How Air Purifiers Enhance Your HVAC System’s Air Quality

Your HVAC System: Good at Airflow, Not Always Filtration

HVAC systems are meant to move air, control temperature, and even manage humidity. Most systems even have a basic air filter to trap larger particles - but these filters are meant to prevent particles from damaging internal components. Their goal is not specifically to purify the air.

Basically, standard HVAC filters are not designed to catch smaller particles. Plus, because HVAC systems continuously circulate air, anything they don’t capture will just keep moving around. This is where air purifiers come to the rescue.

How Air Purifiers Work

Air purifiers remove pollutants from the air. Simple enough, right? Whole-home air purifiers, meanwhile, connect to ventilation systems to filter air as it moves through the ducts. The process typically involves multiple stages of filtration. Here are the most common filtration mechanisms:

• Mechanical (HEPA Filters): These use a dense mat of fibers to trap particles as small as 0.3 micrometers. They are highly effective and can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles.
• Activated Carbon Filters: These filters tackle gases and odors that HEPA filters might miss. They are made from porous carbon that can chemically bind with odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from things like cleaning products, paint, or smoke,
• UV Light Purification: These use ultraviolet light to kill or neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold spores by disrupting their DNA.
• Ionization: These technologies charge airborne particles so that they clump together and are more easily filtered out.

The Power of Partnership: HVAC and Air Purifier

On their own, HVAC systems provide basic air movement and filtration. Standalone purifiers, on their own, can only clean the air in one room at a time. When combined, these two offer the best of both worlds. Here’s how that partnership improves your indoor air quality:

• Every time your HVAC system kicks on, it circulates air through the purifier for continuous filtration.
• With fewer pollutants making their way through your HVAC system, you reduce buildup in your ductwork, lessen stress on your system, and extend its lifespan.
• The HVAC system runs more efficiently when it isn’t overwhelmed with debris. That saves you money on energy bills and repairs.
• Whole-home purifiers require less maintenance than portable models, and they typically involve no extra cords, noise, or space.

So, Should You Get One?

If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or frequent respiratory issues - or if you simply want to breathe cleaner air - then a whole-home air purifier is a no-brainer. It's a smart move for households with pets, smokers, young children, or elderly.

Remember, though, that even the best air purifier won’t do much good if your HVAC system isn’t up to par. Regular HVAC service is central in getting the most out of your investments. Aire Serv is proud to offer premium maintenance services at affordable pricing.

Consult with an HVAC Specialist

Still have questions or concerns? Call Aire Serv to learn more about how we can help improve your indoor air quality and save you money on bills in the meantime. Our team is ready to help today.