If you are setting up a new home office or moving into a new house, you may find yourself thinking through air purifier vs air conditioner comparison. The interesting thing is that both of them are made to improve air quality, but they work differently. Through this post, you’ll be able to determine what’s best for your current needs.
An air conditioner plays a vital role in regulating indoor temperature. It helps to cool the space by absorbing excess heat and releasing cool air.
While an air purifier helps to remove air particles such as allergens and air pollutants. These contaminants may pose a health risk to individuals in an indoor space.
In this post, we will cover all you need to know about how air conditioners and air purifiers work. We will also explain their differences and some of the best brands that are suitable for you.
How Air Purifiers Work
Air purifiers aim to remove airborne particles like dust, dirt, allergens, and pollutants. Some air purifiers help to freshen and sanitize stale air in indoor spaces. This is achieved by trapping airborne pathogens or using UV light to eliminate them.
Also, some air purifiers have activated charcoal to remove harmful gasses like VOCs and smoke.
There are many types of air purifiers, but the basic system setup is a fan and one or more filters. The fan works to pull in and circulate the air. While the filters extract, remove, or filter out the air. As air enters the purifier, it passes through the filter, and pollutants are removed. The clean air is then pumped out with the fan.
Air purifier filters are often made of filter paper, fiberglass, or mesh. These filters can trap coarse particles of 5 micrometers or less. Some air purifiers have high-efficiency filters to remove particles of much smaller sizes.
Most times, these filters need regular maintenance, and replacement to remain efficient. Some filters are reusable and washable, while others need to be replaced often. Among other things, it will help to reduce health risks like allergies, heart, and respiratory issues. Also, they improve sleep quality and overall life e
Air purifiers only work to remove air-borne substances. So, they cannot get rid of particles that settle on the surfaces like furniture, floor, or walls. Some air purifiers can release an excess amount of ozone gas. So, it is important to properly check the type and brand of air purifier you want to buy.
The type of air purifier you choose may depend on certain factors. These include the environment, airborne pollutants, budget, and type of indoor space.
How Air Conditioners Work
Air conditioners primarily work to maintain an optimum temperature within an indoor space. It is majorly used as a coolant for places with warm or hot temperatures. So, it can help to reduce heat waves, heat strokes, and high humidity.
Air conditioners also improve air quality. It provides a comfortable space to work, exercise, and sleep. It also reduces the risk of dehydration by excessive sweating or urination.
You may have a central air conditioner installed in your home or office building. It is part of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This type of air conditioner has a central condensing unit outside the building. It is connected to all the indoor spaces in the building and supplies cool air through air vents in the walls and ceilings.
Related: Rechargeable Air Conditioner vs Inverter Air Conditioner
Other types of air conditioners are the window and portable air conditioner. Window air conditioner units also have condensers outside the building. It is most efficient when installed in an unobstructed slide-to-open window. While portable windows can easily be carried from one room to the other.
Generally, air conditioners consist of three components: compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The evaporator is located indoors, while the compressor and condenser are situated outdoors.
- Evaporator – absorbs the heat indoors and transfers it to the compressor through a refrigerant (cooling agent).
The refrigerant is converted from liquid to gas after absorbing the heat. It then moves to the compressor through metal coils.
- Compressor – the compressor squeezes the gas refrigerant through a small space, decreasing its volume as a result. This increases its temperature and pressure.
- Condenser – the superheated gas refrigerant moves to the condenser which is outdoors. It transfers heat to the air outside and its temperature drops in the process. The cooled refrigerant then transforms into liquid and flows back indoors to the evaporator.
So, air conditioners basically cool indoor spaces by removing the heat. This then lowers the ambient temperature.
The Difference Between Air Purifier vs Air Conditioner
Air purifiers and air conditioners have similar components like filters, vents, and fans. But they differ in terms of function and purpose.
Air purifiers aim to only filter out unwanted particles from indoor air. They don’t affect temperature or humidity.
While air conditioners mainly cool down indoor air and maintain the desired temperature. Some air conditioners have filters that can filter out dust particles from the air. But this is not as effective as an actual air purifier.
Air purifiers tend to improve air quality better than air conditioners since they purify the air. While air conditioners provide a more relaxing indoor environment than air purifiers.
When To Buy Air Purifier for Home Office
Buying an air purifier is important to clean the air of your home office and boost your productivity. It can also reduce the risk of getting airborne infections due to airborne infectious agents.
Many factors can influence the quality of air in your workplace. If your home office is located in an area that has high air pollution, you may need to get an air purifier as soon as you can. Also, if you have any health issues you may need a high-quality air purifier.
When To Buy Portable Air Conditioner for Home Office
A relaxing environment can improve your focus and productivity in your office. A portable air conditioner can help to reduce humidity and heat. This keeps your environment comfortable.
Climate and weather conditions are major factors to consider when buying an air conditioner. Most people buy air conditioners in summer, but you can buy an air conditioner anytime you need one. If you live in the tropics or subtropics, you may need an air conditioner to reduce the heat from the hot weather.
Related: Benefits of Using Rechargeable Air Conditioner
Top Air Purifier Brands in The Market
- GermGuardian
- Blueiar
- LEVOIT
- Honeywell
- Medify Air
- Homedics
- Coway
- Winix
- NUWAVE
- Purivortex
Best Air Conditioner Brands in The Market
- Whynter
- Midea
- Honeywell
- Frigidaire
- Pro Breeze
- Evapolar
Related: What Type of Air Purifier Is Best For Home Use?
Final Thoughts
Air purifiers aim to clean your air by removing unwanted particles. While air conditioners mainly aim to cool your indoor temperature. Both appliances are important to improve air quality, and health and provide a relaxing environment.
Depending on your budget and needs, you can decide to buy both or one of each. If your home office is in a hot area, you may need to invest in an air conditioner. But if your office is located in an area prone to air pollution, you may need to get an air purifier.
