How Much Does a Whole House Air Purifier Repair Cost? [2024 Data]

Whole House Air Purifier Repair Cost Factors

A whole house air purifier works to clean the air in your home, keeping it free of dust, debris, and other allergens. Let’s review the cost factors that influence the price of its repairs.

Repair Type

The most influential cost factor determining the cost of whole-house air purifier repair is the type of repair necessary to get it back into operating condition. Repairs range from simple air filter changes to major component replacements. 

Typically, larger repair work, such as motor replacement or electronics repairs will be more costly than maintenance work or minor fixes like filter changes. However, because whole-house air purifiers are typically installed within the ductwork of your home, access to the parts can be an issue that can increase repair prices due to the additional time necessary to complete the work.

System Type 

Whole-house air purifiers are available in a variety of types and styles, which are differentiated by their filtering type and air-cleaning abilities. The type of air purification system in your home will determine the types of repairs that are necessary.

In general, the more simple the purification system, the lower the cost of typical repair work. Many air purification systems rely on more than one type of filtering method, meaning more than one repair type may be necessary. 

In-Duct Air Purifiers

Two types of in-duct air purifiers exist, including UV light and ionization types, which use electricity to alter the characteristics of airborne dust and particles, ultimately making them too heavy to remain in the air. Repairs can include fixing electrical issues, maintenance, cleaning, and replacement. 

Flat, Pleated, or HEPA Filtered Air Purifiers

Whole-house air purifiers that rely on flat, pleated, extended, or HEPA filters may be passive or active types that contain an added blower motor or other electronic components. Repair situations can involve motor repair or replacement, electronic issues, filter replacements, or mechanical component replacements.

Electronic Air Purifiers

Electronic air purifiers use electrical current to charge filtering media, allowing it to attract airborne particles. Typical repair work includes electronics repair, cleaning and maintenance, and component replacements.

Activated Carbon Filtered Air Purifiers

Activated carbon filters purify the air by relying on carbon's natural ability to capture particles. These purifiers may be active or passive, and repairs can include carbon replacement, electronic fixing, or motor replacements. 

System Size

Since a whole-house air purification system is designed to clean the air throughout the home, the size of the house will determine what type of system is best and how large, in terms of air-handling capacity, it needs to be. In general, the larger and more complex the system is, the more it will cost to fix it when repairs become necessary. 

Filter Type

Whole house air purifiers, regardless of their type, rely to some extent on either the air filters that the entire HVAC system depends on, additional filters, or both. The best air filters for indoor air quality come in a wide variety of choices. Your home's air purification system will specify the filter type and its MERV rating or measure of the particle size it can capture. Different filter types and ratings have varying price points. 

Labor

Labor costs for repairing whole-house air purifiers can cost between $100 and $250 per hour plus parts. Repairing a whole-house air purifier efficiently will depend on proper problem diagnosis. Asking specific questions when hiring your HVAC expert will help ensure an effective fix in a timely manner. 

Additional Repairs

While most whole-house air purifier repair work is focused on the purification system itself, it's possible that your HVAC technician will discover other or underlying problems with the heating and cooling system. If needed, additional HVAC repair costs can increase the repair bill by between $130 and $2,000, depending on the size and scope of the necessary fix. 

Whole House Air Purifier Ongoing Costs

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Whole-house air purifiers require some attention from time to time to keep them operating efficiently and effectively. 

Maintenance 

Maintenance tasks and their frequency will depend on the type of purification system in your home. Filter changes and regular cleanings are crucial in most cases and cost between $25 and $250 annually. 

Electricity

While additional electrical bill costs are typically minor when adding an air purification system to your home and virtually non-existent for passive systems, don't be surprised by a slight increase in your monthly energy bill as a result of slightly more electricity usage. Talk with your whole house air purification installer to get an estimate on your energy usage increase to budget accordingly.

DIY Whole House Air Purifier Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

While replacing a portable or room-sized air purifier in a room in your home doesn't require an expert, installing or repairing a whole-house system isn't a DIY option. Hiring a local home air quality testing company will ensure your system gets back up and running and can achieve results without overspending on more than what's necessary. 

Additionally, professional installation and repair work is important for maintaining many manufacturer's warranties. Along with the work being potentially backed by the repair company's workmanship warranty, these coverages are quite useful should repairs become necessary. 

Cost of Common Whole House Air Purifier Repair Add-Ons

If your whole-house air purifier requires professional attention to get it back into running shape, it may also be a good time to consider knocking a few other items off your HVAC to-do list. 

• 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: $110–$265

How to Save Money When Repairing a Whole House Air Purifier

While tasks like filter changes and cleaning may be acceptable as DIY repair work, there are often a few ways to reduce the cost of repairs once the system needs professional attention. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of repairs becoming necessary. 

• Occasionally opt for other ways to improve your home's indoor air quality. 

• Avoid running your AC without an air filter installed. 

• Hire a pro to inspect and maintain your HVAC system and air purification system annually. 

• Change HVAC filters and purifier filters regularly and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Keep forced-air ducts and vents free of debris and blockages to allow maximum airflow throughout the system. 

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’ve surveyed thousands of 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. 

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