Home Air Purification: Factors to Consider
In recent years, there’s been a growing awareness of just how much air quality affects our health. Dust, pet dander, mold and even invisible pollutants can have a bigger impact than we realize and air purifiers help tackle those issues head-on.
With concerns about allergies, respiratory health and airborne germs, having cleaner air isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a must. But how do air purifiers actually work, and what should you look for when buying one? Should you purchase a single-room purifier or invest in a whole house system? In this blog, we’ll break it all down and help you find the best option for your space.
Air Quality in Your Home
Indoor air quality plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being, as we spend a significant portion of our time indoors. Poor air quality, caused by pollutants such as dust, pet dander, mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can lead to respiratory issues, allergies and long-term health problems. Clean air is especially important for children, the elderly and individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Using air purifiers can help create a healthier indoor environment, leading to better breathing, improved sleep and enhanced overall quality of life.
The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection provides a guide to determine the outdoor air quality and provides ways to protect your health when particle pollution reaches unhealthy levels.
Why is knowing the outdoor particle pollution level important?
Outdoor particle pollution, such as dust, pollen, smoke and vehicle emissions, can significantly impact indoor air quality. These tiny particles can enter homes through open windows, doors, ventilation systems and even on clothing and shoes. Once inside, they can accumulate and contribute to respiratory issues, allergies and other health concerns. Poor outdoor air quality, especially during wildfire season or in urban areas with high pollution levels, makes it even more critical to filter indoor air. Using air purifiers can help reduce the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers work by removing contaminants from the air to improve indoor air quality. They use different technologies to capture or neutralize airborne particles such as dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, mold spores and even bacteria or viruses. Here’s how they typically function:
1. Filtration
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters trap tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.97% efficiency rate.
- The air is forced through fine mesh layers, capturing allergens and pollutants.
2. Activated Carbon Filters
- These filters absorb gases, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using a porous carbon material.
- They are often used alongside HEPA filters for better odor and chemical removal.
3. UV-C Light (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation)
- Some purifiers use UV-C light to kill bacteria, viruses and mold spores by disrupting their DNA.
- These work best when combined with a HEPA filter to prevent live microbes from circulating.
4. Ionizers & Electrostatic Precipitators
- These purifiers release negative ions that attach to airborne particles, making them heavier and causing them to fall onto surfaces.
- Electrostatic precipitators charge particles and trap them on oppositely charged plates.
Considerations
If you’re thinking about purchasing an air purifier, here are three important things to consider.
1. Air Purifier Size
There are two primary types of air purifiers: room air purifiers and whole-house systems. Room purifiers filter the air in one room, whereas whole-house systems are connected to your home’s HVAC system.
As you’re searching for an air purifier, consider the size of your room or office. Air purifier manufacturers will typically provide an estimated room size that is ideal for their product. If you’re considering a whole-house system, you should consult with your local, trusted HVAC company to find out if your current HVAC system is compatible with the latest air filtering technology.
2. Maintenance and Filter Types
A second aspect to consider while comparing air purifiers is the type of filter and maintenance required by each system. Filters vary based their size, cost and the type of pollutants they protect you from.
Most air purifier manufacturers provide additional information about the percentage and type of pollutants that are filtered by their systems. They also will give recommendations regarding the frequency for filter replacements so you can factor that cost into your budget. Most air purifiers require filter changes every 6 to 12 months.
The cost of replacement filters for an air purifier varies depending on the brand, model and filter type. Here’s a general breakdown.
3. Purpose
- For allergies and asthma: HEPA filter models work best.
- For smoke and odors: activated carbon filters help absorb smells.
- For germs and bacteria: UV-C or HEPA with antimicrobial coatings is effective.
Whole House vs. Single Room Air Purifiers
A whole-house air purifier works by integrating with your existing HVAC system to clean the air as it circulates throughout your home. Here’s how it functions:
As your HVAC system pulls in air from different rooms, the air passes through a purification system before being heated or cooled. High-efficiency filters (such as HEPA or MERV-rated filters) capture dust, pollen, pet dander and other particulates. Once filtered, the clean air is redistributed through your HVAC system’s ductwork and vents, providing purified air to every room in the house. Whole-house purifiers work whenever your HVAC fan is running, ensuring consistent air purification throughout the home.
Benefits of a Whole-House Air Purifier
- Purifies the air in every room, not just one space.
- Improves HVAC efficiency by keeping dust and debris out of the system.
- Requires less maintenance than multiple single-room purifiers.
- Removes allergens, bacteria and pollutants from the entire home’s air supply.
Think you may need a whole house purifier instead of a single-room air purifier? Here’s what you should consider.
If you’re struggling with severe allergies, asthma or high indoor air pollution throughout the home, a whole-house system is likely the better investment. Otherwise, a high-quality single-room purifier may do the trick for targeted air quality improvement.
Have Questions?
Indoor air quality is important for the health of your family, employees and customers. Being informed about the newest air purifier technology available can help you make the best choice when purchasing one for your home
At Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ll provide you with the latest information, recommendations and more. To get started, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an HVAC comfort specialist so you can find out more about the quality of your indoor air and discuss air purifier options that fit your needs.
Trust the Experts
The professionals of Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning have been proudly serving north Florida, south Georgia and the Emerald Coast areas for more than 50 years and three generations with top-quality home comfort service. Through committed hard work, integrity, ingenuity and treating customers like family, Barineau has built a reputation as the premier HVAC service company in the area.
Have questions? Call our team at (850) 580-4029 or schedule an appointment.
