Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I buy a TEQOYA Ionizer?

Ionizer effect

Product operation

Installation and use of the air purifier

Failure or accident

What are the benefits of TEQOYA ionizers compared to other air purifiers?

TEQOYA ionizers offer the best mix of efficiency, safety, simplicity of use and durability:

they do not need filters (and therefore no cost to replace filters)
thanks to patented Teqoya technology, they do not produce ozone
they eliminate polluting particles from the ambient air to the finest (the most dangerous for health)
they require little maintenance and use extremely low power (20 times less than the most economical refrigerators)
they are completely silent - you just have to plug them in and forget about them!
they are guaranteed for 10 years

Why choose a TEQOYA Ioniser over a filter-based air purifier?

Our solution to air purification is very different to that offered by conventional air purifiers, whose filters require regular replacement and whose fan noise is annoying in continuous use. In addition, their high energy consumption contributes to an increase in our carbon footprint, as seen in regions where air purification is widely used, such as China. TEQOYA devices purify indoor air by diffusing negative ions directly into the room volume, without air supply. Great care has been taken in the design of this technology to ensure its safety, which has been verified through several test protocols. This operating principle really does allow continuous use, all year round, of a Teqoya air purifier: silent, without filters, easy to maintain, energy efficient (3€ per year of electricity) and built to last (made in France and guaranteed for 10 years).

Why choose a TEQOYA ionizer instead of any other ionizer?

TEQOYA's patented technology offers the best ozone-free ion diffusion performance. It thus ensures complete safety of use, unlike conventional ionization technologies that pose a high risk of ozone emission. (Ozone is a strong oxidizer, aggressive to human tissue, especially to the mucous membranes of our respiratory system.) In addition, TEQOYA publishes on its website its test reports, in terms of pollutant removal and safety. We recommend that you check the availability of such reports before acquiring an air ionizer, or any other air purifier. Compared with other ionizers, TEQOYA devices work at a much lower voltage, which gives them greater safety and comfort (no sizzle and electrostatic sensation). Some ionizers are equipped with electrostatic collectors, which attract the dust but cause electric shocks to avoid, especially in the presence of children.

What proves to me the safety and security of TEQOYA ionisers?

TEQOYA ionizers are 100% safe. The safety of negative ions, even in very large quantities, has been established by numerous scientific studies.
You can read the last one here: https://biomedical-engineering-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12938-018-0499-z. See our articleon the subject.
TEQOYA has numerous reports of laboratory tests on the absence of emission of secondary pollutants: non-emission of ozone, oxidizing potential equivalent to a neutral air, no reaction with chemical substances present in the air. All these reports are available on our website. In addition TEQOYA devices have an extremely low electrical power and therefore extremely low electromagnetic radiation. Finally, the maximum electric current that the air purifier is able to generate is a thousand times lower than the danger threshold of the electric current for health (1mA).

Why purify your indoor air continuously?

Because it is at your home and workplace, where you spend 80% of your time, that you are most exposed to pollution, because of small amounts inhaled every day, hour after hour. In particular, the room is the first place to purify: it is, after all, one of the few places where we spend at least 6 hours a day.

Which TEQOYA ionizer is best for me?

If you want to breathe healthier air while sleeping and you can put a device near your bed, then opt for the TEQOYA 200 air ionizer, it's the perfect sleeping companion! It is particularly recommended for "near" use in a small room or on a desk. If you want to purify the air of a large room, up to 50 sq.m., opt for the TEQOYA 450 air inoniser. And for maximum efficiency, install an additional TEQOYA 200 by 15 sq.m.

Which pollutants does the air ionizer eliminate?

Ions operate on all particles floating in the air. This action takes place on all size ranges of particles, from the tiniest often called nanoparticles or ultrafine particles (PM0.1, PM1), to the largest (PM10), including the infamous PM2.5. They also operate on all kind of particles: combustion particles (typical urban pollution), micro-organisms (pollen, mold spores, bacteria, virus), SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds, a category of gas pollutants growingly scrutinized by air quality experts).

What kind of improvements should I notice very quickly?

If you have persistent odor problems at home and are looking to clean the air, odors will fade within days of turning on your ionizer. It is particularly effective on odors transported by particles, such as tobacco odors, motor, candle or more generally all combustion odors. It is also possible to feel a cooler air, as if you were in the open air, especially if you have an impression of "confinement" of your living space.

Can we see the action of purification of the air?

