Whole House Air Purifiers – Do You Really Need One?

A woman cleaning her kitchen counter

Did you know that indoor air pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels? If your home’s poor indoor air quality is leading to allergic reactions, asthma, or other cold-like symptoms, it may be time to invest in a whole-house air purifier. Here’s what you need to know about air purifiers before buying one.  

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters 

Prioritizing your health is more than just eating well and exercising often – it’s also important to make sure that you are breathing clean, healthy air. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can lead to flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions, and even asthma. 

Protecting your home’s indoor air quality benefits the overall health of you and your family. Whole-house air purifiers work to remove harmful particles in the air to reduce exposure to mold, dust, or even asbestos in older homes. 

The systems can even reduce pesky seasonal allergies and help you get better sleep. Cleaner air in your home results in fewer odors and less time spent dusting and cleaning. It can also extend the life of your HVAC filters and prevent them from being overworked. 

How Do Whole-House Air Purifiers Work? 

Because we cannot see air quality, it can often be difficult to know how whole-home air purifiers work to filter the air in your home. Here are the most common types and how they successfully remove harmful irritants and keep clean air in circulation. 

HEPA Filters 

HEPA filter air purifiers are the industry standard for removing airborne particles from your home. These systems are proven to successfully remove 99.97% of irritants like dust, pollen, dander, mold spores, and more from the air you breathe by pulling them through a pleated air filter. 

Activated Carbon Filters 

Air purifiers with activated carbon filters clean the air through absorption by pulling contaminants onto a surface containing activated carbon. This process in turn releases clean air throughout your home. These systems are best for reducing odors and gases like cigarette smoke that other filters can’t always catch. 

Ultraviolet Air Purifiers

Ultraviolet air purifiers contain short-wave UV-C lights that detect and inactivate airborne pathogens before releasing clean air into your home. They are known to effectively reduce bacteria, viruses, and germs to minimize your family’s risk of illness. However, these purifiers require additional surfaces like HEPA filters to successfully remove and trap particles after detection. 

How to Use an Air Purifier 

You will never be able to eradicate 100% of the dust, mites, and other airborne pathogens from your home and its surfaces. However, an HVAC air purifier can help keep the air that you and your family breathe free of them. 

In order to provide your air with the highest level of cleanliness possible, use your purifier the right way and minimize air leaks in your home. This starts with keeping your windows shut while the system is running to prevent extra particles from entering and purified air from escaping. 

Consider integrating a smart thermostat with your air purifier to auto-manage room temperature throughout your house. Better control over your home’s ventilation and humidity levels can help keep your purifier functioning efficiently.  

Keep in mind that whole-home air purifiers are not to be used in place of regular cleaning methods. Be sure to vacuum your space regularly and dust your home’s surfaces often. 

Air Purifier Installation in Jacksonville, FL

At AC Designs, your comfort is our top priority. That’s why we offer air purifier installation services to keep your indoor quality at the level you and your family deserve. Schedule an appointment with the experienced technicians at AC Designs today to discuss your home’s air purification options.