The use of air cleaning machines to reduce ‘indoor’ pollution has soared in the past few years. Should you jump on the air cleaner bandwagon?

We know: The Facts about Air Cleaners

Two Types of Air Cleaners:

Electrostatic precipitators pull air through an electrical field and used charged collector plates to trap polluting particles. They work best when they use a fan, although not all do.
Air Filter cleaners draw air through a paper or mesh filter.

Two Sizes of Air Cleaners:

Room Air Cleaners are used when you don’t have a forced-air heating or cooling system. These include the stand alone machines you see advertised such as the Sharper Imagine Ionic Breeze and the Honeywell Environizer.
Whole House Cleaners are usually the route to go if you have a forced-air heating or cooling system. They range from professionally installed cleaners that cost about $600, to self-installed furnace filters that cost about $15. Electrostatic precipitators are the most effective filters.

What Air Cleaners Clean

Basically, air cleaners remove dust, smoke, pollen and pet dander from the air. They don’t clean gases like carbon monoxide or viruses from the air. Electrostatic precipitator cleaners do actually remove odors from air, as well as produce ozone, which has a sweet aroma.

Who needs to use an Air Cleaner?

The Environmental Protection Agency, as well as medical experts, feels that air cleaners may be helpful for people with allergies or asthma. So people with respiratory problems may benefit from a reduction in their symptoms. Both organizations feel that people without any respiratory problems may not benefit from air cleaners.