Air filters and air purifiers are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. Air filters remove contaminants such as dust, mold, bacteria and allergens, while air purifiers disinfect the air by emitting negative ions, ozone, using heat or with UV or UVC lamps. Depending on the filtration media or electronic air cleaning technologies, air purifiers can provide various levels of air cleaning performance. When deciding between an air filter and an air purifier, it is important to consider what you need the product for.
If you have an HVAC system and need to upgrade or replace your air cleaner, you would be looking for an effective air filter for your space, most likely a MERV 13 filter. Alternatively, if you can't upgrade your HVAC system (due to older systems or budget constraints), portable air purifiers may be your best alternative. Air filters are typically connected to HVAC systems or placed inside air purifying systems. Air purifiers can have several filters to effectively clean the air.
Air filters work by trapping particles in the air, while air purifiers use electric fields to charge particles and adhere them to bacteria in the air. The effectiveness of the air filter and the size of the chamber will determine how powerful it is at cleaning the air of certain particles, how quickly it can do so, the volume of air it can treat, and the number of air exchanges it treats per hour. EPA currently requires manufacturers to implement filters with a MERV rating of at least 8, ideally 13. This type of air filter is much finer and will trap smaller particles such as pollen spores and some bacteria, but it will not trap gases. At Sanalife, we offer a complete set of multi-stage air purifiers and filtration technologies.
We also love the Austin Air Allergy Machine and the Airpura I-600 to reduce dust and odors in general. Whether you prefer air filters or air purifiers, one option is simple; ignoring your home's air quality means you risk increased contact with allergens and bacteria. If you're looking for an effective way to improve indoor air quality in your home or office, consider investing in an air filter or an air purifier. Both products can help reduce airborne contaminants and improve overall health and wellbeing.
However, it is important to understand the differences between them so that you can make an informed decision about which product is best for your needs.