The difference between an air ionizer and ozone generator can be broken down into three categories: cleaning method, operating time, and cleaning effectiveness. In short, air ionizers use negative ions to clean the air, can be turned on all the time, and have the ability to remove all pollutants. On the other hand, ozone generators use ozone to clean the air, should be turned only in intervals, and are used mainly to remove odors and smells.
Air ionizers can remove harmful particles of any size, which is great. Negative ions can attach themselves to harmful particles as small as 0.01 microns. This is why many people choose air ionizers for their superior cleaning abilities. They can remove even viruses and bacteria, which other air purifiers struggle to remove due to a very small size.
Ozone generators are mostly used to remove smells and odors, as they can not effectively remove biological pollutants (mold, viruses, and bacteria). They also do not efficiently remove particulate matter (PM), such as dust, pollen, and other allergens. This is why an ozone generator is not a very effective tool for anyone looking to get rid of allergies or other respiratory issues. As the name already suggests, ozone generators do mainly one thing – effectively removing any types of smells and odors, especially cigarette smoke. And they do this one thing very well. Important note: after ozone removes the smell, you still have to destroy the source, otherwise the smell will eventually return!
Choosing between an Ozone generator and Air Ionizer
So far you have learned the difference between an ozone generator and air ionizer. The next step is to determine which one is more suitable for your needs. Each of these two devices fulfils very different roles, and they do it in a different way.
If you are looking for a solution to get rid of strong odors or smells, then an ozone generator will fit you better than an air ionizer. Otherwise, an air ionizer is the way to go in pretty much every other aspect. If you are looking for an air purifier and decide to go with an air ionizer…try to choose a model that does not emit any ozone like the Nebelr Air Purifier Ionizer from Kyoto Machines, Japan. This way you will get to enjoy the benefits of clean air, without worries about your health.