In this article, we’re going to explore the Air purifier vs. Air conditioner question.
The main difference between an air purifier and an air conditioner is that an air conditioner cools the air, while an air purifier cleans the air. In general, an air purifier can help to remove allergens, smoke, and other pollutants from the air, while an AC can only cool down a home.
Air Purifier vs. Air Conditioner Comparison Chart
| Device | Air Purifier | Air Conditioner |
| Use | Removes airborne pollutants such as allergens, mold spores, viruses, and bacteria | Cools air and controls humidity |
| Key Components | Fan Motor, Filters, Control Panel | Compressor, Refrigerant, Expansion valve, Condenser, Fan |
| Key Benefits | Improves air qualityRemoves allergens and pollutants Good for people with respiratory conditions | Makes the interior environment more comfortable controls humidity |
What Is An Air Purifier?
An air purifier is a device that cleans the air in a room. It removes pollutants and allergens from the air, making it safer to breathe. Air purifiers are especially beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
- 100% Ozone-Free
- Powerful Performance: With a CADR of 130 CFM
- Sleep Comfortably: With noise levels as low as 23 decibels
- Easy to Place
- Filter Replacements: Depending on usage, the filters should be replaced every 6–8 months.
Key Features Of An Air Purifier
Air purifiers come with a variety of features which include the following:
A Fan Motor
The fan motor is responsible for circulating the air in a room.
A Filter
The filter is what removes the pollutants and allergens from the air. There are several types of filters, including activated carbon filters, HEPA filters, and ozone generators.
An Electronic Control Panel
The electronic control panel allows you to customize your air purifier’s settings. This includes the speed of the fan, the time it runs, and the type of filter.
Allergen Removal
This is the main benefit of an air purifier. Some air purifiers can remove up to 99% of allergens from the air, making it a great option for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Mold And Odor Removal
Some air purifiers also have the ability to remove mold and odors from the air.
If you’re looking for more air purifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on air purifiers.
- The Top Air Purifiers For Rooms Without Windows
- The Best Selling Air Purifiers For Powdery Mildew
- The Best Selling Air Purifiers For A Home Gym
How Does An Air Purifier Work?
As mentioned above, an air purifier removes pollutants and allergens from the air. It does this by trapping them in the filter.
The fan draws in air, which passes through multiple stages of filtering.
The first stage is the pre-filter, which removes large particles from the air. The next stage is the activated carbon filter, which removes gases and odors.
The third stage is the HEPA filter, which removes 99% of allergens from the air.
The final stage is the ozone generator, which kills any remaining bacteria or viruses in the air.
Note, however, that the arrangement and number of filters change from brand to brand. For instance, some air purifiers come with UV-C light, which kills bacteria and viruses, while some don’t have this feature.
Who Should Use An Air Purifier?
An air purifier is a great option for anyone who wants to improve their indoor air quality.
This includes people who suffer from allergies or asthma, as well as those who live in a city with high pollution levels.
Air purifiers are also beneficial for pets and smokers.
Pets can bring allergens and pollutants into the home, and smoking can release harmful toxins into the air.
How To Use An Air Purifier
Using an air purifier is easy. Simply plug it into an outlet and turn it on. There are a variety of settings that you can customize, depending on your needs.
Often, the device comes with a user manual that explains the installation process and where to place the air purifier in the room.
See The Top Air Purifiers On Amazon
Benefits Of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers come with a raft of benefits which include the following:
They Improve Indoor Air Quality
They remove allergens and pollutants from the air, making it safer to breathe. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
They Reduce Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms can be reduced by up to 50% when an air purifier is used in the home. In fact, doctors recommend using quality air purifiers if you have asthma or other respiratory problems.
They Reduce Pet Allergies
Pets are a common source of allergens, and they can often be found in the home. Air purifiers can help to reduce the number of allergens in the air, which reduces allergy symptoms.
They Remove Smoke Particles
Smoke particles can linger in the air long after a cigarette has been smoked.
Air purifiers can remove these particles, which reduces the risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
They Reduce Mold Spores
Mold spores are tiny and often invisible to the naked eye. They can cause respiratory problems and skin allergies. Air purifiers can help to reduce the number of mold spores in the air.
