Blog Layout

A Basic Guide to Choosing the Right Home Air Purifier

Mark J. Biel • Feb 15, 2021

Improving indoor air quality is at the top of the list for most homeowners, especially in this time of the so-called “new normal.” The air purifier is seen as one of the best solutions to this ongoing predicament, and while it’s not the be-all-end-all, it can help you and your family live more safely and achieve better health.

If you want to invest in an air purifier, first you have to figure out which one is right for you. As the leading  HVAC repair  contractor in the area, we’ve put together a basic buying guide to help you pick the best product for your budget and home size.

Types of Air Purifiers

Browse an air purifier online and you’ll notice that it comes in hundreds of different styles, types and brands. This might seem overwhelming at first, but the truth is that it varies depending on the type of air filtration system it uses. To be exact, there are four of them to choose from, each one targeting different types of indoor air pollution.

  • High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter

Most top-end air purifiers have this kind of air filtration system. Made of a highly-dense paper filter, it can catch a wide variety of airborne pollutants, including pollen, mold spores, fungi, dust, pet dander, hair, mold spores and visible smoke. If the product specifications mention that the product has a “true HEPA filter,” this means that it can remove 99.97% of all microscopic particles in sizes as small as 0.3 microns. However, the filter must be replaced after a certain period of use to ensure the efficiency of the air purifier. It shouldn’t be used when dealing with odors or chemical fumes.

  • Ionic Filtration

An air purifier with this kind of technology works by emitting a cloud of charged ions into the air. These ions then latch onto airborne particles up to 0.01 microns in size, causing them to fall to the floor and other surfaces. It also utilizes an electrostatic collection plate that attracts impurities and removes them from the indoor space. While it doesn’t require frequent maintenance and filter replacement, the collection plate has to be cleaned with soap and water regularly.

  • Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon is the main component of air purifiers with this type of filtration system. Such filters consist of millions of tiny absorbent pores, creating a large surface area to traps gases, fumes and odors. It can help make a room smell fresh by getting rid of smells, but it doesn’t remove airborne particles that cause respiratory issues.

  • Ultraviolet (UV) Light Filtration

With this type of filtration technology, the air purifier emits a type of ultraviolet light that’s considered safe to humans—UV-C. In comparison, 

UV-A and UV-B light contribute to skin aging and sunburn, respectively. UV-C light attacks bacteria and viruses by destroying their molecular structure, effectively sterilizing the indoor environment. However, you can’t find this type of air purifier as a standalone unit. It’s mainly available as an additional feature in some HEPA or ionic air cleaners.

ACH and CADR

Ask local HVAC maintenance  technicians about air purifiers, and they’ll tell you that these devices, like heating and cooling systems, must be of the correct size relative to the indoor space that needs to be cleaned. Too small and it won’t filter air sufficiently inside a large room; too big and it will use up too much energy while getting rid of contaminants in a small room.

Determining the right air purifier based on the room size requires a basic understanding of two ratings. The first one is the ACH, or the air change per hour. It’s expressed in 4x, 5x and so on, which indicates the number of times per hour the device can clean dirty indoor air. The higher the number, the more efficient the air purifier is at completing its function.

The second rating is the CADR, or clean air delivery rate. It’s a metric developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to provide consumers information about the air purifier’s ability to filter various particles in a specific size of room. Generally, the higher the number, the more particles it can remove, and the larger the room it can reasonably expect to clean. For instance, an air purifier must have a minimum CADR of 60 to clean a room that measures 100 square feet.

Other Considerations

Air purifiers come in classic and smart-enabled versions. The first version is the traditional variety in that it doesn’t always indicate the types of pollutants it removes from the indoor air. To determine if it’s working, you have to check the filter if it gets dirty. Despite this downside, a classic air purifier can come equipped with digital controls and air quality sensors. The second version, meanwhile, has a mobile app that allows you to check how well the device is cleaning the indoor air. With this, you can keep track of your home’s indoor air quality levels and learn the different types of pollutants the air purifier captures.

Another thing to consider is the placement of the air purifier. Put it in the wrong location inside a room and it won’t function as intended. For instance, a device that has either a HEPA or activated carbon filter must be placed at least two feet away from any wall or piece of furniture so it can work at maximum efficiency. If you have an ionic air purifier, place it at the center of the room. not on the wall, because it doesn’t have a fan like other air purifiers do.

Keep in mind that an air purifier is no different than HVAC systems and other home appliances when it comes to energy consumption. You’ll be using it for long periods in order to keep the indoor air clean, so you want to consider its energy efficiency. One way to do so is to check if it has an ENERGY STAR® label. This indicates that the product utilizes the least amount of energy while providing cost-efficient operation.

For all your HVAC needs, turn to R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. We offer a wide range of HVAC services, from  air duct cleaning  to preventative maintenance. Give us a call today at (505) 327-7755 or fill out our  contact form  to request a free estimate.

