Air Filtration vs. Air Purification: Which Solution Is Right for Your Indoor Air Quality?
Trying to determine whether air filtration vs. air purification is the optimal route for your indoor health? Grasshopper Heating and Cooling can help you decide. Explore how each solution improves indoor air quality below.
Air Filtration vs. Air Purification
Many home and business owners don’t know the differences between filtration and purification. Both options can help you achieve the same goal: cleaner, healthier air and less microscopic debris. However, they function differently and eliminate different types of particles. Learn more about what each does below.
What Is Air Filtration?
Air filtration sets the status quo for indoor air quality. This solution involves a filter that circulating air passes through. As the air passes, the filter traps pollutants and particles that would otherwise stay in the environment.
Types of Air Filtration
Since air filtration is your home’s first defense against pollutants, you likely already have a basic filtration system built into your HVAC equipment. Most modern units feature return registers that house the filters. You should change the filter every three months at a minimum to keep your air minimally clean.
Some suppliers sell activated carbon filters, which offer more comprehensive particle removal. However, you must ensure that your HVAC system can accommodate these products without becoming overworked.
You can also enhance your air filtration efforts with portable air filter technology. These units work much like space heaters. You can take them from room to room, plug them in, and set your filtration level. These units also require occasional filter replacements.
What Is Air Purification?
Many people discuss air filtration vs. air purification as though they are one and the same. However, air purification differs from filtration in that purifiers remove even smaller molecules and can neutralize some pollutants. For example, your filter might simply remove dust mites and particles from circulation, while a purifier kills or renders these particulates completely harmless.
Types of Air Purification
Diverse varieties of purification technology exist on the market, including:
- Chemical purifiers destroy a pollutant’s cellular structure by dissolving the cell walls and killing the microorganism.
- Hydrogen peroxide purification systems release small quantities of hydrogen peroxide into the air as it circulates, neutralizing pathogens.
- UV purifiers feature ultraviolet light bulbs that eradicate organisms like infectious bacteria and viruses.
The type of purifier you need depends on what contaminants your home contains.
Which Solution Should You Pick?
As mentioned, most modern buildings already feature a variety of filtration systems. You can improve filtration capabilities by using high-efficiency particulate air filters, otherwise known as HEPA filters. Alternatively, you can purchase portable filter machines and move them throughout your home.
However, if you want ultimate indoor air quality, consider air purifiers. Most modern HVAC systems do not already possess purifying capabilities for eliminating germs and volatile organic compounds. An HVAC technician can help you select the best solution for your needs.
Let Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Help You Choose!
HVAC technicians at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling are well-versed in air filtration vs. air purification. Call 518-216-0051 to perfect your indoor air quality with our superior solutions.
