Compare this with regular furnace filters, which are only 10 percent efficient in removing lint from the airway. But remember, for a filtration system to be fully effective, it needs to run 24 hours a day. But it's not a necessity for the average person, says Dr. Godish. In general, families with allergy problems should first look for the source of the problem, he says. Pets and dirty carpets are the first suspects.
Air cleaners are the court of last resort.
Changing the filters according to the manufacturers' instructions is critical to the success of the system. If you have a cat or a dog, or if you have old rugs, or your house is real dusty, or you leave your windows open, the filtration system is going to work only so well. Some systems with smaller motors are noisy, especially for the bedroom. They don't turn the air over as quickly and as efficiently as larger units. In the case of ionizers, the particulates that were sent clinging to your walls, ceilings and drapes fall off in a few days, back into your breathing environment.