Our Recent Articles

inside of a furnace
By Mark J. Biel 29 Nov, 2023
It's that time of the year again. Temperatures are dropping lower each evening, leaves are falling, and you're ready to start turning on the heater to ward off the chill. But having been dormant for several months, is your heater really ready to jump into winter heating action without having an inspection? Before switching over to heat for your home, take a minute to call the trusted and trained professionals at R. A. Biel to run a heater tune-up and service check. Sound unnecessary? Well, some experts argue that upwards of 75% of heat-related calls in the winter are directly related to a lack of preventative maintenance such as yearly checkups! Don't be left in the cold this winter, and instead check out these 3 reasons why servicing your heater each year is a must.
By Mark J. Biel 29 Jun, 2023
A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial in any home as it contributes to comfort, energy efficiency and a healthy living environment. In this blog post, we explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to upgrade your HVAC system before putting your house on the market. We also discuss the benefits of upgrading and how regular HVAC maintenance can play a significant role in your home’s value and appeal. Benefits of... Continue Reading The post Why Upgrade Your HVAC Before Putting Your Home on the Market appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Jun, 2023
A sump pump is crucial in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rainfall. It must be maintained regularly and replaced promptly so it can effectively keep your basement and belongings dry. In this blog post, we list the signs indicating it’s time for a new sump pump so you can take the necessary steps to protect your property. Common Signs of a Failing Sump Pump Age Most... Continue Reading The post Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 14 Jun, 2023
Ensuring your AC can keep your home cool all summer is essential for your comfort. Furthermore, preparing your AC for warmer months ensures optimal performance and savings on your energy bills. Continue reading for tips on how to prepare your air conditioning system for the summer season so you can enjoy a perfectly comfortable home. Schedule a Professional Inspection Regular inspection is crucial for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently... Continue Reading The post How to Prep Your AC for the Summer appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
inside of a furnace
By Mark J. Biel 29 Nov, 2023
It's that time of the year again. Temperatures are dropping lower each evening, leaves are falling, and you're ready to start turning on the heater to ward off the chill. But having been dormant for several months, is your heater really ready to jump into winter heating action without having an inspection? Before switching over to heat for your home, take a minute to call the trusted and trained professionals at R. A. Biel to run a heater tune-up and service check. Sound unnecessary? Well, some experts argue that upwards of 75% of heat-related calls in the winter are directly related to a lack of preventative maintenance such as yearly checkups! Don't be left in the cold this winter, and instead check out these 3 reasons why servicing your heater each year is a must.
By Mark J. Biel 29 Jun, 2023
A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial in any home as it contributes to comfort, energy efficiency and a healthy living environment. In this blog post, we explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to upgrade your HVAC system before putting your house on the market. We also discuss the benefits of upgrading and how regular HVAC maintenance can play a significant role in your home’s value and appeal. Benefits of... Continue Reading The post Why Upgrade Your HVAC Before Putting Your Home on the Market appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Jun, 2023
A sump pump is crucial in protecting your home from water damage, especially during heavy rainfall. It must be maintained regularly and replaced promptly so it can effectively keep your basement and belongings dry. In this blog post, we list the signs indicating it’s time for a new sump pump so you can take the necessary steps to protect your property. Common Signs of a Failing Sump Pump Age Most... Continue Reading The post Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 14 Jun, 2023
Ensuring your AC can keep your home cool all summer is essential for your comfort. Furthermore, preparing your AC for warmer months ensures optimal performance and savings on your energy bills. Continue reading for tips on how to prepare your air conditioning system for the summer season so you can enjoy a perfectly comfortable home. Schedule a Professional Inspection Regular inspection is crucial for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently... Continue Reading The post How to Prep Your AC for the Summer appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 31 May, 2023
Noticing any fluctuations in your home’s indoor comfort levels happening too frequently? The culprit could be the placement of your thermostat. Proper thermostat placement plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable living environment and the efficiency of your HVAC system. To help you out, our HVAC maintenance and repair experts explain the importance of thermostat placement. We’ll also discuss how having it in the right spot can help you save on... Continue Reading The post Why You Should Carefully Consider Your Thermostat Placement appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 29 May, 2023
An air purifier can be a game-changer in improving your home’s indoor air quality. However, knowing how to get the most out of it is essential to truly experience its benefits. In this blog post, our heating and air conditioning repair experts discuss some of the best practices and tips to ensure you and your family can enjoy a healthier living environment. Choosing the Right Air Purifier Various air purifiers are available,... Continue Reading The post Maximize Your Air Purifier With These Helpful Tips appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 25 May, 2023
Are you tired of dealing with persistent plumbing issues in your home? It’s easy to ignore these signs and hope they’ll resolve themselves, but the truth is that plumbing problems can quickly escalate if left unaddressed. Our professional plumbing and new air conditioning team explore a few common signs that determine you’re facing major plumbing problems. We’ll also help you identify which issues require immediate repair. Slow-Draining Sinks We’ve all experienced a... Continue Reading The post How to Determine You Have Major Plumbing Problems appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 28 Apr, 2023
Are you constantly finding yourself with dirty HVAC filters, even after just changing them? Not only can this be frustrating, but it can also affect your system’s efficiency and your home’s air quality. In this blog post, we discuss the importance of clean filters and the common reasons why they might be getting dirty too quickly. HVAC Filters: The Basics Before we dive into the reasons behind your HVAC filters... Continue Reading The post SOS: My HVAC Filters Get Dirty Too Quickly appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 25 Apr, 2023
Clogged pipes can be a real headache, causing slow drainage, unpleasant odors and even water damage in your home. Fortunately, there’s an effective solution for these pesky plumbing issues — hydro-jetting. Discover why hydro-jetting is the best fix for clogged pipes and how it outperforms traditional methods (like drain snaking) when it comes to cleaning pipes. The Problem With Traditional Methods When faced with clogged pipes, many people resort to... Continue Reading The post Why Hydro-Jetting Is the Best Fix for Clogged Pipes appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
By Mark J. Biel 21 Apr, 2023
As the days get warmer, it’s time to think about staying cool and comfortable inside your home. A well-functioning AC system plays a crucial role in keeping your indoor environment comfortable during the hot summer months. If you’ve been wondering when is the ideal time to upgrade your AC, this spring might just be the perfect opportunity! Watch out for the signs that indicate it’s time for a new air... Continue Reading The post Should You Upgrade Your AC This Spring? appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
More Posts
Share by: