The Difference Between A Portable & Whole Home Air Filtration System

image of homeowner deciding which one depicting portable air filters vs whole home air filtration systems

When most people think of air pollution, they tend to picture thick smog and black smoke. However, such clear indicators are not the only signs of poor air quality. In fact, pollution isn’t always obvious. For example, most indoor air pollutants are small and imperceptible. They are present all around us. With this, it’s important that homeowners don’t forget about maintaining the indoor air quality of their homes. It’s important to have a viable solution to this problem, such as a portable air filter or a whole home air filtration system. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dive in to learn more about portable vs whole home air filtration.

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The Difference Between a Portable & Whole Home Air Filtration System

Dealing with a pandemic for the past few years opened our eyes to the importance of clean air. We are more aware of the invisible dangers. It’s better late than never. You can install an air filter in your own home to prevent future problems. We discuss two of the most popular product types, how they work, the benefits of clean air, and key insights from all this information.

The Benefits of Clean Air In Your Home

Below, we discuss some of the advantages of healthy and clean air in your home.

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1. Lower Risk of Disease

Pathogens can get into our bodies through the air we breathe. These viruses and bacteria are extremely dangerous. Avoid them at all costs. Advanced air filters can prevent microscopic particles from circulating in your home. You won’t have to worry about the vulnerable individuals in your family, including the children, the elderly, and the infirm. Keep everyone safe while shielding your savings from costly hospital bills.

2. Keep Allergies at Bay

woman sneezing due to poor indoor air quality

Airborne particles may trigger allergies in people with heightened sensitivities. Pollen, dust mites, dander, and mold spores are some of the common allergens. They can get inside by latching onto clothes and shoes. They can enter through gaps and cracks. Allergic reactions include a runny nose, lethargy, watery eyes, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Get an air filter to start feeling better and getting more work done.

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3. Reduce Surface Dust

We don’t inhale all the dust floating around the home. Some of these particles eventually land on surfaces like tables, countertops, sofas, desks, hard floors, and carpets. They are unsightly and unwelcome. We end up having to clean frequently because of the dust build-up. If they get disturbed, then they may swirl back in the air and cause irritations. Filtration systems can purify the air so that less dust circulates indoors. Surface build-up won’t be as bad as before, so you don’t have to be constantly cleaning the interiors.

4. Eliminate Foul Odors

woman plugging nose due to smelly odors at home

No one wants to live in a house that smells bad. After all, you can’t turn off your nose. You need to breathe oxygen to function. If you are constantly dealing with foul odors, then address the sources head-on. Use non-toxic cleaning solutions to wipe the dirty areas and eliminate the bacteria. You can also rely on air filtration systems to catch the offending particles in the air and leave your home smelling fresh.

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What Are Portable Air Filtration Systems?

A portable air filter is a  small and light machine that you can move from room to room. If you want something that can follow you around, then this is a good solution. Just remember that it has a limited filtration capacity, so set your expectations accordingly. It will only be effective up to a certain number of square feet. The best ones have quality HEPA filters that can catch at least 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. It’s an impressive feat since human hair is 50 microns in diameter, so you can imagine how efficient these systems are.

What Are Whole-Home Air Filtration Systems?

image of a homeowner breathing deeply due to healthy indoor air quality

Meanwhile, whole-home filters are designed to cover the entire home as the name implies. It is much bigger than portable systems, so they are fixed in their position. There is a central unit combing through the air from the return ducts. It usually works in tandem with the existing HVAC system, trapping the pollutants that pass through the regular filters. Whole-home filters have up to 10 times the surface of regular HVAC filters for better protection. Aside from the physical barrier, you can also install ultraviolet light that can kill pathogens on contact. This is a far better solution to the portable air filter as it is more effective at trapping pollutants.

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How Do Whole House Air Purifiers Work?

You can choose from three different designs. Some have filter-based units that are placed at air intake points. Others are installed along the duct paths, before the air handler, or after it in a central HVAC system. Lastly, you can find standalone systems that can function on their own. These are usually found in attics with intake and exhaust paths installed around the home. The complexity of these systems cannot be denied. You will need professional installation to ensure high efficiency and performance.

 

Cons Of Portable Room Purifiers

  • Limited Coverage: Think carefully about your purchase plans. Portable purifiers may be cheaper, but they are also much less capable than whole-house systems. If you want to protect the entire family, then the latter is the more sensible choice.
  • Multiple Units Needed: While it is possible to cover the home with multiple portable units, the cost of purchase will quickly add up with this strategy. The total is likely to match or even exceed the cost of a whole home filter, so you won’t be saving much money.
  • Potential Ozone Emissions: Portable room purifiers may produce gases that harm the ozone layer. It depends on the unit’s method of filtration. Be sure to check so that you don’t become an unknowing contributor to an environmental problem.
  • No Odor Absorption: Whole home filters can absorb odor-causing particles within the ducts, so the foul smells never reach you. You will lose this ability with portable units. The bad smell will reach your room before the small filter gets a chance to reduce the irritant.
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Conclusion

The importance of clean air cannot be denied. It affects our health and well-being. If you want to protect your family from disease and allergies, then acquire a dependable filtration system. Whole home air filters are more effective than portable units, but be sure to hire professional installers for optimum performance.

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McAllister Energy

McAllister Energy offers high-quality HVAC services in Camden County, New Jersey. We hire only the best professionally certified technicians who conduct superior heating and cooling services. Some of our HVAC services include indoor air quality solutions,  HVAC maintenance, heating and cooling installations, repairs, ductless systems, energy audits, and much more. All our techs provide accurate HVAC services on time, every time.

Our company guarantees affordable heating and cooling service rates. Our maintenance services can increase your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We can also provide you with a highly energy-efficient HVAC replacement system that fits your budget. Your satisfaction is important to us, so all our work comes with a guarantee. Book a service appointment with McAllister Energy today. We provide free, in-home estimates.

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