- Air purifiers use several different processes to remove particles of dust and debris from the air in our homes. One of the most commonly known types is a simple air filter. The air filter fits into a filter housing usually found inside our heating or cooling systems. It is located between the air return duct and the furnace. The filter is made of materials such as foam, fiberglass, cotton and synthetic fibers that are densely woven together. When particles try to pass through the filter, they are too big to fit and get trapped. The filter must be changed at regular intervals to ensure it works properly.
- An ionizing purifier works differently from an air filter. The atoms in the air typically have a neutral charge. There are two metal plates in the ionizing purifier, one with a positive charge and one with a negative charge. The filter creates ions by creating a small but powerful electrical field that causes the particles in the air to become either positively or negatively charged. As they become charged, they are attracted to one of the two metal plates in the ionizing purifier and become stuck to it. Particles that avoid getting captured by the plate become attracted to other charged particles in the air. Soon, enough of the escaped particles stick together so that they are too heavy to float, and they fall to the ground.
- The ozone generator version of the air purifier works somewhat like the ionic purifier, simply using a different concept. The ozone generator turns oxygen particles found in the air into ozone. The idea behind this is not that the particles have to be removed or trapped but that once they are converted from oxygen to ozone, the ozone particles then begin to disinfect and deodorize the air. However, it is still highly debated whether ozone actually does what some claim. Protesters claim that ozone is actually harmful instead of helpful and that it can react with other chemicals in the air to create even more harmful chemicals for us to breathe. See Resources below for more information about the controversy over ozone generators.
