Should You Get Indoor Air Quality Testing Before Buying an Air Purifier?

Ionic air purifiers, HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters are just a few of the methods you can use to purify your home’s air. Many homeowners make the mistake of getting an air purifier before they actually test their air and find out the type they need. Before you invest in a whole-home system, it pays to schedule an indoor air quality (IAQ) test first.

Why Indoor Air Quality Testing Comes Before an Air Purifier Installation

In Sacramento, air pollution can come from vehicles, agriculture, wildfires, and wood burning. Where you live, your current system, and the type of pollutant can greatly impact the air purifier system you need.

Why Symptoms Alone Do Not Tell You the Full Story

Excess dust, pollen, wildfire smoke, and other airborne contaminants can harm your family’s health. Even if you experience respiratory symptoms, they won’t tell you what the cause is.

What Testing Can Reveal That Filters and Purifiers Cannot

Air purifiers only clean the air. They can’t tell you what is actually in it. An IAQ test reveals the levels of many different compounds.

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide 
• Smoke
• Dust
• Mold
• Harmful chemicals

How Testing Helps You Avoid Buying the Wrong System

Once you know what type of contaminant is in your air, you can determine the right system. For example, check out some of the most common IAQ systems and what they work best for.

• Mechanical Filters: Mechanical filters, like HEPA filters, are incredibly effective for dust, pollen, and mold spores. They can filter smaller contaminants as well, including bacteria and viruses.
• Activated Carbon Filters: This type of filter is especially good at removing gases, VOCs, and chemicals from the air.
• Ionizers: These are good at binding to dust, smoke, and pollen. However, it’s important to note that they can produce ozone, which can cause respiratory issues.
• UV Air Purifiers: These purifiers work best for bacteria and viruses.

What Indoor Air Quality Testing Looks For

When we test a home’s air quality, we’re looking for a few main types of contaminants.

Airborne Particles Such as Dust, Pollen, and Dander

Dust, pollen, and pet dander can negatively impact your allergies. In Sacramento, the worst pollen levels tend to occur between March and May or June.

Humidity Imbalances and Moisture-Related Risks

If your home’s relative humidity (RH) gets above 60%, the chances of mold growth increase significantly. In general, you want your RH to be around 30% to 60%.

VOCs and Household Chemical Pollutants

Building materials, furniture, paint, and other household items can release harmful chemicals into the air. This is especially common with new houses and recent renovations, which is why we test for it.

Ventilation Issues and Airflow Problems

When your home has stale air, pollutants can quickly build up. This is one of the reasons why indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Possible Mold-Related Concerns

Mold is harmful to your respiratory health, so our team will test your home for mold before you select an air purification system.

Signs You Should Schedule Indoor Air Quality Testing

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to get your IAQ tested.

• Allergy and asthma symptoms when you’re at home
• Persistent odors that don’t go away
• Visible dust that keeps returning
• Stale air
• Recent remodeling or new furnishings, which can release chemicals and VOCs
• Mold odors
• Pet-related air quality issues
• Wildfire smoke 

Can an HVAC Air Purifier Solve Every Indoor Air Problem?

While heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) purifiers can be extremely good at cleaning, even the best purifiers won’t solve every indoor air problem.

What HVAC Air Purifiers Do Well

HVAC filters are especially good at reducing pollen, dust, and pet dander. At high MERV ratings, they are also great for filtering viruses and bacteria.

What They Do Not Solve on Their Own

HVAC purifiers have many advantages, but they aren’t particularly effective with gases. They are also unable to replace stale air or affect your humidity levels. 

Why Do Some Homes Need Filtration, Humidity Control, and Ventilation Together?

Some local homes require a combined approach because they need to address multiple problems. While filtration helps with allergens and germs, humidity control is necessary to manage your home’s humidity. Ventilation systems are necessary if you want to release stale, polluted air and bring fresh air inside.

What Is the Best Air Purifier for an HVAC System?

If you’re looking for an air purifier, there are many options available for you to choose from.

Whole-House Air Purifier HVAC Options Explained

Whole-house air purifiers are incredibly effective because they are connected to your HVAC system. All of the air that goes into your ductwork and vents is treated first.

Media Filters vs. UV Systems vs. Electronic Air Cleaners

There are also purifiers designed for specific purposes.