They Reduce Bacteria And Viruses
Bacteria and viruses can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and vomiting. Air purifiers can help to kill these germs and improve your overall health.
They Help With Odor Removal
An air purifier can remove unwanted odors from the air, making your home smell fresher. Often, this is a result of the activated carbon filter which removes gases and vapors.
The Downsides Of Air Purifiers
- Some air purifiers produce ozone
- They are not entirely quiet
- Require regular maintenance
What Is An Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner is a device that is used to cool and dehumidify the air. It does this by removing heat from the air and transferring it to another area.
An air conditioner works by passing the air over a set of coils.
These coils are filled with refrigerant, which changes state as it passes through the coils. This change of state absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down.
The cooled air is then blown into the room by a fan, while the warm air is expelled through an exhaust pipe.
Air conditioners also remove moisture from the air, which can help to reduce the risk of mold growth.
- Cools Up to 150 Square Feet
- Quiet & Powerful
- Easy To Use & Clean
- Cools The Air To 65°F At The Coolest Setting
The Features Of An Air Conditioner
The key features of air conditioners include the following among others:
Compressor
The compressor is the part of the air conditioner that changes the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas. This allows it to absorb heat from the air.
Condenser coil
The condenser is the part of the air conditioner that releases the heat that has been absorbed by the refrigerant. It does this by passing the refrigerant over coils which are filled with water.
Evaporator coil
The evaporator is the part of the air conditioner that cools and dehumidifies the air. It does this by passing the air over a set of coils that are cooled by the refrigerant.
Fan
The fan is what blows the cooled and dehumidified air into the room.
Refrigerant
This is the liquid that is used to absorb heat from the air and cool it down. It changes state as it passes through the coils, which allows it to absorb a lot of heat.
Expansion valve
This is a valve that regulates the flow of refrigerant. It ensures that the refrigerant is sent to the condenser and evaporator coils at the correct pressure.
How Does The Air Conditioner Work?
As I explained above, the air conditioner works by removing heat from the air and transferring it to another area. It does this by passing the air over a set of coils.
The coils contain the refrigerant, which changes state as it passes through the coils.
This change of state absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down. The cooled air is then blown into the room by a fan, while the warm air is expelled through an exhaust pipe.
Who Should Use An Air Conditioner?
An AC should be used in a room where the temperature is too high or uncomfortable. It can also help to reduce moisture levels, which can prevent the growth of mold.
So if you want the interior environment of your house to be more comfortable and keep the moisture level in check, using an AC would be a good idea.
How To Use An Air Conditioner
Using an AC is easy. You just need to follow these simple steps:
Select the right room: The AC should only be used in rooms where the temperature is too high or uncomfortable. It is not meant for use in all rooms of your house.
Plug it in and turn it on: Once you have selected the right room, plug the AC into an outlet and turn it on.
Set the desired temperature: Use the thermostat to set the desired temperature. You can choose between cool, fan, or dehumidify mode.
Enjoy your comfortable environment: Once the AC is turned on and the desired temperature has been reached, enjoy your more comfortable environment.
See The Top Portable AC Units On Amazon
Benefits Of An Air Conditioner
Here are some of the benefits of using an AC:
- It can help to cool down a room that is too hot or uncomfortable.
- It can also help to reduce moisture levels, which can prevent the growth of mold.
- An AC can improve the interior environment of your home by making it more comfortable and keeping the humidity level in check.
- It is easy to use and comes with a variety of settings that you can customize to your needs.
The Downsides Of Air Conditioners
- They can be expensive to operate.
- Some units can be noisy
What’s The Difference Between Ac And Air Purifiers?
The major difference between an AC and an air purifier is that an AC cools the air, while an air purifier cleans the air.
An air purifier can help to remove allergens, smoke, and other pollutants from the air. This can be helpful for people who have allergies or asthma. An AC, on the other hand, makes the interior environment of your home more comfortable by cooling it down.
FAQ
Can I Use An Air Purifier With An Air Conditioner?
Do I Need An Air Purifier If I Have an Air Conditioner?
Are There Air Conditioners With Air Purifiers?
Final Thoughts
Air conditioners and air purifiers vary in many ways. They are both important devices to have in your home, and each one has its own unique benefits.
If you are trying to decide which one is right for you, it is important to consider your needs and what you hope to get out of them.
(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.
