Due to the dry, windy climate, the air in Phoenix, AZ is often dusty and filled with tiny airborne particles. If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home and wondering about the difference between an air purifier vs an air filter, it’s important to understand what makes these products unique.
The experienced team at 1st Choice Mechanical has some insight about the differences between air filters and air purifiers so you can make a well-informed decision about what’s best for your home.
What Are Air Purifiers?
An air purifier is designed to remove pollutants like dust, pet dander, and more from the air to help improve indoor air quality. These devices may also be called air scrubbers or air cleaners. They use a fan to pull in the air and pass it through a filter. Once the air moves through the air purifier, the filter traps the pollutants and then sends clean, purified air back into the room. Some air purifiers also remove mold, smoke, and odors.
What Are Air Filters?
Air filters are screens that come in different sizes, materials, and styles. These filters are added to your furnace, HVAC system, or an air purifier, depending on which type of filter you have. Specific types of air filters are rated to gather and trap various particles from the air, allowing clean air to come through your home’s air conditioner, furnace, or air purifier device. They should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Comparison of Air Purifiers and Air Filters
The biggest difference between an air filter and an air purifier is how they’re used. Here are some important comparisons between these two products.
Air purifiers
An air purifier is a standalone device, though most also require an air filter to work effectively. Specific types of air purifiers use more advanced air filters — like HEPA filters — that are specially designed to trap smaller particles like mold spores, smoke, unpleasant odors, and even some viruses.
A small, standalone air purifier can be used in any room you choose, while a whole-home air purifier cleans the air in every room of your home from a central location.
Air filters
An air filter is a component added to an HVAC system or air purifier. Air filters trap larger contaminants, such as pet dander, dirt, dust, or pollen from the air in your home, furnace, or HVAC system. Furnace and HVAC air filters help with airflow and improve system efficiency while trapping contaminants from the air.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Whether you’re thinking of getting an air purifier or you need a new air filter, consider these factors when choosing the right product for your home.
Filter types
HEPA filters are certified to remove approximately 99% of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in size, making them an excellent choice for those with allergies or other sensitivities. Activated carbon filters remove gases, odors, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). You can also find other filter types that trap specific pollutants like smoke, pollen, or pet dander.
Home size
If you’re concerned about cleaning the air in one room, a smaller standalone air purifier should be sufficient. However, if you want to clean the air throughout your home, consider installing a whole-home purifier to keep every room free of pollutants. Some air purifier devices are manufactured to purify the air in larger rooms, which may be a good option if you’re on a budget.
IAQ testing
One of the best ways to determine which type of air purifier and air filter is best for your home is to get an IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) test. These tests, performed by experienced professionals, help to identify specific air pollutants inside your home. Once you get the results of your IAQ test, you’ll have the information you need to decide which air purification option is best for your space.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Considerations
Remember these tips for energy efficiency and cost considerations for your air purifier or air filter:
- Choose an Energy Star rated air purifier, which means it’s designed to be as energy efficient as possible.
- Make sure the air purifier you choose is rated to clean the air in a specific room. If not, it may not purify the air sufficiently or struggle to keep up with the filtration process if the room is too large.
- Using high-quality air filters for your HVAC system and air purifier helps them perform optimally and last longer.
- Compare the cost of a standalone air purifier device versus a whole-home air purifier system to decide which one is best based on your budget.
- Installing an HVAC UV light is another effective, cost-efficient way to clean the air inside your home.
Best Practices for Improving Indoor Air Quality
The best way to improve the indoor air quality in your home is to dust and vacuum regularly and change your HVAC air filter as recommended. Choose air purifiers that use HEPA filters for the best level of filtration. Open your windows on days when the air quality is good to improve ventilation, and groom pets regularly to reduce excess pet dander. Never smoke inside, and use low-VOC cleaning products and materials to support healthy indoor air.
Contact 1st Choice Mechanical to Learn More About Indoor Air Quality Solutions for Your Home
Knowing the difference between an air purifier vs. a filter gives you valuable information to help improve the air quality in your home. The team at 1st Choice Mechanical is prepared to help you with a wide range of comprehensive HVAC services, including indoor air quality solutions. Contact us to learn why we’re a top HVAC contractor in the greater Phoenix area.