HVAC Filter vs. Air Purifier: Do You Need Both?

Indoor air pollution is just as real as outdoor pollution. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can ensure that your indoor environment is free of air pollutants. Your HVAC system’s air filter, for instance, offers basic protection against dust, pollen and other impurities in the air. The built-in components of your air conditioner or furnaceand its capacity for removing air particles depends on its type.

That said, you may be wondering if an air purifier is still necessary if you already have a top-level air filter in your HVAC system. A-1 Comfort Care Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, a trusted provider of residential HVAC services, shares more information below.

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

One type of air purifier is a stand-alone appliance that cleans the air by removing dangerous fumes and finer particles which a typical HVAC filter isn’t able to touch. It uses stronger, denser filters that are designed to get rid of a wide variety of particles in the air — which then results in cleaner indoor air.

Do I Need Both an Air Purifier and an Air Filter?

If you were to ask HVAC installation contractors, many would say that it’s ideal to have an air purifier in addition to your air filter. Air filters can already make a big difference on their own in terms of indoor air quality and HVAC system performance. However, this is largely dependent on the type of air filter that you have. For example, there are air filters that can only remove large particles, making them less effective at keeping your indoor air clean. Meanwhile, there are also air filters that can effectively deal with smaller particles.

Nevertheless, if you want to take your indoor air quality to the next level, you should consider getting an air purifier as well. This is especially recommended if you have respiratory problems or allergies or simply want the cleanest air possible in your home.

A-1 Comfort Care Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been servicing local clients since 1990. We offer a range of HVAC services, including plumbing, heating and air conditioning repair services. Call us at (732) 578-0379 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve customers in Wall and Freehold, NJ.