Air Cleaner or Air Filter?

When trying to improve the indoor air quality in your home, you may consider installing an air cleaner or air purifier. These devices filter unwanted contaminants out of your home’s air—allowing you to breathe easier and healthier air. But, how do you know what the difference is between air cleaners and air purifier and which you should install in your home?

A common question we hear from our customers is, “Are air cleaners and air purifiers the same thing?” The answer is simple—no. Below, we’ve outline the core differences between air cleaners and air purifiers and how each system improves your home’s performance.

What Are Air Cleaners?
Air cleaners filter out dirty, mold, and other microscopic pollutants from the air. Air cleaners serve the same purpose as an air purifier—to remove impurities from the air—but do so in a different manner.

How Do Air Cleaners Work?
Air cleaners let air pass through a built-in filter to remove particles and are built directly into your HVAC system. They are installed between the air return duct and the furnace or air conditioner so that all air flowing in your home’s ductwork is cleaned. Air cleaners also help prolong the life of your heating and cooling systems and prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from building up inside the units.

What Do Air Cleaners Filter?
Air cleaners filter out a variety of air pollutants, including:

  • Pet dander
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Dust
  • Soil
  • Ash
  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Fungus

And much, much more

How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Similar to an air cleaner, air purifiers remove contaminants from the air. However, instead of using a built-in screen or filter, air purifiers zap impurities using UV (ultraviolet) germicidal lamps. This creates cleaner, healthier air for you and your family to breathe and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Not to mention, air purifiers operate silently so as not to bother you and your family with extra noise.

What Do Air Purifiers Filter?
Air purifiers work to filter out the same pollutants as air cleaners, including:

  • Pet dander
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Dust
  • Soil
  • Ash
  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Fungus

And much, much more

Should I Buy an Air Purifier or an Air Cleaner?
If you can’t decide between installing an air purifier or an air cleaner, contact your local HVAC contractor to recommend a system that is the best fit for your home.

Benefits of Installing Air Cleaners or Air Purifiers
Both air cleaners and air purifiers promote a healthy living environment and can both alleviate the symptoms of:

  • Allergies
  • Eczema
  • Asthma
  • Dry throat
  • Itchy skin
  • Both systems also reduce the likelihood of catching many common illnesses in your home, such as a cold or the flu.

If you are in Hendersonville, Nashville or the surrounding communities, please call the heating experts at Kimbro Air or request service online. If you are not sure if you are covered by us, visit our service area page or call our office to find out what we can do for you.


Kimbro Air proudly provides HVAC service to Hendersonville, Nashville, Bellevue, Bordeaux, Brentwood, Franklin, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Hermitage, Madison, Mt. Juliet, White House and the surrounding communities. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 615-527-8576, or request service online today.

You May Also Like

Commercial HVAC System Upgrade in Nashville, TN
March 21, 2024

5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC System in Nashville, TN

If your Nashville, TN, commercial HVAC system is nearing the end of its lifespan and costing you more in repairs, it might… Continue Reading 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC System in Nashville, TN

Read More…

IAQ Solutions in Gallatin, TN
February 7, 2024

Do You Need IAQ Solutions in Gallatin, TN?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the most important aspects of home comfort in Gallatin, TN. While improving IAQ can always… Continue Reading Do You Need IAQ Solutions in Gallatin, TN?

Read More…

Frozen Heat Pump in Hendersonville, TN
January 2, 2024

3 Causes of a Frozen Heat Pump in Hendersonville, TN

The winter chill in Hendersonville, TN presents enough problems on its own without freezing your heat pump. But if your system does… Continue Reading 3 Causes of a Frozen Heat Pump in Hendersonville, TN

Read More…

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close