June 3rd, 2021 by Sarah Miles

When shopping around for a new fan, it can be hard to know where to start. There are so many types to choose from - tower fans, desk fans, ceiling fans, and even air coolers. To add to the array of choice, there are also fancy functions like ionisers that you may never have heard of and have no idea what they do, so what are they and do you need them?

Well, this article may not help you choose which type of fan you want (though we do have plenty of other posts on the blog that may be helpful) but we can explain what an ioniser is, what the benefits are, and who they are most suitable for.

All about ions

As the name suggests, ionisers produce ions; negative ions to be specific. An ion is an atom (or a group of atoms) with either a positive or negative electrical charge. Both occur in nature, but it’s negative ions that are the really important ones. We often say the air can feel “charged” prior to a storm. That’s not just a turn of phrase, the air literally is charged with positive ions. The air can feel very static and pressurised and can often cause headaches and even low mood and anxiety. After the storm has passed, we talk about how it’s “cleared the air”. The atmosphere seems much lighter and fresher – you can feel it in your lungs and you might find it a little easier to relax. This is the effect of negative ions. They are also present around bodies of water, such as waterfalls and lakes, around mountains, in plants, and in the UV rays of sunlight. There is a reason that we associate all of these things with relaxation and mood-boosting.

How can we benefit from negative ions?

Negative ions do a couple of things. As touched upon above, they are believed to have a positive effect on mood and wellbeing (while positive ions do the opposite). They don’t just make the air a bit fresher and therefore make us feel happier; they are thought to aid cognitive performance, increase metabolism, relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), reduce depression, relieve stress, and regulate sleep patterns. Himalayan salt lamps are widely thought to boost mood, and this is due to the negative ions that they emit.

Negative ions also serve a very functional purpose as well; helping reduce particles and pollutants in the air. The negative ions stick to particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, mould, and even bacteria, and cause them to cling to nearby surfaces. This means there are fewer irritating particles in the air, which helps if you have allergies.

Who can benefit from negative ions?

Anyone can feel the benefit in terms of enhancing mood and cleaner air, but they can be particularly positive for people with allergies, underlying health conditions, and low mood. They can even help reduce the spread of harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, reducing indoor contamination, and boosting the immune system. Of course, they’re no substitute for a solid cleaning routine, but they can help a room feel fresher.

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Ionisers in fans

An ioniser function makes a great addition to a fan (such as the MYLEK Cyclops Oscillating Tower Fan with Remote Control) as the clearer, fresher air is the perfect complement to the cooling effect you get from the fan. Ionisers use some of their voltage to charge the air molecules as they pass through the fan. The movement of air, which is how a fan works, maximises the distribution of negative ions in the atmosphere and boosts the effect. If you’re looking for an office fan to keep you feeling fresh and sharp at work, a model with an ioniser could be perfect for you!