Ionizer...what does it really do?

[KLHubb]

Now that Canada and the US are inundated with wild fire smoke, I wonder whether the ionizer is mitigating the toxic stuff.
If it does, what is the mechanism by which it accomplishes this?

Sponsored

 

[tigerbalm]

I've always optioned it in my Porsche's due to having mild asthma. However, they are reasonably controversial devices among consumer groups.

They don't actually filter any pollutants out from entering the car – that is primarily the purpose of the passive cabin air filter.

What the ioniser does is it introduces a small electric charge into the air which results in the larger particles in the air becoming charged and sticking to surfaces inside of the car. This reduces the chances of them being breathed in. But it does result in the charged particles being stuck to surfaces all over the car.

Does this result in anything meaningfully positive – it looks like the jury is still out on that!

It can be switched off in the PCM. I leave it on. ?

https://www.lifewire.com/do-car-air-purifiers-really-work-534655
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-an-ionizer-do

 

[KLHubb]

Thanks for the info and references....I would think that the first place for the charged particles to stick would be in the air filter media. Home air filters, MERV rated 8-13 depending on their effectiveness in removing particulates work quite well, although HEPA level filters would be best.
I wonder why auto manufacturers don't create a HEPA option for those with respiratory problems?

 

[chun]

I've always optioned it in my Porsche's due to having mild asthma. However, they are reasonably controversial devices among consumer groups.

They don't actually filter any pollutants out from entering the car – that is primarily the purpose of the passive cabin air filter.

What the ioniser does is it introduces a small electric charge into the air which results in the larger particles in the air becoming charged and sticking to surfaces inside of the car. This reduces the chances of them being breathed in. But it does result in the charged particles being stuck to surfaces all over the car.

Does this result in anything meaningfully positive – it looks like the jury is still out on that!

It can be switched off in the PCM. I leave it on. ?

https://www.lifewire.com/do-car-air-purifiers-really-work-534655
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-an-ionizer-do

1 thing you are wrong about is that they are ionized before the filter, so they stick to the filter better / in bigger %, not to surfaces in the car - at least in my taycan.

In my experience, with and without ionizer, cars with ionizer also bring in a lot less smells from outside.... living in Swiss surrounded by cows and their shit, it helps )

 

[chun]

I wonder why auto manufacturers don't create a HEPA option for those with respiratory problems?

Not sure if Porsche offers one, but you can buy a 3rd party one and replace it yourself. I am planning to do so before my 20k service soon.

 

[KLHubb]

That does seem to make the most sense...It would be great if Porsche would include more information about their implementation of their ionizer

 

[KLHubb]

I would like to find a replacement for the OEM cabin air filter.... a better rated one, if they are available. I will take a look at Suncoast to see what they offer.

 

[KLHubb]

Currently the AQI here is 160, and one can taste it, as well as having a sore throat and headache.
It's not as bad as lest year(yet) when the AQI went up to 500.
Good cabin air filtering would be wonderful to have at any price.

 

[SergeyIndy]

I would like to find a replacement for the OEM cabin air filter.... a better rated one, if they are available. I will take a look at Suncoast to see what they offer.

Extensively discussed on forum. I always option Ionizer that makes cabin filter work more efficiently.
Happy to share the one we recommend on the forum. I replace mine every 6 months or 10k miles.

https://a-premium.com/product/2-Pcs...Air-Filter-for-2023-Porsche-Taycan-MvFAAwumlI

 

[KLHubb]

Thanks....let's hope we get from relief from this smoke.

 

[whitex]

I wonder why auto manufacturers don't create a HEPA option for those with respiratory problems?

Tesla does. Their filters are also much larger in area to allow for better filtration. They even have the "bio hazard" mode which makes the car positive pressurized, i.e. all the air in the car is from the HEPA plus carbon filter, should you feel the need to extra filtered air for your respiratory needs.

 

[Boss Hogg]

It helps reduce smells, I always spec it, especially with dogs.

Sponsored