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(See also our FAQ on our original web site.)

Q:
How Do You Measure the Amount of Negative Ions that your negative ionizers produce?

A:
We test the total negative ion output out of the ion emitter per second (approximately 90 to 100 trillion) using more than one method.

1. We do different tests of the ion output using several proprietary methods that we have developed in our labs.
    
2. We use Alpha Labs air ion counters. The reading at approx. one meter (39") from the emitter is 1,000,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. These measurements are done in rooms with no fans and roughly 45% humidity. Multiple readings were done at each location and for every model to ensure accuracy.

These tests ensure accuracy beyond what is actually necessary.

We used to not publish these ions per cubic centimeter figures, because they vary greatly with the distance from the emitter, humidity, and air movement within the room.

The bottom line is that our ionizers do indeed emit a high and optimum level of negative ions into a room. The coverage is approximately 400 square feet (e.g. a 20' by 20' room). That's 4000 cubic feet, if you have 10' high ceilings.

Ion Sniffer^™ Ion Detector

Q:
What can I expect from your negative ionizers if I buy one?

A:

1. You can expect to breathe freshened, purified air, with much of the pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergy causing particles removed from the air in your room.
   
   
2. You can also expect a large number of negative ions to be produced externally, that is, out into the room away from the ionizer (and we include an ion detector with each unit to prove it). What's so special about that? Some other products with the word "Ion" in their brand name (or product description) produce only negative ions internally, and few, if any, negative ions actually leave the "negative ion generator" and go out into the room. Some actually generate positive ions.
   
   
3. You can expect the negative ions to neutralize positive ions that emanate from your computer monitor.
   
   
4. Many of our customers also report these results.
   

Q:
What are your guarantee, returns, and warranty policies?

A:
Please click here to view our 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee and five-year warranty.

Q:
"I would like to know if your ionizers make a dark spot on my wall. Mine [another brand] was sitting on the mantel."

A:
We can count the number of 'black wall' complaints on one hand, and have fingers left over, for all the negative ionizers we've ever sold. You were probably burning dirty-burning candles, possibly with a lead wick (which would have sooted up the walls anyway, even with no ionizer present).
   It is possible, though, for any high-output negative ion generator to do this, especially if you place the unit too close to the wall and have high levels of pollutants in the air in your room. Burning some kinds of candles can do this, whether or not you have an ionizer.
   It sounds as if you live in an environment (or did live in one) that is either very polluted, if you have experienced a dark spot on the wall. We suggest that whatever ionizer you purchase, that you place it as far away from walls and other objects as possible. The mantel, close to the wall, is the wrong place to put any ionizer, ours or anyone else's. (See "What is the best place to put an ionizer" on this page). The ion emitter design, contrary to some claims you may have seen, has nothing to do with how much dust, etc. accumulates on the wall.
   Having said that, our DustGrabber™ (optional ionizer accessory) and the IG-133DG minimizes or eliminates dust and dirt on nearby objects when the ionizer is too close. The IG-133DG can be ordered with mounting brackets for mounting to the wall or ceiling.

Q:
How do your ionizers compare to "Brand X" ionizers?

A:
Please click here to see this information.

Q:
What do negative ions do?

A:
Please click here to see information on negative ions.

Q:
What are the specifications of the ionizers?
A:
We have actually measured over 93 trillion negative ions per second output. And this goes up when something or someone gets close to the ion emitters. The actual ion output depends on the humidity* in the room and the condition** of the ion emitters.

How we measure this

We do not publish ions/cm³ (ions per cubic centimeter) figures, because the actual negative ion density varies with the distance from the ion emitter, humidity, and air movement within the room. However, these ionizers do indeed emit a high and optimum level of negative ions into the room. The coverage is approximately 400 ft² (400 square feet, a 20' by 20' area). That's 4000 cubic feet, if you have 10' high ceilings.

These compact units plug into any standard 120 volt AC outlet (other voltages available). Draws very little power (less than 1 watt!), so is exceptionally economical to operate.

The IG-133, IG-133A, and IG-133DG negative ionizers measure only 5 by 5.25 inches by 1.5 inches tall (up to 7 inches tall, including the ion emitter).

* The ion output of most ionizers decrease somewhat at very low humidity. This effect is minimized in the IG-133A and IG-133DG models.

** All ion emitters on negative ion generators deteriorate. However, Comtech Research has developed ion emitters on their negative ion generators which are both long-life, user- renewable, and replaceable! Simply trim the ends of the fine wires on the SSE ion emitter (on top of the unit) occasionally with a pair of wire cutters, according to the instructions, to keep the ion output at its peak.