• Media Filters: These are basically extra-thick filters that have a higher MERV rating, so they can remove more pollutants from the air.
• UV Systems: While these systems are incapable of filtering the air, they can get rid of bacteria and viruses by using UV light to neutralize microorganisms in the airflow.
• Electronic Air Cleaners: These units create an electric charge that traps dust and pollen particles. They are known for being significantly more effective than fiberglass filters.

How Home Size, Health Concerns, and HVAC Compatibility Affect the Choice

Your home size, health needs, and HVAC compatibility will determine the type of system you use. For example, many people use standalone units with ductless mini-splits. These factors will also determine the capacity you need, the filtration type, the filtration intensity level, and how the purifier is set up.

Whole-Home Air Purification vs. Portable Air Purifiers

On a basic level, homeowners will get to choose between whole-home and portable air purifiers.

Coverage and Convenience Differences

The biggest difference is in the coverage level and how they are set up. A whole-home purifier is connected to your HVAC system and cleans the air for your entire home. Portable purifiers only work for individual zones. 

Maintenance and Filter Replacement Considerations

A portable unit requires filter changes every few months, which can be tedious for homeowners. In comparison, whole-home air purifiers require professional maintenance. During your fall and spring tune-up appointments, our HVAC technicians will make sure your purifier is working properly.

Which Option Makes More Sense for Long-Term Results?

While portable units have a lower upfront cost, they are less effective than whole-home units. Over the long run, a whole-home air purifier is a better choice for your family’s health and long-term goals.

When Air Purifier Installation Makes Sense Right Away

Getting an air purifier installed right away makes sense in the following situations.

• Your family members experience severe allergy symptoms.
• There are heavy levels of dust in your home.
• Your home is frequently exposed to wildfire smoke. 
• A previous IAQ test indicated that there were filtration issues.
• You have a lot of pet dander in your home.

When Testing First Is the Smarter Investment

In the following instances, we generally recommend holding off on installing a new purifier and getting an IAQ test first.

• Mold, humidity, and ventilation problems are the major focus.
• Your family members are experiencing symptoms without a clear source.
• You are unable to decide which IAQ upgrade you need, and you want to test your air quality first.

How a Professional Recommends the Right Whole-Home Air Purification Solution

With a few simple steps, our team can recommend the best IAQ systems for your home.

Reviewing Test Results and HVAC System Design

First, we’ll test your home and analyze your results. We will also consider which systems will work with your existing HVAC design.

Matching Equipment to Your Specific Air Quality Issue

Our team will find the purifier that matches your main IAQ concerns. Then, we’ll determine the size and brand that matches your existing HVAC setup.

Avoiding One-Size-Fits-All Recommendations

Your home is unique. We will never recommend an air purifier until we’ve had a chance to test your home and review your existing equipment.

Indoor Air Quality Testing and Air Purifier Installation in Sacramento

IAQ tests and air purifiers are popular in Sacramento for a few major reasons.

Why Local Climate and Seasonal Conditions Matter

In our local area, we experience high levels of ozone, agricultural pollutants, and wildfire smoke. While smog is a major issue in spring and summer, inversions and wood burning are major IAQ concerns in the fall and winter. Meanwhile, humidity and mold are at their worst during Sacramento’s rainy season from November to February.

Common Indoor Air Quality Concerns in Sacramento-Area Homes

Sacramento homes often have to deal with a range of air quality problems.

• Wildfire smoke
• Pollen
• Dander
• Ozone particles
• Mold
• Humidity
• VOCs

How Fox Family Heating & Air Can Help You Choose the Right Next Step

At Fox Family Heating & Air, we have years of experience working with local homeowners. We understand Sacramento’s unique climate, so we know which air purifiers work best. Schedule your IAQ test by reaching out to our team today.

FAQs About Indoor Air Quality Testing and Air Purifiers

Is indoor air quality testing worth it?

It’s absolutely worth it. If you’ve been experiencing allergies or respiratory issues, IAQ testing can help you figure out the underlying cause and take the first step toward solving the problem. 

Do I need testing before installing a whole-house air purifier?

We always recommend testing your air quality before you install a whole-house purifier. Each type of purifier targets different problems, so you need to figure out which contaminants are involved.

What is the best whole-house air purifier for HVAC systems?

In most homes, a media filter or HEPA filtration system will be an extremely effective option. These systems can help you remove most contaminants from the air, so your family can breathe easily.

How long does air purifier installation take?

We can generally install your new air purifier in just two to four hours.