Whether or not you need an air purifier or air conditioner will depend on what you’re trying to clean out of the air.
What Do Air Conditioners Clean Out of the Air
An air conditioner can filter materials like dust, dirt, hair, and bacteria. But when it comes to smaller particles, voc’s, viruses and other air pollutants an air purifier is your best bet.
Allergies and Air Conditioners
If you have allergies an air conditioner may improve the air quality in your home because as mentioned previously it will take out some of the irritants in the air.
A lot will depend on your air quality and what’s in your air environment.
Air conditioning is great in the summer if you find it allergy-effective but if you live in an area with seasons, fall and winter would be quite cold. So, in this scenario having both on hand will give you the option to use one or both as needed.
Air conditioners help reduce humidity. So, if you find that humidity is an allergy trigger for you, an air conditioner may provide some relief.
Table of Contents
- What Do Air Conditioners Clean Out of the Air
- Allergies and Air Conditioners
- Mold and Air Conditioners
- When You Need an Air Purifier
- Colds, Flu and Virus Season
- Pets and Air Purifiers
- In Conclusion
Mold and Air Conditioners
Since air conditioners help prevent mold by taking moisture out of the environment. As many allergy sufferers will tell you they suffer more when the air is humid. It is not unusual to find mold as a trigger in those with asthma. But having said that. An air conditioner can’t remove mold. And if the filters aren’t changed according to recommendations mold can accumulate and grow in the filter. Which will be circulated throughout the air for you to breathe making matters worse. So, assuming that you keep up with maintenance for your unit be it central air or a window air conditioner. Owning one of these units can be an aid for allergy sufferers.
When You Need an Air Purifier
Cigarette Smoke, while an air conditioner is not designed specifically to remove it. Some do help with smoke odor due to the kind of filter installed in the unit specifically if the unit can accept an HEPA filter. Speak with an HVAC specialist for an assessment and recommendations if your home uses central air or related systems. In some cases, you might be able to integrate air purification into your HVAC system.
If your home does not employ a whole house HVAC such as central air or related and your air quality is poor purchasing an air purifier is your best bet.
They are a lot cheaper than trying to update your HVAC system. For apartment dwellers, an air purifier may be the best recourse for an outdated HVAC system.
Typically, a fairly effective unit can be purchased for around $150 – $200 depending on room size. Higher-end models can run from hundreds to thousands of dollars because they can provide a higher rate of air changes per hour (ACH).
But if you can take the cost dive for a whole house air purification system by installing an updated HVAC unit; this would be the most effective way to go. But it could cost thousands of dollars.
You need an air purifier paid link if the air you breathe contains vocs (volatile organic compounds which are gases). Which includes exposure to cigarette and tobacco smoke, marijuana, cannabis, wildfire smoke or exposure to chemicals in the air from industry. Many of us live near factories that emit hazardous chemicals in the air during the production process.
One red flag is if you start coughing, sneezing, or scratching when in certain locations but when removed from that setting the reaction is gone.
Formaldehyde a voc is one such toxin that can have severe effects on the respiratory tract and skin. Air purifiers have activated carbon filters designed to help remove odors and voc’s.
Our bodies are great at warning us by reacting to hazardous materials letting us know to stay away or remove the substance.
Air purifiers use a multi-stage process by way of multiple filters activated carbon, HEPA, and in some units use of UV-C light.
HEPA filters trap viruses and the UV-C light helps deactivate the virus. In essence, rendering a virus and germ 1 2 punch.
Another sign you may need an air purifier is chest congestion and infections. Today we are being exposed to so many pollutants and some are from construction materials in our own homes and apartments, resulting in what is sometimes called building occupant illness or sick building syndrome. If you’re not able to remove the source or move then an air purifier might help to alleviate the symptoms.
Sick building syndrome can not only cause congestion but also muscle aches and pain, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, headaches, and even mental fatigue.
Your physician can send you to an allergy specialist to test for allergies and find your triggers. Your allergy specialist may prescribe the use of medications along with the use of an air purifier to complete your arsenal of defense in reducing illness.
Colds, Flu and Virus Season
Furthermore, air purifiers can also help reduce the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria. By capturing and trapping these microorganisms, air purifiers can help prevent the transmission of illnesses and improve overall respiratory health. This is particularly important during flu seasons or in households with individuals who are more susceptible to infections, such as young children and the elderly.
Pets and Air Purifiers
When considering the specific needs of your household, it is important to take into account any pets you may have. Pets can contribute to poor indoor air quality due to pet dander, fur, and odors. In this case, an air purifier with a HEPA filter can be highly effective in removing pet dander and reducing unpleasant odors.
In Conclusion
While both air conditioners and air purifiers have their own functions and benefits, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you are primarily concerned with temperature control, an air conditioner may be the best option. However, if you want to improve indoor air quality and reduce the presence of pollutants and allergens, an air purifier would be more suitable.
It is important to note that air conditioners paid link and air purifiers can also be used together to create an optimal indoor environment. By using an air conditioner to regulate the temperature and humidity, and an air purifier to remove pollutants, you can enjoy both comfort and clean air in your home.