How Much Does a Whole-House Air Purifier Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $419 - $4,974
Whole-house air purifier costs range from $419 to $4,974, with an average of $2,609 depending on house size and filter type.
Installing a whole-house air purifier costs $419 to $12,000, though most homeowners spend an average of $2,609. The price depends on several factors, though the type of filter you choose is significant. Portable air purifiers can cost as little as $59, while a state-of-the-art purifier with HEPA filtration can cost as much as $12,000.
- Average
- $2,609
- Low end
- $59
- high end
- $12,000
Size of the Home
While the size of your home plays a role in the cost of a whole-house air purifier, your home's floor plan has the greatest impact. Purifying the indoor air of a large home will require a more extensive system than a home under 2,000 square feet. Larger homes may require additional equipment to ensure proper air circulation, such as adding in-duct air purifiers, which can increase the price by a larger margin.
Type of Whole-House Air Purifier
The type of filtering system you choose will significantly impact the price. While each type can help improve indoor air quality, with many able to reduce allergen exposure in the home, various filter types have different capabilities. Some, like electronic and UV light filters, use methods other than mechanical filtering to remove airborne contaminants.
| Filter Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Portable filter | $100–$1,000 |
| Flat filter | $100–$250 |
| Extended media filter | $500–$1,000 |
| Electronic filter | $600–$2,400 |
| UV light filter | $750–$3,500 |
| HEPA filter | $2,000–$5,000+ |
Whole-House Air Purifier Performance
Specific purifiers vary by efficiency and performance, further impacting how much the system will cost.
Portable Filter
Portable air purifiers, which can be used without tapping into the home's HVAC system, are available in a wide range of types, styles, sizes, and prices. You can use one in a single room or move it around the home as needed. Additionally, many purchase portable systems for each room where air treatment is necessary. Prices range from around $100 to $1,000. Portable filters vary widely in their ability to capture various contaminant sizes.
Flat Filter
Flat filter air purifiers replace your HVAC system's air filters with one that's more robust and can capture finer particles. These filters cost between $100 and $250 and are best for reducing the number of larger particles in the air, like dust and lint. However, some can capture particles down to the size of pollen.
Extended Media Filter
Extended media filters cost more than typical flat filters, between $500 and $1,000, including installation. Installing an extended media air filter requires making space for it to live within your home's HVAC system. Replacement filters cost under $100. Extended media air filters consist of filter paper with a large surface area to increase efficiency and filtering ability.
Electronic Filter
Electronic air purifiers cost between $600 and $2,400 and incorporate sets of electrically charged plates to trap airborne particles as they pass through your HVAC system. Electronic filters don't require replacements, but periodic maintenance is necessary to keep them clean.
UV Light Filter
UV light filter whole-house air purifiers are excellent for destroying pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. However, they don't capture airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, or lint. Because many mechanical filters, like flat and extended media options, pick up particles but can't capture pathogens, many homeowners choose to install both a paper filter type and a UV filter system. A UV light filter costs an average of $750 and $3,500 to install.
HEPA Filter
The HEPA filter is the most expensive type of air purifier filter, costing between $2,000 and $5,000 or more. HEPA filters can remove even the tiniest particles that are airborne in most homes. HEPA filters are so dense that they slow airflow through a standard HVAC system. Installing a HEPA filter involves heavy modification to a home's HVAC. For these reasons, HEPA filtration is relatively uncommon in residential settings.
HVAC Installer Costs
Depending on the type of filter you choose, the cost of labor can be a large or small factor. Installing a portable or flat filter purifier involves minimal labor costs. However, if ductwork or system changes are necessary to install your system, HVAC labor costs between $100 and $250 per hour.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
If you're installing an electronic filtering system or even a portable air purifier in a room with limited outlets, hiring an electrician to prepare your whole-house air purifier system may be necessary.
Electrician Costs
The cost of hiring an electrician can range from $50 to $100 per hour. However, some electrical tasks may involve standard charges for common tasks.
Installing an outlet: $100–$450
Rewiring: $50–$100 per hour
Additional Cost Factors
Installing a whole-house air purifier is often a straightforward project. However, several steps may lead up to the installation, all of which can increase the cost of the job.
Accessibility
Your choice of whole-house air purification system may require making changes to your existing HVAC ductwork. In homes where the ductwork is located in hard-to-reach areas, the installation cost can increase and include wall repair after installation. Some costs to consider include:
Cost of duct rerouting: $1,500–$9,000
Cost of duct replacement: $1,400–$5,600
Drywall repair: $295–$925
Whole-House Air Purifier Brand
The brand of air purifier you choose can affect its price. Popular names like AprilAire, Carrier, and Trane cost more than brands like Honeywell, Field Controls, or Lennox. While the price difference doesn't have a large effect on the cost of installation, the initial equipment prices can vary by up to a few hundred dollars.
Air Quality Testing
Before choosing your system, you may want to conduct indoor air quality testing, which costs between $290 and $580, to help determine which type of air purifier your home needs and get the most from your investment.
Demolition and Prep
If you're installing an electronic, extended media, UV light, or HEPA whole-house air purifier, your HVAC system is likely to need some preparation work before the installation. Your installer can typically handle the tasks involved. However, preparation work can increase the cost of installation.
Permits
Altering your HVAC system involves obtaining a permit, though you won't need one for a portable purifier. HVAC permits cost between $250 and $400. Your installer will be responsible for obtaining any necessary permits.
Replacement Filters
Flat, extended media, portable, and HEPA filters are mechanical systems that directly filter the air and trap particles. These particles remain in the filter material, meaning the filters must be replaced regularly. Expect costs of between $10 and $60 for filters other than HEPA varieties, which can cost up to several hundred dollars each.
DIY Whole-House Air Purifier Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
DIYers will have no trouble installing most portable air purifiers or installing an upgraded flat filter within their home's HVAC system. However, hiring a local air duct cleaning service or an HVAC company near you is necessary for all other whole-house air purifiers.
Your municipality will likely require only a licensed HVAC technician to alter a heating and cooling system, even if you're an avid DIYer. Additionally, because the job involves calculating and managing crucial airflow within the home, having a qualified expert on hand will ensure success.
Whole-House Air Purifier Replacement vs. Repair
If your home has a whole-house air purifier that's not functioning as well as it should, consider having an indoor air quality test before choosing your next steps. You may be able to simply repair your existing air purifier system. Whole-house air purifier repair costs between $175 and $790. Depending on your system, that amount could be significantly less than the replacement cost.
However, there are several factors to discuss with your HVAC company when choosing repair versus replacement, including:
The existing system's expected life span before and after repairs
The extent of the problem with the existing system
Any warranty protections that may apply before and after repairs
Any upgrades that you may wish to add during repair or replacement
| Replace | Repair |
|---|---|
| Costs more than repair | Costs less than replacement |
| Upgrading opportunity | Limited upgrades |
| Allows your choice of new system type | Doesn't allow new system type |
How You Can Save Money While Installing a Whole-House Air Purifier
Installing a whole-house air purifier is an investment in your home and comfort. However, the price tags can creep up. Here are several ways to help control costs while installing your whole-house air purifier.
Discuss bundling deals or specials with your HVAC repair or installation company.
Choose a lesser-known air purifier brand with qualities similar to those of more popular ones.
Obtain advice from your HVAC company about upgrading your existing HVAC filters.
Properly maintain your purifier filters by changing them regularly or cleaning them as necessary, according to the manufacturer.
Does a Whole-House Air Purifier Increase Home Value?
Installing a new HVAC system in your home can increase its value by 5% to 7% and realize an ROI of around 60%. However, that's for an entire new HVAC system. Installing a whole-house air purifier into an efficient, modern HVAC system will only help the house's resale value. The same doesn't hold true for portable purifiers, which will likely travel with you to your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
In-home air purifiers really do work. However, their value depends on what you're trying to achieve. Mechanical air filters other than those with true HEPA filtration aren't capable of removing bacteria and viruses from the air. However, many of them can reduce very fine particles, including pollen, a known allergen. On the other hand, UV light filters can remove harmful pathogens but can't remove particles.
The effectiveness of an air purifier is heavily dependent on its size. While portable air purifiers are best for single rooms or limited areas of the house, whole-house air purification systems are installed within the HVAC system to provide filtering for the entire indoor space. Discussing your needs with your installation company is the best way to determine what type and size of system your home requires.