How Much Does a Whole House Air Filtration System Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $422 - $4,942
The average whole house air filtration system costs $2,587, but it can range between $422 and $4,942, depending on the system size, filtration type, and the installation requirements.
The average whole house air filtration system cost is $2,587, though most homeowners spend between $422 and $4,942. Whole house air filtration systems are available in several types that vary by filtration method. Designed to reduce the presence of airborne contaminants, such as pollen, dust, and allergens, they work to improve and maintain indoor air quality throughout the home. Here are the major price factors surrounding the installation of a whole-house air filtration system in your home.
- Average
- $2,587
- Low end
- $59
- high end
- $12,000
Whole House Air Filtration System Cost Factors
The primary cost factor of whole-house air purification is the type of system, which varies based on its ability to remove contaminants from the air or its filtration level. Filter types range from simple to complex with price ranges that are just as diverse.
For homes with ducted HVAC systems, home air quality professionals can install the filter system directly into the ductwork. Alternatively, portable air filtration systems are available with similar filtering capabilities for homes without ductwork or simply as an option.
Filter Type
| Filter Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Portable | $500–$1,800 |
| Flat | $50–$170 |
| Pleated / Extended | $400–$700 |
| HEPA | $2,000–$4,000 |
| UV Light | $800–$3,000 |
| Hybrid | $900–$3,500 |
| Polarized Media / Electronic / Magnetic | $600–$2,000 |
Multiple air filter types and systems are available that vary in their ability to remove contaminants from the air and in their price points.
Portable air filters are usable in single rooms or in smaller homes and apartments. They can feature nearly any type of filtering system.
Flat filters are the most basic filter type. They typically remove dust, lint, and pollen from the air and are the least expensive.
Pleated or extended whole-house air filters operate similarly to flat filters. However, they incorporate far more surface area than flat filters and are generally capable of higher filtering levels.
HEPA filters improve air quality by removing very fine particles. They are available but uncommon in whole-house filtration systems because of their cost and the general need to modify existing ductwork systems for proper operation.
UV light filters are excellent for removing bacteria and viruses from indoor air. However, they're inefficient at dust and particle removal.
Hybrid filtering systems combine UV light filtering for pathogens with another system type designed to capture dust and particles for more complete filtering capability.
Magnetic or electronic filtering uses electrical current to charge or polarize filtering media which attracts small dust and other particles.
Home Size
While there is a direct correlation between a home's size and the cost of filtering the air within it, determining hard estimating numbers is challenging due to the large number of variables. For example, the home's overall size isn’t relevant if your air filter is designed for use in a single room or area. On the other hand, filtering all of the air in a ducted system throughout a large home will generally cost more than a similar system designed for a smaller house.
If you're installing a whole-home air filtration system, expect to pay nearer the top end of the average if your home exceeds three or four bedrooms in size.
Preparation
There are several tasks that require attention prior to installing a whole-house air filter system in a home. A professional inspection is generally needed before system installation and will cost between $100 and $500 if it's not included in the project estimate.
An inspection will reveal any necessary adjustments or repairs that the ductwork and HVAC system need to allow the new filter system to operate effectively. While DIY duct leakage testing is possible, your installer will likely require a professional inspection, which the company can typically supply.
The most common condition that an inspection may reveal is that a thorough duct cleaning is necessary to achieve the best results. The task will add a cost of between $270 and $500 on average to the project price. Expect to pay an average of between $130 and $2,000 additional in HVAC repair costs if the inspection determines that repairs are necessary before installation.
HVAC Specifics
The type of HVAC system in your home can have a profound effect on the cost of whole-home air filtration. For homes with ducted HVAC, such as a central forced-air system, installing the system may be as simple as integrating the filter into the existing ductwork. For homes without existing ductwork, the only options are using portable units or adding one of several types of ductwork to install a whole-house system.
Installing ductwork can increase the project cost dramatically. However, in some cases, installing flexible ductwork in a home is easier, less costly, and less intrusive. Costs to install ductwork can vary widely, ranging from $1 to $13 per linear foot.
