Air purifiers and air conditioners are popular appliances in many homes today. Consumers often need clarification about which one to use when it comes to improving indoor air quality.
In this article, we will compare air purifier vs air conditioner and discuss their benefits and drawbacks. We will look at cost, energy consumption, effectiveness, and health benefits to understand which appliance is right for you.
Air purifiers draw in dirty air and run it through filters to trap pollutants. Some models also release clean, filtered air back into the room. On the other hand, air conditioners don’t purify the air.
They cool and circulate it, which can help reduce allergens and other irritants in the air. Some units can also clean the air. It’ll come down to which device better suits your needs and budget.
What are air purifiers?
An air purifier is a device that removes contaminants from the air in a room. These devices commonly remove dust, pollen, mould spores, and pet dander from the air.
Air purifiers can also remove smoke particles and bacteria from the air. Some air purifiers use filters to clean the air. In contrast, others use ionizers to charge the contaminants, attracting them to a collector plate.
Air purifiers come in many types, from portable units to whole-house systems.
Pros of Air Purifier
- Remove harmful airborne contaminants, improving indoor air quality.
- Help reduce or eliminate allergies and asthma symptoms.
- Can help to reduce household dust levels.
- Help to reduce or eliminate tobacco smoke and other offensive odours from indoor spaces.
- Improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by helping to keep the air cleaner and clearer.
- Help to control indoor humidity levels and reduce the risk of mould and mildew growth in the home.
- Help to improve indoor air quality in homes with pets or other animals.
Cons of Air Purifier
- Some air purifiers may be ineffective at removing certain types of contaminants from the air.
- Air purifiers require regular maintenance and replacement of filters, which can be costly over time.
What are the uses of filter-based air purifiers?
Airborne particles are removed from the air with filter-based air purifiers. They work by drawing air through a filter, which traps the particles. The filtered air is then blown back into the room.
In addition to cleaning out airborne particles like dust and pollen, filter-based air purifiers can also remove pet dander. They can also help to reduce odours and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, a filter-based air purifier can help to improve your symptoms. It can also create a healthier environment for anyone sensitive to pollutants in their home.
Also Read: Diffuser vs Humidifier: Which is Better for Your Health?
What are air conditioners?
In the summer, when the temperature outside rises, we all look for ways to stay cool. Some people use air conditioners, while others prefer air purifiers. So which is better?
An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies your home by drawing out warm air and replacing it with cooler air. Air conditioners come in various sizes and types, from window units to central split systems. While they are effective at cooling, they can also be expensive to operate and pollute the air inside your home with mould and dust.
Pros of air conditioner
- Can cool a room quickly and efficiently.
- Help to improve air quality by circulating and filtering the air.
- Help to reduce humidity levels in a room.
- Can be used with other heating and cooling systems to create a comfortable indoor environment.
- Relatively low maintenance and easy to operate.
- Suitable for cooling large spaces and can be used in multiple rooms or an entire home.
Cons of air conditioner
- can be expensive to purchase and install.
- can be noisy when operating.
- can consume a lot of electricity, increasing energy bills.
- require regular maintenance and servicing to keep them running correctly.
Also Read: What is a Stabilizer Free operation in AC and Refrigerators?
Can we use an air purifier with an air conditioner?
Yes, you can use an air purifier in conjunction with an air conditioner. An air purifier works by trapping contaminants such as dust and pollen from entering your home’s ventilation system to improve the quality of your indoor air. An air conditioner helps cool the air in a room or house, while an air purifier helps clean and filter out pollutants.
Air purifiers and AC systems ensure that your living environment is free of bacteria and viruses that can cause allergies or asthma complications. Using both systems together can experience more efficient cooling and better protection against allergens.
Combining these two devices also allows for more significant cost savings as they reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality.
Differences Between Air Purifier vs Air Conditioner:
| Feature | Air Purifier | Air Conditioner |
| Function | Cleans air | Cools air |
| Method of cleaning | Filtering | Filtering |
| Suitable for large rooms | Yes | Yes |
| Effect on temperature | None | Decreases |
| Maintenance | Easy | Moderate |
| Energy efficiency | Low to high | Low to high |
| Price | Low to high | High |
| Size and installation | Compact to large | Large |
| Versatility (e.g., can also heat the air) | No | Yes |
FAQs: Air Purifier vs Air Conditioner
Can I use an air purifier without an air conditioner
You can, but it may be less effective. An air purifier filters out particulates, while an air conditioner also cools and humidifies the air.
Do air purifiers cool the air?
No, air purifiers do not cool the air. They work by filtering out particles in the air, improving air quality and making breathing easier.
Do air conditioners purify the air?
To a small extent, air conditioners do clean the air. However, their primary purpose is to cool it.
When an air conditioner cools the air, it removes some of the pollen, dust, and other particles floating around in it. So, if you’re looking for an appliance that will help to purify your home’s air, an air conditioner is not your best option.
Does an air conditioner bring in air from the outside?
No, an air conditioner does not bring in air from the outside. It recirculates the air inside the room or building.
Conclusion: Air Purifier vs Air Conditioner
An air purifier or an air conditioner can improve the air quality in your home. However, they work differently. An air purifier filters out contaminants, while an air conditioner cools and dries the air. An air purifier may be your better option if you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. Otherwise, an air conditioner may be a better choice.