Air Cleaner Purifier: Should You Choose an Air Purifier or Air Cleaner?

Air cleaner purifiers may be a worthwhile consideration when trying to improve your indoor air quality. These devices work by eliminating unpleasant pollutants from the air in your home, thus enabling you to enjoy fresher and healthier air. Yet, the question arises: What is the difference between an air cleaner and an air purifier, and which one is best suited for your home?

In this article, we will delve into the differences between air cleaners and air purifiers while also exploring how each system contributes to the air quality improvement of your home.

Air Cleaner vs Air Purifier: The Differences

Though air cleaners and air purifiers are similar, there are some differences between them. In short, air cleaners are devices that filter the air within your home, whereas air purifiers aim to sanitize it. While air cleaners can handle larger particles, they are not designed to combat mold, viruses, bacteria, smoke, or chemicals. On the other hand, air purifiers are specifically built to purify and sanitize the air, removing airborne particles such as pollen and dust.

In addition, air cleaners utilize a fan to draw in and filter the air. Running them at higher settings may lead to increased noise pollution, so it is recommended to look for a unit with a low noise rating. Generally, you can use both devices in your home for optimal results. However, if you aim to eliminate allergy triggers, an air purifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter could be the most suitable choice for your needs.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Air Cleaner or Purifier

When choosing an air cleaner purifier, there are several criteria that you need to consider to optimize your air quality.

The size of the room

One of the key factors to consider when selecting an air purifier vs. an air cleaner is the size of the room in which it will be used. These devices come in various sizes and capacities, each designed to cater to a specific room size. Choosing a unit with an appropriate size ensures optimal air circulation and efficiency. Oversized units may lead to unnecessary energy consumption, while undersized ones may fail to adequately purify the air in larger spaces. Therefore, measuring the size of your room and comparing it to the manufacturer’s guidelines can help you select the right air cleaner or purifier.

An air purifier typically works in a single room. They come in 4 different sizes, with each one suitable for a particular room size measured in square feet.

• Small air purifiers: Ideal for spaces up to 200 square feet.
• Medium air purifiers: Ideal for spaces from 200 to 400 square feet.
• Large air purifiers: Ideal for spaces from 400 to 1,500 square feet.
• Whole-house air purifiers: Ideal for every room within the household.

On the contrary, an air cleaner is a whole-house solution. You can hire a skilled technician to install it directly into your HVAC system, complete with an air filter to capture medium to large particles.

Additionally, you can use this formula to find the appropriate size of an air cleaner or purifier for your room: CADR x 1.55 = Square footage of your room. Each air purifier unit is equipped with three CADR values: one for pollen, one for smoke, and another for dust. The table below will show you how to choose the right air cleaner or purifier.

Types of airborne pollutants

Indoor environments may contain various types of airborne pollutants. As different air cleaners and purifiers come with different filters and technologies, it is crucial to identify which pollutants you want to target in your space.

An air cleaner is designed to remove particles such as smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other gases. Conversely, an air purifier targets viruses and other microorganisms that can lead to health problems or trigger allergic reactions. Respiratory issues can arise from bacterial growth and spores due to excess moisture. While an air cleaner can strain out spores, an air purifier works to render them inactive.

Air treatment technology

Several advanced technologies are employed in air cleaners and purifiers, such as High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon filters, UV-C light, and more. HEPA filters are best for trapping small particles, while UV-C light can neutralize microorganisms such as spores by disrupting their DNA. Activated carbon filters adsorb chemicals and odors, making them helpful in environments with strong odors.

An air cleaner always comes with a filter. Nevertheless, an air purifier may also utilize an ionic or electrostatic filter, UV light, or both to capture particles, pathogens, and gases.

Benefits of Installing Air Cleaners or Air Purifiers

Installing air cleaner purifiers in indoor spaces offers various benefits for both health and overall well-being. Both air purifiers and air cleaners play a role in relieving allergies, eczema, asthma, dry throat, and itchy skin. Furthermore, both systems help reduce the chances of catching common illnesses such as a cold or flu.

Other benefits of having an air cleaner or air purifier include:

• Reduce VOCs and other harmful chemicals: These pollutants can be emitted from household products, paints, and cleaning agents. By targeting these chemicals, air cleaners and purifiers help create a safer indoor atmosphere, minimizing the risk of long-term health effects related to exposure to these substances.
• Enhance overall comfort: Installing an air cleaner or air purifier can help reduce odors and improve the overall freshness of indoor air. This is particularly beneficial in spaces with limited ventilation.
• Better sleep quality: If indoor allergens trigger your allergy or asthma symptoms, your sleeping may be affected due to shallow breathing or a stuffy, runny nose. For a better night’s sleep, consider running an air filter that covers the size of your room.

Bottom Line

Having an air cleaner purifier in your living space can have a positive impact on your quality of life. With careful consideration of factors, including room size, types of pollutants, and filtration technology, you can select a device that aligns with your specific needs. Improved air quality equals better health, increased comfort, and a cleaner living environment, making air cleaner or purifier a valuable addition to any space.