Whole-House Air Purification: Options and What Works
Thinking about whole-house air purification? Here's an honest comparison of the options, from upgraded filters to UV systems.
Whole-house air purification connects to your HVAC system to treat all the air in your home. Here's what's available and what works.
Types of Whole-House Systems
High-Efficiency Media Filters What they are: Thick pleated filters with high MERV ratings (11-16) installed in the return duct.
Pros: - Effective at capturing particles - No ongoing electricity cost - No ozone production
Cons: - Need regular replacement - Can restrict airflow if system not designed for it - Don't kill microorganisms
Best for: Allergies, dust, pet dander
Electronic Air Cleaners What they are: Devices that use electrical charges to trap particles. Electrostatic precipitators and ionizers fall in this category.
Pros: - Can capture very small particles - Washable collection plates (no filters to buy)
Cons: - Can produce ozone (a lung irritant) - Effectiveness drops when dirty - Some particles stick to walls and furniture
Best for: Smaller particles, if well-maintained
UV Germicidal Systems What they are: UV-C lights installed in ductwork or near the evaporator coil.
What they actually do: - Sterilize microorganisms that pass directly in front of the light - Keep coils clean by preventing mold growth - Work slowly—brief exposure during air passage limits effectiveness
Pros: - Continuous operation - Keep coils cleaner
Cons: - Limited contact time for airborne pathogens - Don't remove particles or allergens - UV bulbs need annual replacement
Best for: Coil maintenance, reducing mold/mildew smells
HEPA Bypass Systems What they are: A separate HEPA filter system that processes a portion of your home's air.
Pros: - True HEPA captures 99.97% of particles - Doesn't restrict main system airflow
Cons: - Expensive to install - Doesn't filter all the air in your system - Filter replacements add up
Best for: Severe allergies, compromised immune systems
Realistic Expectations
What They Do Well - Reduce airborne particles - Help with allergies and asthma - Keep HVAC components cleaner
What They Don't Do - Eliminate all pollutants - Replace proper ventilation - Address pollution sources
Our Recommendation
For most homes, starting with a good quality filter (MERV 11-13) and regular maintenance provides solid air quality improvement at reasonable cost. Add specialized equipment if you have specific needs the basic approach doesn't address.