There is much to be said about the topic of home air purification. Most homeowners want to know how air purifiers work, which ones are best and if they are worth the money. These are all excellent inquiries. First, let’s take a look at the science behind whole-home air purifiers.
How whole-home air purifiers work
A whole-home air purifier installs directly into your existing HVAC system. When the HVAC system is on, the air purifier works to remove contaminants (pollen, dust, VOCs, etc.).
There are several types of whole-home air purification systems, and each purifies the air slightly differently. Regardless of the purification method, they all follow a general pattern.
When you turn on your heating or cooling unit, fans bring air into the vents. Air flows through the ductwork in your home as it undergoes the heating or cooling process or when you run the system fan.
As the air passes the purification device, pollutants are removed. The air then circulates back toward the vents and is blown into each room in your house, thus purifying the air throughout the entire home.
This differs significantly from a portable unit that targets a specific space, measuring the capacity by square footage.
How much does it cost to install a whole-house air purifier?
The installation cost of a whole-house air purifier can vary due to several factors, such as the type of HVAC system, house design, and location.
Type of HVAC System: The HVAC system in your home plays a significant role in the overall cost of installing a whole-house air purifier.
Forced air systems that utilize ductwork are the most common systems homes have, and installing an air purifier for these systems tends to be less costly.
In contrast, homes with radiant or baseboard heating systems may require a more complex installation process, increasing the cost.
House Design: The design and layout of your house will significantly impact the installation cost. A larger, multi-level home may require more labor and ductwork modifications than a smaller, one-story house.
Additionally, homes with limited or difficult-to-access spaces may increase labor costs due to the complexity of the installation process.
Location: Geographic location can also influence the cost of installing a whole-house air purifier. Labor rates vary depending on the region.
Considering the factors mentioned above, the cost to install a whole-house air purifier can range between $800 and $2,400 on average.
Investing in a whole-house air purifier is an excellent decision for homeowners seeking to improve their indoor air quality.
Understanding the factors that influence the installation cost can help you plan and budget for this significant home improvement.
Contact an HVAC professional to evaluate your home and provide a personalized quote for the installation to get a more accurate cost estimate based on your specific situation.
Are whole-house air purifiers worth the money?
A whole-house air purifier is undoubtedly worth the money for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. The system helps reduce symptoms by removing antagonistic air pollutants. This results in less frequent and intense allergy and/or asthma attacks.
For urban areas with moderate to severe traffic, whole-home air purification is well worth the money.
When hundreds or thousands of cars are traversing the highways, they release chemicals that react with sunlight and form ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is a danger to all living beings on our planet.
And for those living in regions with turbulent weather conditions, a whole-home air purifier is a sound investment. The unit will reduce toxins produced by conditions like wildfires.
Indoor Air Pollution Is A Reality for All
What if you live in an ideal location and have no pre-existing health conditions? Then is a whole house air purifier still worth the money in your wallet? Yes! Even if your city is not prone to adverse weather or intense traffic, harmful air pollutants are still present. And every time you open your window or door for fresh air, they scurry into your home.
Even if you are in perfect health, indoor exposure to particulate matter, lead, oxides and others can cause short and long-term health effects, not to mention the countless indoor sources of air pollution that we breathe in daily and perpetuate through regular living habits.
The harsh reality is indoor air pollution requires control solutions. Regardless of your situation, a whole-home air purifier is worth the expense.
The best whole-house air purifier for your HVAC system
The best whole-house air purifier provides total protection against dust, viruses, allergens, VOCs and all sorts of air pollutants.
The best whole house air purifier is one that is active.
An active air purifier targets the source of air pollutants, swiftly and effectively eradicating them. This prevents indoor air pollution from becoming unmanageable. A whole-home active air purifier is installed directly into your HVAC system, reaching every corner of your house.
Overall, it will dramatically improve indoor air quality without breaking the bank.
Whole-house air purifier questions
Yes, there is such a thing as a whole-house air purifier. These purifiers integrate with the home’s HVAC system to clean the air throughout the entire living space.
Yes, an air purifier can raise your electric bill, but the increase is typically minimal. The amount of electricity an air purifier consumes depends on its size, power, and usage duration. Talk to a local professional to get the specifics of your situation.
Yes, you can add an air purifier to your HVAC system. Integrating an air purifier with your HVAC system can improve indoor air quality by removing contaminants, such as dust, allergens, pet dander, and even airborne pathogens.
It’s essential to consult with an HVAC professional to determine the most suitable air purifier for your specific system and proper installation.
