Do I need an air purifier if I have AC?

Author: Clifford Kirlin  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Air conditioners can make the air in your home feel cooler and more refreshing, but they are not an effective way to remove indoor air pollution in and of themselves. That is where a good air purifier fits in.

Do you need an air purifier if you have air conditioning?

Most air conditioning units contain filters that will block larger particles (like large dust particles) from entering inside and damaging the unit, but air purification is not their main task. That is why they cannot catch smaller particles like pathogens, allergens, or fine particle pollution1.

Can I use an AC and air purifier together?

AC and Air Purifiers – Do They Work Together? The simple answer is: Yes. Unless the technology changes – which is always likely – air conditioners and air purifiers have quite different functions which complement each other.

Does AC purify indoor air?

Air conditioners have limited air purification capabilities. They typically use filters to trap larger particles, but they may not effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, or microscopic pollutants.

Do you need an air filter if you have central air?

As a general rule, it is never a good idea to run your air conditioner or HVAC system without an air filter in place. Any amount of time spent doing so can lead to permanent damage and the possibility of needing expensive repairs.

Do Air Purifiers Actually Work? Are Air Purifiers Worth it? (Do You Need and Air Purifier at All?)

Are AC air purifiers worth it?

People who suffer from sensitivity or recurrent bronchitis would greatly benefit from installing a complete home air purifier. The device alleviates asthma by filtering through allergens and various allergens in the air. It reduces the occurrence and severity of asthma and hypersensitivity episodes.

How much does it cost to add an air purifier to HVAC?

Whole-house air purifier costs range from $419 to $4,962, with an average of $2,610 depending on house size and filter type. Installing a whole-house air purifier costs $419 to $12,000, though most homeowners spend an average of $2,610.

Does AC throw fresh air?

No, an air conditioner does not bring fresh air from outside to the inside of your home. While part of your system may be located outside, if you have a split system, this does not mean it uses the outside air. The primary purpose of your system is not cooling the air; it's to move the unwanted heat out of your air.

How do I purify my whole house air?

Simple things you can do to improve your indoor air quality include: Reduce dust by vacuuming regularly and using a microfiber or damp cloth for dusting. Reduce humidity to avoid mold and mildew buildup and change appliance filters regularly. And make sure to test your home for dangerous gases like radon.

Does an air purifier really work?

In summary, while air purifiers can be effective in improving indoor air quality, their true effectiveness can be difficult to assess without proper monitoring tools. The integration of sensors to monitor indoor air quality is essential to ensure that the air purifier is operating effectively and energy efficiently.

Can one air purifier clean an entire house?

When an efficient, effective, safe unit is selected, whole house air purifiers: Offer air purification without “boundaries” – they clean the air in your entire home. Eliminate the need for multiple air purifiers around the house. Provide air purification without taking up space in the living area of the house.

Can I put a Hepa filter in my AC?

Due to their powerful filtration capabilities, HEPA filters are thick and might lower airflow in some home comfort systems. It's crucial to contact a heating and cooling pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning before installing one to prevent damage to your furnace.

Do air purifiers make the room cooler?

An air purifier will have no effect on room temperature (and neither will a fan). They do not “cool the room” but rather lower a person's temperature through the “wind-chill” effect. However, this process is very effective at improving comfort in warm conditions.

How do I know if I need an air purifier?

One of the most common signs you need an air purifier is persistent allergy symptoms. If you or your family members are continuously sneezing, coughing or experiencing itchy eyes, it could be due to allergens like pollen, dust mites or pet dander circulating in your home.

Can you run an air purifier and AC at the same time?

Absolutely! Running both together can enhance your indoor air quality. Here's why: Air Circulation: The air conditioner helps circulate air, allowing the purifier to clean more effectively.

Are there any cons to an air purifier?

What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.

How long does it take for a air purifier to clean the air in a house?

Well, the answer isn't as easy. In a typical home, an effective air purifier starts to deliver clean air within 30 to 60 minutes. But this time changes, depending on several factors such as your room size, the indoor air quality and even the placement of the device.

Do whole house air purifiers remove dust?

Yes, air purifiers can help reduce dust in indoor environments. Air purifiers equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are particularly effective at capturing airborne dust particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency.

Can you add an air purifier to your HVAC system?

In most cases, it is possible to add an air purifier to an existing HVAC system.

Do air conditioners purify air?

False. Air conditioners cannot and do not purify air. The air filter located near the return air duct or air handler does filter dust, pollen and other allergens. But it's a misconception that the air filter is a part of the air conditioner itself, rather air filters are a part of the entire HVAC system.

How to ventilate an air conditioned room?

Try opening a window located as far away as possible from the kitchen to ventilate the entire room effectively. Even when two windows are available, the kitchen ventilation fan can still assist in ventilation. For this reason, we recommend using the kitchen ventilation fan in addition to opening windows.

Do I need fresh air intake on my HVAC system?

With a conventional furnace, a fresh air intake filter is needed so that the furnace does not pull air from what we call “unconditioned” places in the home where air quality is poor. This includes the basement, crawl spaces, attics, even dryer vents. With the filter, the replacement air is drawn from outside the home.

Do air purifiers run up your electric bill?

Regardless of where you live, the good news is, air purifiers do not use a lot of electricity to operate.

Why do people often install air purifiers in their homes?

Air purifiers remove dust, smoke, bad smells, harmful chemicals, viruses, pollen, and pet dander. They provide fresh and clean air, which is essential considering the rise of pollution in the world. They're not just used at home.

Are in-duct air purifiers worth it?

Yes. In-duct air purifiers work with your HVAC system to filter out dust, allergens, bacteria, and more. They also help keep your system running efficiently.

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