You may notice, depending on the level of pollution in the area where you live, a deposit of particles forming a dark halo on the surface around your air ionizer, after a few weeks of use. These deposits are a manifestation of the functioning of the device: these particles that you see have not reached your lungs! If you want a more spectacular demonstration, you can blow smoke in a glass and put it on the front of the ionizer: you will see it disappear very quickly! Videos show this phenomenon on Teqoya's YouTube channel.

Do ionized particles remain harmful once deposited? Is it dangerous for my kid or my pet?

Different from dust, ionized particles are not volatile because they are electrostatically bonded to the surfaces. In addition ultrafine particles do not behave like the dust that we are accustomed to find under furniture: because of their size, they adhere to the surfaces and come off only by a mechanical action (friction or cleaning with water or strong aspiration). These particles do not lift off easily and the skin contact is not harmful as is their inhalation.

Isn't it dangerous to sleep (and live) with an electric device so close to me or my children? Can too much ion concentration be problematic?

For electrosensitive people, we recommend installing the ionizer one meter or more away from usually occupied spots (such as a bed, chair, or desk). There is no danger in living in an air rich in negative ions, as has been observed in many studies. Besides, the air is naturally ionized, and it can be strongly so in certain natural environments such as forests, seaside, waterfalls, mountains. We also recommend reading the answer to the question "What proves the safety and security of TEQOYA ionizers?"

Nothing happens when I plug my ionizer.

TEQOYA air ionizers are extremely discreet and do their work in absolute silence, without odor, without drafts. This mode of operation, particularly comfortable everyday, may seem surprising at first glance. To check that the device works, read the answer to the question below: "How can I be sure my ionizer really works?"

How can I be sure my ionizer really works?

There are at least 3 ways to verify that your Teqoya air purifier works normally:
1- Approach your hand of ion optics, it is possible to feel a light draft of fresh air: it is the "ionic wind", the current of air driven by the flow of ions!
2- Slowly approach your finger 1 or 2 mm from the needle housed at the bottom of an ion optics. You will hear a slight sizzle. If you do this operation in the dark, it is also possible to observe a slight glow at the tip of the needle.
3- Bring your ear to one of the ionic optics, you will hear a slight sizzle.
Do not worry, none of these operations will make you take the slightest risk.
In case you do not hear sizzling, it may be because your body is itself isolated from the ground. In this case touch a wall with one hand, or take off your shoes! (The soles are electrically insulating and can prevent the electrical phenomenon that generates this sizzle.)
Finally, it is possible to acquire an air quality sensor, which will allow you to check the effect of your ionizer on air pollution. Teqoya often offers them for sale or loan!

Do TEQOYA ionizers have a constant level of efficiency?

Yes they do. Guaranteed 10 years, our TEQOYA air purifiers maintain a constant efficiency without consumables, it is one of our major assets compared to traditional air purifiers! To maintain this efficiency, you only need to dust regularly (2 to 4 times a year depending on the level of pollution in your environment). This very simple cleaning operation is described below in response to the question: "What maintenance does my ionizer require?"

What maintenance does my ionizer require?

To maintain your ionizer, simply dust it regularly (2 to 4 times a year depending on the level of pollution in your environment). Your device needs to be dusted when you can see, on the tips housed at the bottom of the cones of the front face, a thin layer of white dust. To remove this dust deposit, use a dry, non-fibrous cloth, towel, feather duster or soft brush. Make a kind of coarse tip by folding this fabric, push this tip into each cone and turn the tip on itself (one or two wrist rotations will suffice). You may notice a fine dust deposit around your ionizer after a few weeks or months of use, depending on the level of pollution in your environment. Remember to dust these surfaces during the usual cleaning of your interior.

How should I position my TEQOYA ionizer to maximize its efficiency?

In general, it is helpful to choose the location of your air purifier carefully. It is desirable that the space around it be as free as possible, to ensure a better diffusion of the ions (or a freer circulation of air in the case of a traditional purifier). Avoid too "closed" positions, closely tightened by other objects or furniture. Avoid placing your ionizer near a metal object because it would attract the flow of negative ions emitted by the ionizer. It is preferable to position the device within 30 cm of the surrounding walls or partition, on the one hand to improve the efficiency, on the other hand to avoid the appearance of traces on these surfaces.

Should we keep window and door closed for the ionizer to be effective?

First of all, we advise you to open your windows in the early morning and evening, because this is the first thing you can do to clean up the indoor air, which often lacks ventilation. By doing this, you can bring the outside pollution home, but the ionizer will take it down once the window closed. The ionizer, like any air purifier, purifies better the air of the room where it is installed, if this room is not open to other sources of pollution. Nevertheless, always keep a satisfactory air exchange of the room. Avoid any feeling of confined air, or any risk of humidity. If necessary, the ionizer will compensate for external pollution inputs.

