Modern Solutions Inc.

What is the difference between an air purifier and an air filter?

An air filter is simply that…a “filter”. There is no technology involved. The principle of operation is simple; to catch particles larger than the holes in the filter media. While a true air purifier may also incorporate filtration, it does not depend on a man-made filter to clean (purify) the air. Instead, it replaces the missing ions and ozone to indoor air to allow the indoor air to be purified and perform like fresh outdoor air.

There are many air filters being sold today and even recommended by doctors. Unfortunately, there is little or no information being provided by doctors or the manufacturers as to the limitations of air filters or the benefits of natural air purification.

Here are some of the comparisons for consideration:

Air filters only work well on particles. They do not purify the air of biological pollutants that may be growing around a home and they have no affect on chemical gasses created from new building materials, paints, carpet, vinyl flooring, furniture, etc. Air purifiers replace the missing ozone indoors. Ozone is not limited to particles and helps to overcome chemical and biological pollutants. Some models of purifiers also have the ability to sanitize bacteria and mold when used at a high setting in unoccupied spaces. This added benefit can do a lot to improve indoor air quality. Temporarily unoccupied rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms can be easily sanitized without the use of chemicals or manual labor. Air purifiers can be used in attics and basements to kill mold as well. On June 26, 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally approved the use of ozone in both air and water as an anti-microbial agent. Air purifiers that replace ozone have been used for years in every conceivable indoor environment including, homes, offices, day care centers, bars, restaurants, hospitals, laboratories, retail stores, etc. (See the article on ozone.)

Air filters only work on particles that happen to be “larger” than the holes in the filter media. By default, this means the smaller particles will pass through. Even the best HEPA filters are limited to particles down to .3 microns. Being that an average grain of beach sand is about 200 microns, a HEPA filter does quite a good job. However, there are many particles smaller than .3 microns which can travel much farther into the recesses of our lungs. These smaller particles, called condensation nuclei, can be as much as a million times smaller than a micron. Man will never be able to invent an air filter that can do what nature does with ions. Air purifiers replace the missing ions indoors. Ions are not at all limited like filters and will work effectively on all sizes of particles. (See the article on electrical ions.)

Air filters only work on particles that actually make to the filter. Because of air flow patterns established around an air filter, the filter is limited as to what it can accomplish. Manufacturers of air filters do not explain that it is an impossibility to get particles from all over your home to go over to the air filter to get stuck. It just doesn’t work that way. Air purifiers are not dependent upon attracting contaminants to the machine. They deliver the active air cleaning ingredients out into the air and let the air purifier itself, just like outdoors.

Air filters can be quite expensive to operate. The replacement cartridges typically cost between $40.00 and $100.00 each. Figure in the cost of electricity for running large fans and it quickly adds up! Air purifiers do not require filter replacements to operate and only use about 30 watts of power consumption. Average cost of operation is less than a nickel a day.

Air filters must move a lot of air to be affective at all. This means they require big fan motors, and this means noise. Air purifiers are not dependent on big fans to work. Even when in the same room, they are barely perceptible.

Air filters are limited to only one room. This means you would need to purchase one for each room of your home. Air purifiers typically treat the all of the air in an average size home with only one machine is required. While an air purifier may be a little more expensive than an air filter, the fact that you only need one also makes them a wiser investment.

I couldn’t begin to tell you how many of these HEPA filters I have seen unplugged in homes. People who own them no longer use them because they are tired of the noise, the expense, and are unsatisfied with the results. Conversely, I hear raving reviews about natural air purification systems. Out of all of the air cleaning strategies that can (and should) be followed, if I could only do one thing to my indoor air, it would be turning on one of these purifiers.

This is because air purifiers operate on totally different principles. Your indoor air cannot be truly purified without the replacement of the proper amounts of ions and ozone to your indoor environment. This is how nature has purified the air outdoors for thousands of years, and the replacement of ions and ozone is one of the most important steps to improving indoor air quality.

Purchasing an air purification system should be thought of as an investment into the health and well being of all the people and pets living in your home.

The technologies in the air purifier I use in my home are patented by the manufacturer and can only be purchased through authorized dealers.

Air purification systems come in sizes for any application; small enough for a diaper pail and large enough for a livestock barn. There are only two models I recommend for residential applications. Give me a call or e-mail me so we can determine which model best meets your needs.

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
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