Do you need air purifier with AC?

Author: Kane Kilback Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, May 23, 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 I need an air purifier if I have AC?

Typically no. It's just provides cooling to your space. If you have ducted a/c you can buy electronic air cleaners which help remove particles in the air stream. Also some units can use better filters than others which helps keep VOCs and other items to a minimum.

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.

Are air purifiers really necessary?

You may need an air purifier if you experience frequent allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues, or if you notice dust, pet dander, smoke, or unpleasant odors in your home. It's also helpful if you live in an area with high pollution or have poor ventilation.

Air Purifier vs Humidifier - Which Should You Buy?

Is there a downside to air purifiers?

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 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.

Are air purifiers in HVAC worth it?

Enhanced Respiratory Health. Chronic exposure to airborne allergens can contribute to respiratory issues, exacerbating conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Whole house air purifiers can enhance respiratory health by significantly reducing the inhalation of irritants.

Does AC give you 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.

Is my AC making my house dusty?

Air Duct Leaks

Sometimes your HVAC system can end up sucking in dust and debris from your attic or other dusty places in the home, even outdoors.

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.

Can I use AC and air purifier together?

You can absolutely use these two devices together, and you can even use them in the same room without fear of their functionalities impacting one another.

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

Installing a whole-house air purifier costs $419 to $12,000, though most homeowners spend an average of $2,610. The price depends on several factors, though the type of filter you choose is significant.

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 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.

Does AC eliminate odor?

Yes, air conditioning can remove odours from a room. Even while your air conditioner can assist in eradicating odours, it can only lessen the concentration of the odour. The stench will linger for a time before ultimately dissipating.

Do I need an air purifier if I have an HVAC system?

While both your HVAC/air conditioner filter and a central air purifier play a part in reducing indoor air pollution, the latter offers a deep clean that removes small particles that can cause allergies, irritation, and other adverse effects.

What are the cons of an air purifier?

The mechanical filters can produce a lot of noise, and if you're looking for a quiet home or a quiet appliance, an air purifier may not be the best choice. Finally, air purifiers require regular maintenance just like any electronic device. You'll need to change the filter regularly and make sure that the unit is clean.

Do you need air purifiers in every room?

Do You Need an Air Purifier in Every Room? While having an air purifier in every room of your home can be beneficial, it's not always necessary.

What are the symptoms of bad air quality in a house?

Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.

What is the best home air purifier?

Our Top Picks for the Best Air Purifiers:
  • Best Overall Air Purifier: Coway Airmega True HEPA Purifier, $225.
  • Best Runner-Up Air Purifier: Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier, $319 $290.
  • Most Versatile Air Purifier: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde, $806.

Should I run air purifier all day?

Many people think that switching it off during the night or when they're not present is a logical energy-saving measure, but it is recommended to keep it running constantly. Once you turn off your air purifier, the air quickly becomes contaminated again with mold, dust, dander, and other pollutants present in the air.

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