What is the recommended daily usage time?

We recommend that you keep the air purifier running at all times - this is how you get the best air quality. The device is guaranteed for 10 years, in permanent operation. It consumes very little energy (1.5 Watts, probably less than 5$ of electricity bill per year).

If I leave home for a few days, should I leave my ionizer on?

Yes, please keep it working as long and often as possible! First, it will improve its efficiency, taking care of cleaning your air continuously, so that it does not need time to "start all over again" after a long stop. Second, its power consumption is so low, and its lifetime is so long, that the money and energy saving benefits would be much lower that the health benefits of a constantly purified air.

My ionizer has accidentally fallen on the floor, what should I do?

Teqoya air purifiers are robust, it is likely that yours still works. To make sure, refer to the answer to the question: "How can I be sure my ionizer really works?"

Some water has accidentally fallen on my ionizer, what should I do?

Unplug the ionizer and let it dry overnight. Then plug it back in and turn it back on. Then proceed to the verification of its good functioning, for that refer to the answer to the question: "How can I be sure my ionizer really works?"

My ionizer emits small hisses, is this normal?

If you hear an unusual hiss, it may be due:
- To a dust deposit in the ionic optics of the device. In this case, dust the ion optics following the instructions in "What maintenance does my ionizer require?". If this does not solve the problem, contact customer support at contact@teqoya.com to repair or replace your device.
- At a very high air humidity (over 90%). Too much indoor air can cause mold, you can use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce it. Generally humidity reduces pollution to particles, you can also choose to stop the ionizer until the humidity drops.

I live in the countryside, do I really need an ionizer?

In the first place, try to inform yourself about the air quality in the area where you live. The countryside can be polluted also by certain activities, an animal breeding, intensive agricultural crops, or the proximity of an airport, even to 50 km. The density of fine particles can be high in some very dry areas and the presence of pollen is also a source of inconvenience even in the healthiest areas. Your home can also be polluted by mold spores, dander, frequent pollutants of the air. In all these situations an air purifier can be useful. It is not so easy to make sure that the air you breathe is healthy, but if the reports you can find on the air quality around you are good and you do not suffer any symptom of allergies or reactions related to air pollution, you're lucky, enjoy!

Are Teqoya devices electrically grounded? I do not see any ground on the device.

We use the neutral line, which is itself grounded on the electricity supplier's grid. We do this because, unfortunately, the earth is not always connected in the electrical installations of the houses. Our devices can not operate without being grounded.

I am electrosensitive, can I use the TEQOYA ionizer?

We recommend electro-sensitive people to place the ionizer at least 1 meter away from the places they occupy regularly.

What is the value of the electric field near the ionizer?

Here are some figures of measured emissions.
Low frequency electric field:
- "background noise" of about 10 V / m in the room, device on or off
- less than 20 V / m at 1 m distance from a TEQOYA 450
- about 30 V / m at 50 cm distance from a TEQOYA 450
- Note that the low frequency magnetic field is virtually unmeasurable because the current in the device is lower than the microAmpère.
High frequency electromagnetic field:
- no difference found appliance switched on / appliance switched off in an average environment fluctuating between 100 and 200 mV / m
Comparison with the emission of a bedside lamp equipped with a "new generation" halogen bulb (15 W): comparable measurements.

How does ionization work?

TEQOYA air purifiers use the principle of ionisation to purify the air. The ioniser diffuses a large amount of negative ions throughout a room. The ions electrostatically charge the pollutant particles in the air. Once charged, these particles are attracted to grounded surfaces, mainly the floor. Ions are naturally present in the air and their influence on aerosols has long been studied. TEQOYA air purifiers recreate the same principle of pollution control that is used in natural environments.

Why TEQOYA devices do not produce ozone?

TEQOYA's patented technology manages to avoid the conditions causing the chemical creation of ozone, the two main conditions being that it does not exceed certain values of electric field and electronic density in the air. Part of the solution is explained in the patents filed, the other relates to industrial secrecy.

Are TEQOYA air purifiers effective against bacteria and viruses?

Yes. Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores) are, from an electrical point of view, particles that can, like particles of urban pollution, attract electrical charges and then be attracted by the surfaces connected to the earth.

Are TEQOYA air purifiers effective against VOCs?

