Let’s set the scene… You’re back home after a business trip you come down with a runny nose. Did you get sick on the road, or is something in your home causing your allergies to flare up?
You realize it might be time to invest in an air purifier or air filter. After all, you need to protect your and your family’s health. But what’s the difference between an air filter vs. air purifier?
Read on to learn more about both machines to decide which is best for your home.
What Is an Air Filter?
An air filter is a device that removes particles from the air. Air filters are typically used in homes, cars, and buildings to improve indoor air quality.
Mechanical Air Filter
These filters remove particles from the air. They catch the particles on the surface of a filter medium, like cotton gauze or fiberglass, which is usually housed in an electrostatically charged metal frame.
Electronic Air Filter
These filters use electrical processes to remove particles from the air. The electric field attracts airborne particulates and captures them on a charged grid or collection plate.
What Is an Air Purifier?
An air purifier is a device that removes pollutants from the air, such as:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Smoke
- Chemical vapors
There are many types of air purifiers on the market. Some devices remove allergens from the air, and others only remove odors.
The most common type of air purifier is a whole-house filter, which can be placed in a central location to clean the air in your home or office. These filters work by drawing in dirty indoor air and passing it over a series of filters to capture particles before releasing clean indoor air back into your home or office.
Difference Between an Air Filter vs. Air Purifier
Air purifiers and air filters both help to improve the quality of the air in a room. However, they do so in different ways.
An important distinction between an air filter and an air purifier is that an air filter cannot remove pollutants from a room’s atmosphere, while an air purifier can.
Air purifiers clean the air in a room by letting out ozone, which kills bacteria and viruses in the air.
If you have pets or live in dusty surroundings, air filters such as the 20x23x1 air filter do a better job cleaning the air of particles and even allergens. Also, air filters are more common than air purifiers because they’re cheaper and easier to maintain.
Which One Is the Best for You?
Choosing between an air filter vs. air purifier depends on your preference and budget.
An air filter is your best option if you’re looking for something easy to use and inexpensive. However, an air purifier would be your best choice if you want something powerful that takes up less space.
Do you want to learn more about healthy homes? Then, check out the rest of our website!
