Filter vs Filterless Air Purifier – The Differences with Pros and Cons in 2022
Have you been looking to purchase an Air purifier for your home or office? If so, you are most likely confused by one vital question: What is the key difference between a filter and a filterless air purifier?
Undoubtedly, both choices are beneficial, but there are a few crucial factors you might want to consider before you end up with a final decision.
In addition, air purifiers are extremely crucial due to the uncontrollable pollution and new viruses taking birth, especially those similar to Covid-19.
Filter vs Filterless Air Purifier – What’s the Difference?
The main difference between filter vs filterless air purifier is that filter air purifier uses a physical filter to clean indoor air. On the other hand, a filterless air purifier does not use a physical filter to clean the air.
Filter air purifiers are a good option for removing common air pollutants like dust, pet dander, hair, and pollen. Pre-filters, HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters are the most common types of filters that are used in a filter air purifier.
In contrast, filterless air purifiers are very effective at removing bad odors, pollutants, and chemicals from the indoor air.
Types of Filter Air Purifiers
How many versions of Filter Air Purifiers exist in the market? Well, let’s take a look at the major types of a filter air purifier;
1. True HEPA Air Purifiers
If you aim for the most efficient Air purifier, a True HEPA one is sure to give a bang for your buck.
Besides, HEPA air purifiers are proven to eliminate 99.97% of airborne particles, working down to the smallest particle size.
If you have asthma or an allergy, voila, you have found a lifesaving solution! However, make sure you don’t get a HEPA Type version, as it is not the real deal.
Pros
- Most efficient filtration
- Replacement is less often needed
- Recommended by asthmatics and allergy patients
Cons
- Filters are costly
- Cannot trap gases and odors independently
2. Activated Carbon Purifiers
If you are not inclined towards the first option, you can get an activated Carbon air purifier. First of all, this version functions by absorbing odors, volatile organic compounds, and harmful gases.
However, it does not eliminate larger particles, for example, dust and pollen, which is a bit of a blow-off.
On the brighter side, combine it with a TRUE HEPA version, and you own the best Air purification system ever!
However, we know that you are still unsure, so make sure to look through each purifier before reaching a final decision.
Pros
- Filter is inexpensive
- Removes unwanted odors
- Safe to use around babies
Cons
- Do not trap larger particles
- Works best if paired with TRUE Hepa
3. Electret Purifiers
Electret purifiers work similarly to Ionic air purifiers. They use ions to attract particles in the atmosphere.
The material used inside this device is a porous synthetic fiber, creating a charge in the system.
Do you want to understand the basic difference between any filter vs filterless air purifier? The filters trap the contaminants as they try to pass through! The same is the case with Electret purifiers!
Pros
- Fast Air Cleaning Speed
- Absorbs particles using Ions
- Efficiently filters harmful particles
Cons
- Not suitable for long runs
- Not used widely
4. Biotech Purifiers
Straightforwardly, little development has taken place in this niche over the last few years. In a nutshell, they use microorganisms to remove pollutants from the indoor air.
Apart from this, they function by sucking air inside. Next, the microorganisms digest the particles and convert them into base elements, water, and carbon dioxide.
You should be aware that they are rare and expensive. They kill ultrafine particulate matter, VOCs, HAPS, and odors. They are not commonly available. The process of getting them is not as easy as for other air cleaners.
Pros
- Used by popular organizations
- Complex built
- Very Effective
Cons
- Expensive
- Rare to find
Types of Filterless Air Purifiers
Now, it’s time to take a look at the major types of filter free air purifiers;
1. Ionic Air Purifiers
The Ionic system is divided into two categories: an Electrostatic Precipitator. It utilizes wire pins and charged metal plates, making an electric airfield filled with ions that clean the passing air and traps airborne pollutants.
Secondly, there is an Ionizer. It does not trap contaminants inside. The system releases negative ions, which stick onto positively charged contaminants. This makes them heavy, in turn making them plummet below, onto the surface.
Pros
- No replacement due to no filter
- Require less power to function
- Negative ions help you relax
Cons
- Can cause surfaces to be dusty
- Emit Ozone By-Products, dangerous for Asthmatics.
2. Photocatalytic Oxidation Purifiers
This system is pretty complex. It uses UV light of a broad spectrum, reacting with titanium oxide. This creates hydroxyl radicals and ions.
Moreover, this process burns harmful pollutants, destroying them for good.
Not only that, NASA invented PCO technology. This confirms how effective PCOs are, as they were originally created for astronauts in space.
Pros
- Completely demolish particles
- Eliminates up to 0.01 micrometers
- Extremely effective
Cons
- Produces Ozone
- Takes a long time to clean air compared with others
Frequently Asked Questions
Are filterless air purifiers safe?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different people have different opinions on the safety of a filter free air purifier. However, it is generally considered safe to use these types of devices if they are properly installed and maintained from a general standpoint.
Do filterless air purifiers really work?
Absolutely Yes, Most filterless air purifiers can clean the air more effectively than filter air purifiers. Filterless air purifiers are considered a more effective way if you are dealing with bad odors like cooking smells or VOCs.
Do HEPA filter air purifiers help with allergies?
Yes, some HEPA air purifiers help with allergies, but it is important to understand that they are not a cure-all. There is some evidence that air purifiers can help reduce allergies in people, but it is unclear if they work better than traditional allergy medications.
Final Words – Filter vs Filterless Air Purifier
Most people are still confused between Filter vs Filterless Air Purifier. Let us guide you along the way.
Both systems are effective and worthy of use at the end of the day. It all depends on your needs! You should go for filtered purifiers if you want zero ozone emissions!
On the other hand, go for filter free air purifier if you want extreme air cleansing, but they come with risks to asthmatics. After reading out the detailed comparison, we hope you have gotten a transparent idea of what to go for.
