Ionic Pro Parent Company & Product History
The Ionic Pro® series is manufactured by Air Purifier, LLC, a member of the Electronic Retailing Association which specializes in direct-to-consumer commerce and is not associated with Sharper Image. Their line of five air purifiers can be purchased online or in stores such as Wal-mart, Best Buy and Frys.
This company suffered repercussions from poor ratings that ionic/electrostatic/ozonator technologies received from Consumer Reports for ineffective air cleaning and unacceptable ozone emissions. Their marketing strategy has centered on making their units significantly more affordable than the more effective air purification products by having them manufactured in China using reverse-engineered American designs.
Consumer Complaints
Many consumers choose an ionic air purifier because of its low price, quiet operation and the slight breeze that sends out a “clean” smell. They are easy to maintain since do not require filter changes, although the mechanisms must be serviced regularly, so the unit produces a “buzz” when it is time to clean the elements. The steel plate assembly can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and if the unit goes too long without servicing it will shut itself off to prevent creating a fire hazard.
Criticism of Ionic Pro products include false advertising regarding the nature of the filter, which is not a Pure HEPA filter and consequently does not capture particulates down to 0.3 microns. In fact, their “HEPA-type” filter only captures airborne matter down to 1 micron, which is comparable to the capture rate of a regular vacuum cleaner. Claims regarding coverage area is misleading, because much of that radius is a result of the ozone drifting away from the machine.
Clean Air Delivery Rate
A Clean Air Delivery Rate of approximately 20 is achieved when the positively-charged ionizer wire attracts electrified particles to the charged collection plate, known as the Zenion effect. Collector plates can be damaged by electrical fluctuations and replacements cost $30.00, so surge protectors are recommended.
Construction and Warranty
All the towers are made of plastic and available in black or white. A control panel on top of the tower has LED lights indicating the status and power setting of the unit. Warranties vary, and longer warranties are available for installment plan purchases.