And our long-life CFE ion emitters are made from a high-tech, space-age material that is virtually maintenance-free. The CFE ion emitter requires no trimming, since the diameter of the fibers is almost microscopically small (only 0.8 microns). And dusting off the emitter is only needed 2 or 3 times a year.

What is the best place to put an ionizer?
What is the difference between the ionizers?
What is the best way to place an order?
How long will it take to receive my order?
How are negative ions different from ozone?
Do your products generate ozone or oxides of nitrogen?
Will negative ions hurt my plants or my pets?
Are there any disadvantages to buying the two units combined into one (IG-133DG) versus the two separately (IG-133A and DC-2 DustGrabber)?


Q:
What is the Best Place to Put an Ionizer?

A:
We suggest placing the unit(s) on a table or nightstand, a couple of feet or more from other nearby objects, so that most of the negative ions go out into the room rather than being attracted to nearby surfaces.
 

You should not place your ionizer in places like these: inside a bookshelf, on a mantel directly against a wall, or right next to another object. Why not? Because in those situations, some negative ions will be drawn to the nearby object or surface instead of dispersing throughout the room as they should be.
 

Many of our customers put one ionizer in their bedroom and another one in their living area. You can place them about anywhere that you would like, with the guideline here in mind. You might experiment, that is, move them around and see which room is best for you. We suggest against putting any electrical appliance in a bathroom.
 

If you're only buying one ionizing air purifier, then experts suggest placing it in the bedroom (and we concur). Even though the negative ionizers are rated to cover 400 square feet with high density negative ions, it is really not necessary to get one for each room. However, it would be a good idea to place them where the air naturally is flowing from one room to another (the airflow will help carry the negative ions into the next room). Keep in mind that negative ions cannot travel from one floor to another (nor through walls).
 

If you have computers, placing an ionizer two or three feet from a computer monitor (to your right or left) will help neutralize the positive ions that emanate from the monitor. NOTE: an LCD monitor, such as used on a laptop/notebook portable computer does not produce positive ions.
 

Q:
What is the difference between the IG-133 and the IG-133A ionizers?

A:
The model IG-133A has a metallic surface on top that improves the performance and ion output of the unit slightly. It is less susceptible to decreases in negative ion output when the room humidity is low, such as indoors in the wintertime (with no humidifier), in an air-conditioned room, or in a desert environment.

• If you live in a dry environment (dry in any part of the year), we suggest that you order the IG-133A (or the IG-133DG) negative ionizer.
• If you live in a humid environment year-round, you can order the original IG-133 negative ion generator and save $10.00.

Q:
What is the best way to place an order?

A:
You may place a secure order online 24 hours a day here on our order page. You may also call us toll-free and place your order.

Q:
How long will it take to receive my order?

A:
Items offered on our web site are stocked and usually ship the same day or the next business day.
Shipping times

Q:
How are negative ions different from ozone?

A:
Click here to view the ozone FAQ.

Q:
Do your products generate ozone or oxides of nitrogen?

A:
All our IG-133 series ionizers and the IG-1215 are genuine negative ion generators, not ozone generators. Some "negative ion generators" being sold are really ozone generators, and deliberately generate large quantities of ozone and positive ions (yes, that is true!) Ours do not. Neither do our ionizers produce any nitrogen oxides. Ozone FAQ

We do sell the XJ-2000 and the XJ-3000C, if you need ozone to rid your home of odors.

Q:
Will negative ions hurt my plants or my pets?

A:
No. Negative ions are not toxic or harmful to either people or pets. We once even had a report that a particularly playful kitten chewed on an ion emitter while the ionizer was running, with no harm to the cat.

As for plants, they will likely help the growth of any plants you have nearby.

Q:
Are there any disadvantages to buying the two units combined into one (IG-133DG) versus the two units separately (IG-133A and DC-2 DustGrabber)?

A:
Operating the IG-133A and the DC-2 DustGrabber™separately emits the same amount of negative ions as the combined IG-133DG unit. If you purchase the IG-133A and DC-2 and operate them side by side, you will notice that the DC-2 DustGrabber collects a little more dust than the IG-133DG combo unit.

For more information, please visit our FAQ on our original web site (opens in new browser window).

FAQ about the
Air Probe Sanitizer^™

Negative ions information | Ions vs. ozone | Scientific research | Proof Positive