Air filter vs air purifier – that is today’s discussion! When it comes to your household air quality, two of the most important considerations you can make are air filters and air purifiers for your HVAC unit. But, what are the differences between air filters vs air purifiers? We’ll get into the details and importance of both when it comes to stale air, fresh air, and the quality of the air overall in your home.
What is an AC Air Filter
An AC or central HVAC system air filter is a filter used to remove contaminants from the air that passes through your air conditioning system. This is your first line of defense for your indoor air quality. It’s located in the system’s air intake duct, after the air duct grills, and before the evaporator coil. It’s important to change the air filter regularly to allow the system to run efficiently and for clean air, free of airborne particles, to circulate throughout your home.
These HVAC filters can range from standard air filters to filters will high Merv ratings. A Merv rating is a scale that measures the effectiveness of each filter at capturing small air particles and indoor air pollution. While it might seem like a good idea to get the highest Merv rated air filter for your AC system, your AC unit will have specific requirements. Be sure to check those requirements before changing the type of filter you use. High-efficiency particulate air filters require a lot of power to push air through them, which means if you’re system isn’t powerful enough, it may damage your AC unit.
How Often to Change an Air Filter and Why It’s Important
The answer to how often to change an AC air filter depends on a couple of different factors, the type of filter and how much air is flowing through the system. Generally, it’s recommended to change the filter once every 1-3 months.
If you live in an area with a particularly dusty or smoky climate, or an area where other volatile organic compounds are frequently in the air, you may need to change the filter more often. It’s also important to inspect your filter monthly and replace it when it gets excessively dirty or clogged.
Changing your air filter on a regular basis gives you a healthy air quality in your home. It can also help keep your AC system functioning efficiently and extend it’s life in the long run. Clogged or damaged air filters not only lead to indoor air pollutants in your home, but they can also restrict airflow, which can cause the system to be overworked. This can lead to expensive repair costs, increased energy bills, and reduced efficiency in cooling and heating.
What is an Air Purifier?
An AC air purifier is an air purifier that is integrated into a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The purifier captures particulates, gases, and odors from the air before they are circulated through the HVAC system. While air filters remove most large particles from the air, an air purifier can help remove smaller particles, like allergens, dust, mold, cigarette smoke, dead skin, pet dander, dust mites, and other airborne contaminants.
Different types of in AC purifiers use different methods to purify the air, like activated carbon filters, HEPA filters, and UV light technology. The type of filter chosen will depend on the type of pollutants present in the home that need to be removed. The best type of air purification system uses an ultraviolet light because it’s most effective at ridding your home’s air of harmful particles and airborne pathogens.
There are also portable air purifiers that are not installed in the AC system but rather stand alone. These sit in a single room, whichever room you want to use them in, and they filter the air around them. You can move portable air cleaners them from room to room for cleaner air all over your home.
Air Filter Vs Air Purifier
AC air filters are designed to filter air by trapping airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and mold spores that pass through the filter. They are typically used in residential air conditioning units.
AC purifiers are more sophisticated and powerful air cleaners that remove more contaminants from the air than an air filter. They typically use a combination of air filters, ionizers, and special technologies to capture and kill germs, airborne bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles.
Are Air Filters or Air Purifiers Required in an AC System?
While air purifiers are more of an add-on option, your AC system must have an air filter in order to function properly. Air purifiers should be considered if there is anyone in your home with respiratory conditions or allergic reactions to air pollutants. A UV air purifier is one of the most effective ways to ensure that fresh air is circulating in your home at all times.
Have Indoor Air Quality Questions?
Dolphin Cooling and Heating can help you evaluate your indoor air quality needs and make the best decision for your home. If you have questions, contact us today!