Ionic Air Purifier Reviews and Test Results
Overview
I was surprised to see that many people still search for the Ionic Breeze Air Purifier model (Sharper Image) because it was pulled by the Federal Trade Commission quite a few years ago for potential health hazards. The hazard: Ozone production. For many consumers the name “Ionic Breeze” became synonymous with “Air Purifier” because of their infomercial success. Their fall open the doors for the Oreck Air Purifier ton take center stage on infomercial.
I did a search myself for “Ionic Air Purifier Reviews” recently and found that Sharper Image (even though they went bankrupt) has a site which sells several different models under the name. I will do another review on these other “Overpriced” models at another time (there is not much interest in them).
Since Ionic Breeze died a sudden death you might want to watch some of the “Top 10 Air Purifier” videos via the menu on the left.
Ionic Breeze Purifier Claims
The Sharper Image Ionic Breeze did well on infomercial because it touted “You never had to change the filter” and “It runs silently” and “It uses a penny a day in electricity. Let’s examine these points:
1. Never have to change the filter. By sticking to washable electrostatic (charged plates that attract some pollution and dust) they ignored the more effective HEPA (cloth) filters. Electrostatic is good for smoke and odor, and that’s about it.
2. It runs silently. Because there was no fan motor in the machine it counted on the natural air flow in the room, through the electrostatic plates to clean the air, along with the negative ions going out to kill some gases. Not a very effective way to clean the air, but better than nothing.
3. Runs on a penny a day. This is because it has no fan motor.
Stages of Purification
Now let’s take a look at the filters and technology for cleaning the air. The ionic breeze air purifier has 1 stage:
Stage 1 Electrostatic Plates (also called Ionizing electrostatic precipitator). – These washable plates attract positively and negatively charged particles in the air like pollution, VOC’s and some dust (but not alot of dust or pollen) Two thin wires positively charge (ionize) airborne particles and trap them on a negatively charged removable collection grid made of three to five steel plates. Air from the room is drawn in by the electrostatic forces, not by a fan. This air movement, the “Zenion effect”, produces the breeze users feel.
Pro’s & Con’s
Pro’s
1 – Inexpensive
2 – No replacement filters
3 – Destroys odours, kills germs, smells sweet to some.
4 – Control panel conveniently on top of tower.
5 – If the user forgets to clean the plates, the red light comes on and the unit shuts itself down. (looses efficiency as plates get dirty)
6- Collector plates are well-built, and sturdy
7- Portable, Uses minimal power – Energy efficient
Con’s
1 – No Hepa (best for pollen and dust)
2 – Creates ozone (harmful for sensitive lungs)
3 – Does not help with germs, bacteria, viruses
4 – Harmful to lungs, eyes and nasal passages in that it damages surface tissues (The half-life of ozone in air is approximately 72 hours (3 days) at room temperaturemaking it uncontrollable by consumers.)
5 – It moves very little air
6 – Some users complain about the brightness of the red light indicator at night
7 – Frequent cleaning required of the plates – every 4 or 5 days
8 – Internal ionizing wires need cleaning after eight to ten days. This will stop a humming noise caused by particle build-up on the charging wire
9 – Like all ionizers, the unit can create a black wall effect if left too long in one spot.
10 – Annoying sparking and crackling noises may develop when collector plates and ionizer wires are not kept perfectly clean
OTHER BRAND MODELS Names/Numbers: Hybrid GP Germicidal Air Purifier SI724 Professional Series
More Ionic Air Purifier Reviews
Specifications and Technologies
Ionic Breeze ( Ionic Air Purifier Reviews )
Retail Price:
Purification Technologies: 1
Square Footage: 500 sq ft
Replacement Filter Costs: No filters to buy or replace
Yearly Costs: 10
Decibel Level: Completely silent – air is circulated electronically, without a motor or fan however, crackling noise frequently reported
SIZE (dimensions), 29 inches high by 9 inches diameter WEIGHT – 9 lbs
WARRANTY/GUARANTEES:1 year warranty – The warranty specifically excludes damage caused by failure to clean
Number of Speeds – None
Air Purifier Rating
1. Technologies Included: (out of of 10 technologies) 1
2. Particle Removal (Allergens, Dust)3
3. Immune System Threats (Germs, Virus, etc.)1
4. Gas Removal (Odor, Chemicals, Smoke) 8
5. Longevity/Quality 6
6. Noise Levels 10
7. Ease of Use 10
8. Warranty 4
9. Customer Service/Reputation (reviews) 5
10. Price Value 4
Score: 52 = Fair
Conclusion
If you have allergies, find an air purifier with HEPA and skip the Ionic Breeze. If you have asthma DO NOT USE THIS MODEL, as it does create some Ozone which can irritate lungs. However if you smoke cigarettes then this might be an inexpensive alternative way to clear smoke. You won’t have to buy a HEPA filter which gets clogged with nicotine.
Because Sharper Image went bankrupt (someone else bought the name to sell the current version) you’ll want to keep that in mind.
I hope these Ionic Air Purifier Reviews have been of help.