Air Purifier vs Vacuum Purifier

Updated Jul 8, 2022 2:06 PM

When looking into an air purifier vs a vacuum purifier, you want to know what will be best for improving your indoor air quality. If you’re an asthma sufferer, take note, especially if you experience asthma attacks due to household allergens. That’s why you’ll want to search for the finest air purifier for allergies and dust. Having clean air is excellent for everybody, however. The best air purifier in the world is worth its weight in gold.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Air purification technology is fantastic for helping to keep allergies and asthma under control.
  • Air vacuums are referred to by a few different names but generally refer to a high-powered vacuum with a HEPA filter in it.
  • You should use both an air purifier and a vacuum purifier in conjunction with each other for the best results while cleaning.

Comparing Air and Vacuum Purifiers

Understanding how the battle between an air purifier vs a vacuum purifier plays out can mean a world of difference to control asthma symptoms. Even allergy symptoms will see an improvement once pet dander, mold spores, and other common allergens are cleaned out of the air. If you’re curious about where your air conditioner comes into play regarding air quality, check out our article pitting an air purifier vs. an air conditioner.

For more info about purification units, check out our guides to the different types including HEPA air purifier vs UV and air filter vs air purifier. If you’re interested in the different brands and how they hold up against each other, read our comparison articles for the Levoit Core 300 vs 350 and the Patriot PCO vs PureAir air purifier.

Explaining How Air Purifiers Work

Air purification technologies range in a wide span of products. There are a few things you should understand about air purifier technology before you make a decision. For example, Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a great way to figure out your size range. If you were wondering how they stack up against other styles of air purification? Check out how an air purifier vs an ozone generator will perform.

Benefits of Air Purifiers

Having a dedicated air purifier in your living space has many benefits:

  • Reduction of indoor pollutants like ozone
  • Ability to capture larger particles like pet hair
  • Clears air of multiple different allergen particles

Drawbacks of Air Purifiers

As with any other product, there are a few cons to consider:

  • It might not be as effective without specific anti-allergen technology
  • Having to use a disposable filter can get expensive

Explaining How Air Vacuums Work

Air vacuums are not the same thing as a conventional vacuum you use to clean floors. A vacuum air purifier is another name for a HEPA vacuum cleaner. They are not a replacement for the standard air purifier models. Instead, both systems should use them in conjunction to clean up indoor air pollution. That’s why you’ll need to get an air sanitizer or air purifier to effectively kill mold.

Insider Tip

Use an air purifier and a HEPA vacuum cleaner in conjunction with each other to receive maximum health benefits.

Benefits of Air Vacuums

There are several benefits to using a HEPA vacuum cleaner:

  • An absolute HEPA filter can be crucial to controlling pollutant sources
  • They can quickly suck up mold spores, pet hair, and more
  • You can clean up large dust particles that settle into the carpet

Drawbacks of Air Vacuums

Although the HEPA vacuum cleaner is a great choice, some drawbacks exist:

  • They have a primary function of cleaning carpets and not airflow
  • An air vacuum is generally pretty noisy

Which Option is Best for You?

In general, you should try and invest in both systems if possible. Any advice on cleaning the air will end with purchasing at least a couple of different devices. If you have a low budget, it might be best to buy a portable air purifier to begin with. An air purifier will have the quickest, most consistent results.

Warning

A HEPA vacuum cannot replace an air purification system, so make sure that you invest in the right equipment for your lifestyle and health concerns.

F.A.Q.

Why might cleaning a HEPA air filter be a bad idea?

Cleaning HEPA-type filters is permissible in some cases. However, this depends on whether you have replaceable or reusable filters.


Should you vacuum a HEPA filter?

That depends on the type of filter. Some products will require filter replacements to happen periodically. It’s essential to take care of your filter either way, however. Dirty filters can cause severe issues in all different types of filters.


What is a HEPA vacuum cleaner?

A HEPA vacuum cleaner is just one that uses a HEPA-type filter to improve cleaning ability. While regular vacuums can provide adequate cleaning power, a HEPA-type filter will always perform better.


How is a HEPA filter used?

You’ll find these mechanical filters all over the place. From a HEPA vacuum to multiple air purifier models, mechanical filters have become far more popular since the Department of Energy created HEPA technology.


STAT: You can remove 100% of airborne particles by using a true HEPA filtration system. (source)

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