For those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, a whole-house air purifier can be a great investment. These systems help reduce symptoms by removing pollutants from the air. When it comes to choosing an air purifier, you must decide between a portable or whole-house model. If you have a duct network and forced air system, a whole-house system is the way to go.
Homes with radiant heat and without air conditioning will need to opt for portable autonomous models. Not only can a whole-house air purifier reduce symptoms, but it can also extend the life of your HVAC system by reducing the amount of dust that passes through it. This will lead to greater long-term efficiency, so be sure to maintain its maintenance throughout the year. Portable air purifiers are enough for cleaning the air in a single room in your house, but if you want to improve indoor air quality throughout your home, a whole-house air cleaner or air purification system is the way to go.
These systems are installed in return air ducts immediately before the air handling unit or oven. Most are washable, but this can be a nuisance. The downside of a combined PCO or PCO filter is the higher cost of the air filter and the cost of electricity for its operation. The idea with the bypass approach is that if your air cleaner breaks down, your HVAC system won't stop working, and you also have an alternative air return duct route.
Whole-house air purifiers are very useful for general removal of pet dander, dust, pollen, and other large air pollutants throughout the house. They can filter relatively more air than larger portable filters, but they don't clean all the air in your home. If your home has a duct system but doesn't have HVAC, you can get a standalone air purifier that connects to the inlet of your duct system and draws air in and out of your home through your air cleaning unit. When it comes to maintenance, a whole-house air purifier is much easier to maintain compared to having multiple devices throughout the house that need a filter change.
CADR (Clean Air Supply Rate) was developed by the Appliance Manufacturers Association (AHAM) and is the “measure of a portable air purifier's pollutant-free air delivery, expressed in cubic feet per minute” according to the EPA. In conclusion, if you want whole-home coverage and have a central air conditioning or HVAC system, then a whole-house air purifier is worth it. Not only will it reduce symptoms for those with allergies or asthma, but it will also extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce maintenance costs.
