During a recent home inspection in Metairie, I stumbled upon an unexpected hazard: a dangerous air purifier. Yes, they actually exist. Most standard air purifiers employ a simple filter to trap debris, dust, mold, pollen, and other particles. Typically, these are purchased at common retailers like Lowes or Home Depot and replaced every few months. You’re probably familiar with this type—a straightforward filter you can easily recognize.
However, there’s another variety that operates differently, using electricity to zap particles passing through the air handler. While these units were somewhat around 10 or 20 years ago, they never quite took off in the market. They’re known as “electronic air cleaners.” Though they’re not as prevalent nowadays, they do still surface occasionally. In addition, they are still being sold because the U.S. EPA fails to protect you. But they do admit that they are dangerous if you read this link.
These air cleaners are integrated into your standard air handler, which includes a furnace for heating and coils for cooling. They utilize energy, namely electricity, to discharge sparks when detecting particles, effectively zapping and eliminating them.
But here’s the catch with electronic air cleaners: they emit ozone or O3, a gas that’s beneficial high up in the atmosphere. Up there, it acts as a natural shield against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, forming the ozone layer, which sits about 10 to 15 miles above the Earth’s surface. This layer, primarily generated by lightning, plays a crucial role in preserving life on our planet. However, closer to the ground, ozone becomes a pollutant, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles, where it’s produced by internal combustion engines.
You might have heard of “ozone action days” in big cities, where this gas becomes a lung irritant and poses health risks. During such days, municipalities advise residents to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities. It’s indeed hazardous.
Decades ago, someone had the bright idea of inventing and installing electronic air filters in homes. However, it turns out that even small electrical sparks generate ozone. Consequently, electronic air cleaners introduce ozone into your air handler, distributing it throughout your home. While the one I encountered in Metairie was manufactured by Honeywell, it’s likely that they’re no longer produced. Simply put, it’s basic science: these devices contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health risks. In the home inspection report, I recommended that the homeowners remove it and replace it with a standard air filter, which would suffice perfectly well. See our page on air testing.
