleaning smoke and odors from the air. It does not help with dust and pollen. However it is nothing more than oxygen (O2) with an added molecule (making it O3). Simple enough, but what does this mean? It’s that extra molecule, created by an electrical process, that can go out into the air and because it is unstable it will attach itself to gas molecules (odor, smoke) and some living molecules (mold spores) killing or disabling them. Unfortunately this is what, at certain levels, also harms the lung tissues.

Ozone vs. Ionizers

Ionizer – Ionizers (ions) are another way to clean the air (Oreck, ionic Breeze, etc.) which uses small washable plates or grids that are electrically charged with positive and negative electricity. This is called an “Ionizer” because it counts on positive and negative “ions” to clean the air. Like a magnet the plates attract any molecules in the air that air negative or positive. Since so many pollutants are positively charged the negative plates make a perfect place for them to attach themselves. Then you simply wash off the plates or grids. However dust and pollen carries little charge so these types of air purifiers are not good for dust or pollen.

The problem with Ionizer plates, or truman cells, is that ionizers can create ozone as a “by product”. This is why the Sharper Image company had to remove the “ionic Breeze” from the market. And despite claims by Oreck that their machine does not produce ozone consumers are complaining about an “odor” from their machines.

Home Ozone Air Purifier Brands

Besides the ionizers that produce ozone as a by product some companies sell Ozone machines. These include:

Ecoquest- Now owned by Vollara. A multi-level marketing company. They sell for over 500

Alpine – The earlier name of the Ecoquest Company. The name changes have been as the result of the government cracking down on the claims by Ecoquest and Alpine as to teh health benefits, as well as consumer complaints from ozone problems.

Conclusion

While I do own a home ozone air purifier I only use it for treating my basement, garage and bathroom. In other words I use it for mold and mildew problems only. I also leave the house when I use it to treat a room.

However if you have allergies or any kind of lung problems stay away from Ozone. It does not gather dust or pollen and it can harm your lungs. My primary air purifier starts with HEPA and UV – to gather dust and pollen – and UV, to kill germs, odors, and bacteria.