No. VOCs are gases, to get rid of them you must either trap them in an adsorbent material, or eliminate them by chemical reaction.
The first method is that used in activated carbon filter units. This method is very imperfect because activated carbon behaves with light VOCs (including formaldehyde) as a "sponge": it captures, but then rejects if the concentration of VOC in the air falls. You can read an article in our blog on activated carbons. The second method by chemical reaction, used by photocatalysis for example, is considered dangerous because it is likely to turn primary pollutants into secondary pollutants, potentially more harmful!
Finally, be aware that VOC pollution in indoor air tends to decrease in recent years. Significant progress has been made on the emissions of building materials and furniture, which are now labeled on their VOC emissions.

Particles are attracted to the ground. Is it harmful to my baby or pet?

On the one hand these ultrafine particles are very adherent and do not come back from the ground by the simple effect of a draft or a sudden movement. On the other hand, skin contact with these substances does not at all have the same physiological effect as their inhalation and their absorption by the mucous membranes of the pulmonary alveoli.

Are the needles fragile?

No, they are very robust! On the one hand the quality of their metal gives them robustness and longevity (that's why a regular cleaning is enough to keep a good diffusion of ions during at least 10 years). On the other hand, their mounting prevents them from unhooking or twisting them, unless making a special effort to do so!

Is the TEQOYA ionizer compatible with an air humidifier?

Yes. No contraindication. Maintaining a healthy relative humidity level, close to 50%, is recommended.

Can you plug a TEQOYA into a motorhome?

Yes. Be sure to use the AC adapter supplied with the Teqoya air purifier.

What are the recommendations for installing my ioniser ?

Particles can accumulate around the appliance and leave visible traces on nearby furniture and walls, especially when the air is heavily polluted. As far as possible, avoid placing the appliance too close to walls (keep a minimum distance of 30 cm) or electrical or metallic objects that would limit the diffusion of ions and reduce efficiency.

Choose a place that is easy to clean as pollutants tend to be attracted to surfaces. Avoid surfaces that are difficult to clean. Remember to regularly wipe the walls near the unit with a cloth to limit the accumulation of dust. If stains appear over time, it may be necessary, especially when the air is polluted, to use a wall sponge (e.g. melamine foam) and a wall detergent to clean.

Are particles deposited on surfaces and objects dangerous to my health?

The harmfulness of air particles is linked on the one hand to the fact that we inhale a lot of air (12,000 liters per day), on the other hand to the fact that these particles are extremely small (roughly Gaussian distribution centered over 100 nanometers). This first point is essential: the quantity of pollutants contained in the air is very small, it is the permanent exposure of our lungs to these pollutants which presents a danger, because we inhale these pollutants permanently, and because they enter our blood and are not eliminated from it. To illustrate the importance of the "time factor" compared to the "concentration factor": it was measured on a cohort of Parisian schoolchildren that around 80% of the particles they inhale daily are indoor, at their home in particular. These same particles, deposited on surfaces and "mixed" with everything that can be found on our surfaces and our objects (dust, micro-organisms, various dirt), represent a minute quantity, of all the foreign bodies which can come into contact with our skin and our digestive system.
In addition, the first studies published on the harmfulness of the fraction of urban pollution that comes into contact with our skin and our digestive system, show that the penetration of micro- and nanoparticles in our body seems to be much lower there, than via our alveoli. lung. Typically, there are no scientific results today demonstrating accelerated aging of the skin, or specific skin pathologies, in humans living in cities where the air is particularly polluted.
To conclude, the tiny amount of micro- and nanoparticles deposited on your floor, your plates, or any other object coming into contact with your skin and your digestive system, does not represent a factor of exposure to pollution increasing the risks for your health.

I no longer hear the hiss on some needles, does that mean that some of the needles no longer work?

It is almost impossible, due to the design of our devices, that an "ion optic" (the cone in which the needle is inserted) works and another step, on the same device. It's all or nothing! However, they may not emit the same noise. Clean them as indicated in the question "What maintenance does my ionizer require?" to make sure it is not excessive dust from the needle. But do not worry too much: these differences in noise may be due to slight variations in the electrostatic environment of the needle, particularly related to your presence in its immediate vicinity.

What is the concentration of anions in a room equipped with a Teqoya ionizer?

According to the measurements we have carried out, in a room of approximately 15 m2, a TEQOYA 200 will generate a concentration of the order of 5,000 to 10,000 ions / cm3. These values are dependent on the layout of the room and the position of the ionizer, but you should have several thousand ions in any location.
The local ion density, even several meters from the device, is established very quickly (on the order of a few seconds), except in very polluted spaces where the polluting particles will attract the ions and slow their propagation.
Finally, even if their distribution of ions is not homogeneous, the depollution action is carried out by convection (displacement of the air in the room, which mixes and homogenizes the particles distribution) and, to a lesser extent, by diffusion of particles.

