[SoCalGuy22]

Hey all. Just purchased two of these ionizers and had them installed in my new furnaces.

Started really researching these as I have two little ones in the house (ages 4 and 2) and starting to get a little nervous about the potential byproducts of use.

I know their site says “no detectable ozone” and “no oxidizing byproducts” but how much can you trust these ionizer companies?

Anybody have any knowledge of these Phenomenal Aire devices? Are these things really safe for my family?

Thanks all!

 

[rundawg]

I moved your thread to the "AOP Residential HVAC and Refrigeration (Beenthere Zone)" forum as this is the only forum where homeowners can ask non-technical HVAC/Refrigeration questions, and seek advice.

Please take note of this new location as the "Moved" icon in the other forum will only last a day.

 

[pecmsg]

I wont allow them in my house!

 

[SoCalGuy22]

Thanks for the reply, pecmsg!

Can you elaborate as to why? Is it the potential byproducts produced?

I’m having serious second-thoughts with the two little ones in the house and doing further research. Opinions seem conflicted but tend to lean more towards steering clear, from what I’m seeing.

I’m a novice on this stuff but feeling like I was duped.

 

[dougfamous]

I haven't personally used the Phenomenal Aire brand but I had a similar unit on my own furnace. I unplugged it after six months because it didn't make any difference in my air quality.

IMO all of these "ionizing air scrubbers" are complete junk. They were all the rage during the pandemic when people would buy anything that claimed to kill viruses. Now we rarely sell them.

 

[kdean1]

This. Beware of creating new substances in your home.

[video=youtube;xr6h1m9Rhek]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr6h1m9Rhek[/video]

 

[SoCalGuy22]

Thanks for the insight guys! Definitely going to shut them off this weekend and see how it goes.

 

[teddy bear]

Hey all. Just purchased two of these ionizers and had them installed in my new furnaces.

Started really researching these as I have two little ones in the house (ages 4 and 2) and starting to get a little nervous about the potential byproducts of use.

I know their site says “no detectable ozone” and “no oxidizing byproducts” but how much can you trust these ionizer companies?

Anybody have any knowledge of these Phenomenal Aire devices? Are these things really safe for my family?

Thanks all!

Most imply that the devices provide fresh air which they do not. Testing provided by Lennox show a reduction of some pollutants over a 24 hour period by changing O2 to O3 and circulating it throughout the space.

As most indoor air quality experts that the main part of indoor air quality is to provide a fresh, filtered air change in 3-4 hours to the home to purge indoor pollutants and renew the oxygen used by the occupants. Outside air contains 20.5% oxygen. Most safety devices alarm at <19% O2 suggest avoiding <16% oxygen condition for extended periods. As we all know 3-4 minutes without any oxygen kills most. Depending on activity and physical condition determines the negative effect on the occupants in specific space. Most devices use CO2 levels to control fresh air ventilation. It is suggested to maintain <1,000 ppm CO2 as ideal ventilation rate for occupied space.

Most homes are dependent on air infiltration for the fresh air. Typical homes require a 10 mph wind to get adequate fresh air to purge indoor air pollutants and renew oxygen. This means that a typical home should have a ventilation fan sized for the homes design air change rate during less wind and occupancy. Most homes are grossly under ventilated during mild, calm wind season and occupied. A CO2 controlled ventilation system (ach rate in 3-4 hours) connected to the a/c ducts capable of circulation filtered fresh should be basic part of any healthy home. In addition, the indoor %RH should maintain at 35-60%RH for control of mold/dust mites/bacteria in the home. Someday, this will be code.

There are many systems emerging that meet the need. Whole house dehumidifiers with merv 13 air filters and controls like the Santa Fe Ultra, Broan, and Trane will provide equipment needed to connect to an a/c duct system in the home.

YOur thoughts?

Regards Teddy Bear

 

[BNME8EZ]

I had a Air Scrubber in my house. At first the wife thought it made a huge difference, after while not so much.

I also had a customer that had some kind of lung infection. She would go to the hospital for treatments, just sitting there waiting she said she would feel better. I told her about the air scrubber, she bought one and said it made a big difference for her.

Nothing academic about it, just circumstantial experiences.