What Are the Functions of an Electronic Air Cleaner?

Removes Airborne Particles

• A well-designed electronic air cleaner should have an ionizer and a HEPA air filter. Without these in place, an air cleaner can still remove larger, solid pollutant particles from the air. However, an ionizer and HEPA filter enable an air cleaner to remove and collect extremely fine particulate, such as allergens or dust. For seasonal allergy sufferers who wish to make their living space more comfortable, these features are indispensable.

Eliminates Odor

• There are a few ways in which a quality air cleaner removes odors from an indoor space. The first way this is through the use of activated carbon filters, which are more efficient than other types of filters at absorbing odor. The second way air cleaners remove room odor is through the oxidant known as ozone. When emitted, ozone destroys or breaks down odor-causing air pollutants. More expensive electric air cleaner models frequently utilize both a carbon filter and ozone release technology. Since ozone has an odor of its own, rooms that do not have intense odors to remove may wind up smelling strongly of ozone. Most electric air cleaners with an ozone emission feature are are output adjustable.

Eliminates Smoke and Chemical Fumes

• The third main function of an electronic air cleaner is to remove smoke, and any chemical fumes from solvents, paint or heating/cooking gas. An activated carbon filter makes the absorption and collection of smoke and chemical fumes possible. A HEPA filter can also be useful in eliminating smoke, but is not particularly effective at eliminating chemical fumes from indoor spaces.