Summary
Some companies present a case that a filterless air purifier is a better technology then a purifier with a HEPA or other replaceable filter technologies.
"filterless air purifier" – an air purifier that does not utilize any replaceable filter.
Many of these purifiers may have a pre filter, but it generally is a reusable/cleanable variety.
There are four basic types of filterless purifier.
1) Some Electrostatic Precipitators – see the Passive Technology section
2) Some UV products – see the Passive Technology section
3) Most Ozone based purifiers – see Active Technology section
4) Several advanced technology air purifiers utilizing multiple cleaning technologies, all filterless
Interestingly enough, some purifiers using the technologies above do have carbon filters or other replaceable filters associated with them. Again, I would not consider these
"filterless" as they have a replaceable filter associated with the purifier.
More Detail:
1) Electrostatic Precipitators – this technology is covered in the passive technology section, so I will not repeat that information here. I will however add that some units do utilize this
technology without any replaceable filter. Others do include a carbon or other filter as one of the stages of cleaning. Generally this technology alone is not as effective as it would be
combined with other technologies.
2) UV – again this technology is covered in the passive technology section, so I will not repeat that information here. I will however add that some units do utilize this technology without
any replaceable filter. Some may include UV as one of the technologies offered in their air purifier. Generally this technology alone is not as effective as it would be combined with other
technologies.
3) Ozone based purifiers – this technology is covered in the active technology section, so I will not repeat that information here. Most of these purifiers use ozone or a combination of
active oxidizers to clean the air and do not have any filters. Several processes can be employed and are discussed in detail in the Ozone section. Ozone technology alone is not as effective as
it would be if combined with other technologies.
4) High Technology purifiers – Some purifiers utilize several technologies to do a more complete job in cleaning the air. Very few utilize two or more filterless air purifier technologies.
There are a few however. One in particular utilizes Ionization (3 forms), UV, and a small ammount of ozone with other active oxidizers. Each of these technologies is covered in their respective
sections.
Filterless technology has an interesting image as the "new player on the block". It has been around in one form or another for over 20 years. Filterless technology can do a great
job of cleaning the air. It is important to understand all the basic technologies involved first.
It is also important to understand all the marketing tactics involved. Remember this, every air purifier company wants to sell their technology. For many HEPA filter purifiers (and others),
embracing filterless technology would be the "kiss of death" marketing wise. It is a gap that is hard to bridge when you are a company built on Filter technology. They will not
represent both technologies. Many have decided to attack filterless technologies as "all bad" as way to set themselves apart. Whether this is good or bad is not my point. My point is
that it is the way it is.
Keep this thought in the back of your mind, replaceable filters are big business.
Generally there is marketing friction between passive, passive/active, and active purifier companies. Get the facts on the technologies first, then when we talk about individual purifiers,
we can decipher some of the marketing.
In-Depth Reference(s)
– No additional reference information at this time –
Buying Considerations:
There is a clear leader when it comes to filterless air purifier technology (see reviews). A whole new industry of copies and knock-offs have emerged from this main player. Although many of
these "knock-offs" work and do some air cleaning, the "leader" has continued to stay a few steps ahead in technology.
Understanding the basics of filterless technology and of active technologies will help you make the right choice. Make sure to read the reviews as well as the other presentations on
differing technologies to get a full picture.
Going with a filterless air purifier can reduce ongoing costs versus filter technology, but realize there still may be some cost with either the time spent cleaning the purifier or replacing
certain parts that still may break or wear out. Generally speaking there can be a significant ongoing cost savings if the purifier is kept clean.
Return to STEP 1 Technology from Filterless Air Purifier