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Lightair's air purifier without filter

Cleaning the metal collector ring was a cinch and in less than 10 minutes, the Lightair Evolution was up and running again.
Cleaning the metal collector ring was a cinch and in less than 10 minutes, the Lightair Evolution was up and running again. PHOTO: LIGHTAIR

If you are used to traditional air purifiers with filters that remove dust particles in the air, the Lightair Evolution would be something new, as it does not have a filter.

In fact, it might even seem as if the Lightair Evolution air purifier does not work at all.

Instead of drawing air through filters to extract dust particles, the Lightair system generates negative ions that charge the dust particles in the air.

The Lightair Evolution then acts like a charged particle collector that attracts particles in the air, and the dust sticks to its metal surface.

Once enough dust accumulates, simply remove and dip the metal ring collector in water, scrub it and reuse.

  • TECH SPECS

  • PRICE: $828

    PARTICLE REDUCTION: Removes particles (size 0.01-1.0 micron). Eliminates particles (nano particles below 0.1 micron) and larger particles (1.0-25.0 micron)

    ROOM SIZE: Approximately 540 sq ft /50 sq m

  • RATING

  • FEATURES: 3/5

    DESIGN: 4/5

    PERFORMANCE: 4/5

    VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/5

    OVERALL: 4/5

I have always been sceptical of filters, simply because I know how dusty homes here can be, so any machine that draws in air is bound to attract dust. Dust can be found on my air-conditioning unit and my fan, and it is hardly proof that filters work.

But the Lightair Evolution has no fan to speak off, to draw air.

Instead, it is a three-piece set-up, consisting of a stand, the ion generator and collector, and a protective guard.

Once assembled, the cylindrical device comes up to my knee in terms of height. There is a foot switch, for users to step on to turn the device, as well as the blue shimmering light, on and off.

I had it running and all it did was sit in my bedroom silently, and I initially wondered if it was doing its job at all.

But one month later, I removed the protective guard, which is basically a ring sieve that goes over the metal collector ring, and that was when I saw the accumulation of fine particles resting on the collector.

And if you're wondering about the need for a protective guard, the metal collector ring gives a static discharge if you place your finger on it, so the guard prevents accidental brushes, as well as those from any house pets that might brush up against it.

Cleaning the metal collector ring was a cinch and in less than 10 minutes, the air purifier was up and running again.

Unlike other air purifiers I have used, the Evolution is extremely quiet and lacks the high pitch hum on some air purifier models that use a filter.

My family does not suffer from any allergies, so I cannot say how effective it has been in guarding against that, but it is nice going home to a clean, dust-free room.

My only qualm about picking this up in anticipation of the haze season, is that this is a passive device that works in the background. Once the intensity of the haze hits a high level, it may not work hard and fast enough in your home.

Sherwin Loh

• Verdict: While it is expensive, the Lightair Evolution is easy to clean, and there is no need to buy new filters every few months.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 27, 2016, with the headline Lightair's air purifier without filter. Subscribe