Is there a difference between anions produced by Teqoya ionizers and natural anions?

The anions that a Teqoya ionizer emits are chemically similar to those in nature, namely that they are mainly negative oxygen ions (O2-), which is the majority chemical species emitted by Teqoya ion optics.

How much does the device produce anions?

There are two ways to quantify the diffusion of ions by an air ionizer: 1- By measuring the ionic concentration (electronic charges per unit volume) of the air at a given distance from the device. In general, this measurement is made 1m away from the device. A TEQOYA 200, under controlled measurement conditions, generates 200,000 ions / cm3. The TEQOYA 450 generates 450,000, as the name suggests!
2- By evaluating the number of electrons released by the device every second. (These electrons combine immediately with molecules to form ions.) This estimation is carried out by measuring the electric current "coming out" of the needles of the ionic optics of the device. This current is extremely weak, but corresponds to enormous quantities of electrons! For a TEQOYA 200: around 1,500 billion electrons per second. For a TEQOYA 450: around 3000 billion per second!
Warning:
- These values depend on the measurement conditions (temperature, humidity, electrostatic environment, etc.).
- When you inquire about the performance of an air ionizer, check that the values indicated specify their units: number of ions per unit of volume, and at which distance from the device? Or number of ions per second? You can sometimes find anything on the Web, ions per cm3 / second for example, which does not mean anything really.

There is no earth connection in a vehicle, how does the device work ?

In a vehicle, there is no earth socket as such, but the vehicle's ground is sufficient to operate the device, and this is the one used via the 5V or 12V sockets in the vehicle. During operation over time, the low electrical charges are evacuated from the vehicle by friction between the air and the bodywork, or even via contact between the earth and the tyres (which are electrically insulating, but not for currents of the order of nano-Amperes).

What is the lifetime of negative ions in the air ?

Ions are short-lived in air, but there are dozens of different chemical species called ions and each has its own chemical reactivity! The lifespan depends on many parameters: on the chemical composition of the molecule and therefore its reactivity, on the ambient humidity, etc. However, we can remember that the life span of ions is short (from a few fractions of a second to a few minutes). Maintaining a constant level of ionisation in the air is explained by a continuous production of ions.

What is the propagation distance of negative ions in the air ?

In strictly still air, the propagation of ions is caused by their attraction by the surfaces of the room. Large quantities of ions are measured up to 3-4 metres from an ioniser. In moving air, just as in a real room where the air is carried along by temperature differences between surfaces and by convection due to ventilation and the presence of occupants, the propagation of ions is even more encouraged. Ion propagation can be significantly improved if the ions are emitted close to an air flow.

Why is the warranty period for TEQOYA Nomad (5 years) shorter than that for TEQOYA 200 and TEQOYA 450 (10 years)?

Vehicles are a very different environment from buildings:
- the thermal constraints (hot and cold) are much greater
- the frequent on / off, and the quality of power supply, impose more severe constraints on the electronics
This is why we limit the warranty period to 5 years on devices intended for use in vehicles.

What is the delivery delay?

As indicated on the product pages of our website, the normal delivery time is 5 working days. When the deadline is extended due to exceptional circumstances, we indicate this on the website.

What are the differences between the old products (Tip9, Tip24 and Tip4) and TEQOYA 200, TEQOYA 450 et TEQOYA Nomad?

TEQOYA Tip9 Tip24 Tip4

The TEQOYA 200 is 30% more powerful than the old Tip9, with a more refined design and a new certified French beech base.
The TEQOYA 450 is 30% more powerful than the old Tip24, with a more refined design and a new certified French beech base.
The TEQOYA Nomad is 50% more powerful than the old Tip4, it can be used not only in a vehicle, but also in a room.

How to check the potential of the surfaces in the space where a TEQOYA is installed ? Is there a way to neutralise this potential ?

Most building surfaces are electrically earthed. The building materials are weakly conductive, but enough to transfer the electric charges emitted by the ioniser to the ground. For example, a car is sufficiently grounded by its tyres, despite the very low conductivity of rubber, for the ioniser to function properly inside the car. As far as we know, it is not possible to measure the (very low) electrical potential of building materials, as this alone would change what you are trying to measure.

Can an essential oil diffuser be used at the same time as a TEQOYA air purifier? Will the diffuser be less effective ?

The diffuser will indeed be less effective. However, the diffuser will send out a lot of aerosols in a short time, so the reduction will be small as long as the diffuser is working. On the other hand, when the diffuser stops, the reduction of essential oils will be much faster with the ioniser than without it.