Labor
The labor cost for installing a whole-house air filtration system is generally included in the job estimate. However, it can be helpful to know that you'll be paying between $40 and $100 per hour for the technician's time.
Overall labor charges will vary by the time the entire job requires. Labor prices can also fluctuate by location, determined by the going rates in your area. If additional preparation work is necessary to operate your new filtration system, such as installing a nearby electrical outlet, expect the cost of hiring an electrician to hover between $50 and $200 per hour.
Brand
The brand of air filtration system that your home air contractor recommends can affect the cost of the system. However, the price is generally independent of labor and other costs.
| Brand | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| AprilAire® | $600–$1,000 |
| Carrier® | $1,000–$1,100 |
| Trane® | $800–$900 |
| Lennox® | $600–$1,100 |
Permit
Depending on the system you're installing and the municipal requirements in your location, your installer may need to obtain a building permit for the work. Permits for HVAC work cost between $150 and $500 and are often part of the overall job cost in the estimate.
Post-Installation Finishing
If your HVAC system must undergo repair work that involves opening up walls or making routing changes, your home may need some finishing work after whole-house air filtration installation to get it back to livable. The average cost of drywall repair and finishing ranges from $300 to $920.
Whole House Air Filtration System Ongoing Costs
Installing a whole-house air filtration system can greatly improve indoor air quality. However, some ongoing expenses are necessary to maintain the benefits.
Maintenance
Your HVAC system generally needs regular inspections and tune-ups to continue to operate effectively and efficiently. This need becomes more important with the installation of whole-home air filtering. Expect the annual cost of HVAC maintenance to range from $175 to $350 annually.
Filter Changes
One of the steps to help stop condensation on air vents is to keep a clean HVAC filter. However, filter changes become even more crucial when it’s part of a whole-house air filtration system. Monthly, quarterly, or annual filter change costs will reflect the material price for the filters based on what your system requires and installation labor if necessary.
Electricity
If your new whole-house air filter system requires electricity to operate, expect your utility bill to increase as a result of the addition. Most whole-house and portable air filters will be relatively energy-efficient to keep the added costs to a minimum.
DIY Whole House Air Filtration System Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a portable home air filtration unit is straightforward as a DIY project. However, professional installation and project management are generally necessary when installing a whole-house system. Hire a nearby home air quality testing company to determine the best solution and begin the installation process.
Cost of Common Whole House Air Filtration System Add-Ons
Adding a whole-home air filtering system is an excellent opportunity to check off more items on your HVAC to-do list. While you have your HVAC technician's attention, consider adding one or more of the following projects for convenience or perhaps to save some cash by bundling services.
HVAC replacement cost: $5,000–$12,000
AC replacement cost: $3,890–$7,950
Furnace replacement cost: $2,830–$6,850
HVAC zoning installation cost: $1,500–$8,500
Thermostat replacement cost: $115–$260
How to Save Money When Installing a Whole House Air Filtration System
While installing your own whole-house air filtration system isn't an excellent DIY project, you can save money after the pros put one in by sticking to a maintenance plan to keep the system running smoothly for as long as possible. Maintain your new system following these steps.
Hire a professional to inspect and service your HVAC and filter system annually.
Regularly change your system's filters or follow the appropriate filter-cleaning steps.
As always, keep air ducts and intakes free from debris to allow maximum airflow.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
For families or individuals who experience regular or intermittent allergic reactions to airborne particles, a whole-house air filtration system can offer much relief. Regardless of the type of home air filter you install, you'll likely experience some benefits in the form of cleaner indoor air. If you're uncertain, consider a portable filter system to start.
A portable air filter system can generally last between five and ten years, provided it undergoes regular maintenance and cleaning. In some cases, the unit could last much longer. Whole-house air filtration systems that integrate with the home's ductwork can last for the lifetime of the existing HVAC system with proper maintenance.