|
Several ozone air cleaner models are on the market. There is a large debate over the safety of ozone in purifying indoor air. Ozone and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters compete for top choice for indoor air cleaning. One of the most noticeable differences in these two systems is the filtration device. Hepa air cleaning systems use high efficiency filters, which need to be replaced. These replacement filters are quite expensive, but don’t need to be changed more than once each year in good machines. The ozone air cleaner doesn’t use filters, but collection plates. These collection plates are washable and reusable, saving money later.
Weighing the pros and cons of ozone air cleaners
On the pro side of the argument, ozone air cleaners are effective at removing impurities from the air. Ozone air purifiers remove ninety nine percent of particles from the air. These devices may have additional health benefits. Ozone is effective for killing mold and bacteria. Other filters can trap mold spores, but only ozone cleaners kill these organisms. Less mold and bacteria in the air can translate into fewer illnesses in homes with these devices. A research study in England showed evidence of decreased bacteria in a hospital setting using ozone.
On the con side, ozone is a pollutant. These products have been called dangerous in the press lately. Manufacturers such as prozone, oreck and sharper image stand behind their products and insist on their safety. People with asthma or respiratory disease may find these air purifiers to be irritating. To be on the safe side, use ozone cleaners in well ventilated areas and avoid prolonged use in small spaces.
For the best of both worlds, take a look at the Hunter HEPATech air cleaning system. This model is a HEPA filter, similar to a Honeywell. The difference is this model has a built in ionizer. Hepa filters are the only air filters that can absorb excess ozone in the environment. With this model, you can enjoy the benefits of electrostatic air cleaning and hepa filtration. Use the ionizer when you are out of the room for a period of time. Turn off the ionizer and let the hepa filter run for an hour or so before going to bed.
|
|
