Is a Whole Home Air Purifier Worth It?

Whole-house air purifiers can help reduce symptoms from allergies or asthma and keep your home clean for longer. Learn about their benefits & considerations.

Is a Whole Home Air Purifier Worth It?

For people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, investing in a whole-house air purifier can be a great way to reduce symptoms. These systems are designed to remove pollutants from the air, such as pet dander, dust, pollen, and other large particles. Whole-house air purifiers are much more effective than portable models when it comes to providing adequate ACH over a wide area. When deciding between a portable or whole-house air purifier, it's important to consider the type of heating and cooling system you have.

If you have a duct network and forced air system, then a whole-house system is the way to go. On the other hand, if you have radiant heat and no air conditioning, then you'll need to opt for a portable autonomous model. Whole-house air purifiers can also help extend the life of your HVAC system by reducing the amount of dust that moves through it. This means that your HVAC system will be more efficient in the long run.

Most HVAC air cleaners are installed in return air ducts before the air handling unit or oven. While they are usually washable, this can be a hassle that many people would rather avoid. The EPA recommends opting for an air purifier with high air flow rates and efficient pollutant capture systems, as these are generally more expensive but also more effective. If you decide to go with a bypass approach, then your HVAC system won't stop working if your air cleaner breaks down.

When it comes to whole-house air purifiers, they provide clean air throughout the house with just one device. This is much more efficient than having multiple portable models in each room. Additionally, these systems are out of sight and don't add any extra obstacles to your home. If you want to get the most out of your whole-house air purifier, then look for one with multiple filters that can capture particles in the air as well as an activated carbon filter to eliminate odors.

It's also important to keep in mind that some of these systems release ozone by-products into the home, so safety should be a top priority when making your selection. Whole-house air purifiers will also help keep your home cleaner for longer by reducing dust buildup on surfaces. Some filters are reusable and washable, but require meticulous maintenance so they aren't usually found in the most effective models. Additionally, if your purifier is connected to your HVAC system, it will only filter the air when your AC or heating is turned on or when the fan is running. If you're concerned about odors and dangerous gas emissions in your home, then it's best to opt for a portable indoor air purifier instead of a whole-house model.

These come as part of a fan and can be placed in rooms where pollutants are an issue. Overall, whole-house air purifiers are worth considering if you want to reduce symptoms from allergies or asthma and keep your home clean for longer. They provide clean air throughout the house with just one device and don't take up any extra space or add any obstacles to your home.

Irene Rosenzweig
Irene Rosenzweig

Infuriatingly humble web aficionado. Hipster-friendly pizza ninja. Proud food scholar. Extreme tv aficionado. Certified social media specialist.