The difference between Air Cleaner, Air Filter and Air Purifier

To avoid respiratory allergies, asthma, etc., caused by poor air quality, many families prefer air purifiers to ensure high quality air. However, before you open your wallet, you need to arm yourself with knowledge so you spend your money wisely.

One part of the problem you should know is what to buy - air cleaner, air filter, or air purifier?

Essentially, there isn’t much difference, except that air cleaners and air purifiers can contain one or more air filters (more on that later), but an air filter can also be used on its own.

What will really help you is about the types that can be used by themselves or in combination with each other.

Air Purifier Filters

Air filter is a mesh of some sort that can be used to screen out particles. The simplest 1” filters for your furnace prevent hair and larger dust particles from getting into your furnace and reducing its efficiency. There’s nothing wrong with these if you don’t suffer from any allergic symptoms.

HEPA Air Filters

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and is a specific filter standard that should trap 99.97% of particles 0.03 microns or larger. This type of filter is much finer, and will trap smaller particles like pollen spores and some bacteria, but will not trap gasses.

Activated Carbon Air Filters

Most filters will trap solid particles of a certain size, but what if the problem is a gas? For that you need an adsorption (not absorption) product that causes the gas molecule to be trapped on the surface of a material like charcoal. The gas molecules are chemically and/or electrostatically drawn to the surface of the charcoal, where it becomes “stuck”.

Ultra Violet (UV) Sterilization

A UV sterilizer uses the same UVA and UVB rays emitted by our sun to kill microorganisms like molds, bacteria and even some viruses.

Ionic or Electrostatic

These technologies use a charge to cause airborne particles to be drawn to metal plates. The advantage of these is that they can allow better overall airflow. These are best combined with a regular air filter to ensure everything gets trapped - many units use both these technologies.

Ozone Generation

Ozone is made of three oxygen molecules bonded together, and it’s a powerful deodorizer. Unfortunately it’s also a toxic gas in large doses. We don’t recommend you buy ozone generators for your home.

The above is just a part of the technologies available, but it is a good overview of the ones you’re likely to run into the most.

Which Air Cleaner, Air Filter or Air Purifier suits me better?

The answer will depend on the problem you’re facing, as not all products work on all issues. Here, we can give you some advice

Problem 1: Pollen allergies or hay fever. Get a HEPA filter.

Problem 2: Dust allergies. A HEPA filter is best.

Problem 3: Tobacco smoke or VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Activated carbon filter.

Problem 4: Constant colds and sore. A HEPA filter (or better) should help you find relief. You should also ensure your home has a humidifier to combat dry winter air.

Problem 5: Mould in your home. You should get a UV sterilizer inside your ductwork and you may need a dehumidifier as well.

Problem 6: Dust mite allergy. The HEPA filter will help with airborne dust mite feces (yuck!)  If you have allergies, try a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

No matter if you’re going to choose air cleaner, air filter or air purifier, inevitably, only good air filters have a good air purification effect. As a professional China air filter manufacturer, we provide the best filter products and services to our customers all over the world. If you need any filter products, please contact us.