Do You Need an Air Purifier or Filtration System?

When it comes to making your home a breath of fresh air, having the right indoor air quality solutions can truly transform your space. With so many choices available, homeowners often wonder: Should I go for an air purifier, a filtration system, or maybe even both? The best answer really hinges on your specific space, your health requirements, and how clean you want your air to be.
What Indoor Air Quality Really Means
Think of your home’s air like the water you drink—we want it filtered and clean. The air inside can carry dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and even bacteria or mold spores. Over time, breathing in those particles can take a toll—especially for anyone with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
In Northern Colorado, indoor air quality challenges often spike during wildfire season, when smoke particles seep into homes. Even with windows closed, these fine particles can linger in the air for days, aggravating allergies and respiratory issues.
Air Purifiers: Targeting the Small Stuff
Air purifiers are designed to capture and neutralize tiny particles that can slip through a standard HVAC filter. Depending on the model, purifiers can remove allergens, odors, and even harmful pathogens from the air.
This design is especially helpful if:
- You or someone in your household has allergies or asthma
- You notice lingering odors (pets, cooking, or smoke)
- You want extra protection against bacteria and viruses
We often see families with pets notice a big difference after installing a purifier—less dander in the air and fewer allergy flare-ups. For households with severe asthma, we’ve seen purifiers help reduce nighttime coughing and improve sleep.
Air Filtration Systems: Whole-Home Defense

Unlike standalone purifiers, air filtration systems integrate directly with your HVAC system to filter all the air moving through your home. These systems are powerful at trapping dust, debris, and other larger particles before they ever circulate.
Think of filtration as the foundation: it keeps the bulk of pollutants out so your air feels fresher and your HVAC system runs more efficiently. If you’re noticing a lot of dust buildup on surfaces, or if you want cleaner air throughout your entire house, a filtration system is often the smarter first step.
Many homeowners assume their standard HVAC is “good enough,” but in reality, a dedicated air filtration system captures far more particles and helps your HVAC run more efficiently—saving you money on energy bills in the long run.
Do You Need Both?
For many homes, a filtration system is enough to noticeably improve air quality. But if you’re dealing with allergies, frequent illness, or have other health sensitivities, pairing a purifier with your filtration system gives you a one-two punch against both large and microscopic pollutants.
When to Call an HVAC Pro
If you’re not sure which solution fits your home best, the professional HVAC technicians at A Plus Heating & AC can test your air quality and walk you through your options.
At A Plus Heating & AC, we help homeowners across Northern Colorado find the right indoor air quality solutions for their lifestyle. From air filtration systems to advanced purifiers, we’ll recommend the setup that keeps your home healthier and your family breathing easier.
Ready to clear the air? Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today.