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What Does an Air Purifier Do?

By Travis Baugh | Expert Review By Chrystal Jolliffe - Product Manager, Indoor Air Quality 
 
An air purifier is a device that enhances your home’s indoor air quality by capturing and removing contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and odors. It works by drawing in surrounding air, passing it through a filtration system that captures particles and, depending on the technology, may reduce certain gases or inactivate microorganisms before circulating the treated air back into your living space.
 
Bryant's Evolution™ Whole Home Air Purifier (DGAPA) uses MERV 15 filtration to capture up to 95% of particles from 1.0 to 3.0 microns and can inactivate more than 99% of select captured bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus, under specified test conditions.1
 
Understanding what an air purifier does is the first step toward creating a more comfortable indoor environment for your family. This guide explores how they work, the key benefits they offer, and what to consider when choosing the right model. We will also introduce you to Bryant’s whole-home air purification technology. 

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

bryant-how-whole-home-air-purifiers-work-infographic
Bryant's whole-home air purification process can be understood in three steps: Capture → Filter → Inactivate.
  • Capture: Airborne particles are carried through the HVAC system and into the air purifier as the system operates.
  • Filter: Bryant's Evolution™ Air Purifier uses a MERV 15 filter that captures up to 95% of particles from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, based on third-party testing.
  • Inactivate: Bryant's Evolution air purifier has demonstrated more than 99% inactivation of select captured bacteria and viruses under specified third-party test conditions.
This three-step process is Bryant's approach to whole-home air purification: capture airborne particles, filter them from the air stream, and inactivate select microorganisms that are trapped by the system.
 
Different air purifiers use different technologies, however, so performance depends on the type of filter, airflow, contaminant, and operating conditions.

HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, with particles larger and smaller than 0.3 microns also captured at efficiencies above 99.97% under the HEPA test standard.
 
This 99.97% figure applies to HEPA filters generally and should not be confused with Bryant's MERV 15 filtration specification. Bryant's Evolution Air Purifier is rated to capture up to 95% of particles from 1.0 to 3.0 microns. 1

Activated Carbon Filters
 
Activated carbon filters are designed primarily to remove certain gases and odors through adsorption. The effectiveness of an activated carbon filter depends in part on the amount and type of carbon used; CADR ratings apply to particles, not gases.
 
Purifiers like Bryant’s Carbon Air Purifier With UV excel at removing unpleasant smells from cooking or pets and harmful chemical gases from the air. Learn more about how air purifiers help with smell.

Pre-filters

A pre-filter serves as the first line of defense, capturing larger particles like hair and dust. The specific design and filtration stages vary by air purifier, so homeowners should check the manufacturer's specifications for the model they are considering.
 
By capturing or filtering airborne pollutants, air purifiers can help improve indoor air quality. However, no single air purifier removes every type of indoor pollutant, and air cleaning works best alongside source control and appropriate ventilation.
 

Who Benefits from Using an Air Purifier?

Nearly everyone can benefit from cleaner indoor air, but air purifiers are particularly helpful for certain groups:
  • Individuals with Allergies or Respiratory Conditions: Reducing airborne particles can help reduce exposure to some indoor allergens and irritants.
  • Families with Children or Pets: Purifiers help capture pet dander, odors, and airborne particles that can affect sensitive lungs.
  • Smokers or Those Living with Smokers: Particle filtration can help reduce airborne smoke particles, while activated carbon may help address certain smoke-related gases and odors.
  • Residents of Areas Affected by Wildfire Smoke: A properly sized air cleaner can help reduce indoor particle concentrations during smoke events. AHAM recommends selecting a smoke CADR at least equal to the room's square footage during heavy wildfire smoke conditions.
“A whole-home air purifier is an excellent way to improve indoor air quality,” said Samantha Houchin, co-owner of The Weather Changers in Denver, Colorado. “Air purifiers capture airborne particles by clumping them together so they can be trapped in the HVAC system’s filter. The COVID-19 pandemic really opened people’s eyes to the value of whole-home air purification.”
 
Whole-home air purifiers can also be useful in regions affected by wildfire smoke or when you want to reduce household odors. They can help reduce airborne particles before they settle on surfaces, although an air purifier does not remove dust that has already settled.
 
“When you’re cooking foods like salmon or bacon—where the smell tends to linger—an air purifier helps clear the odor much faster,” Houchin added.
 
Learn more about air purifier benefits.
 

9 Considerations For Choosing the Right Air Purifier

Now that you know what an air purifier does, how do you select the best air purifier for your home? Here are nine key factors to consider. 
  1. Size and Coverage Area: Ensure the purifier is rated for the square footage of your room. Matching the unit's capacity to the room size ensures effective and efficient air cleaning.
  2. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): CADR measures how quickly an air purifier removes dust, pollen, and smoke from the air, in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A higher CADR means faster air purification, which is crucial for larger spaces or areas with high pollutant levels.
  3. Specific Health Concerns: If you have allergies, consider models with appropriate high-efficiency particle filtration. If odors or gases are a concern, look for a model with a filter specifically designed for gas-phase pollutants, such as activated carbon.
  4. Noise Level: Look for models with a low decibel (dB) rating or adjustable fan speeds for quiet operation, especially for bedrooms and living areas.
  5. Energy Efficiency: Since purifiers often run continuously, choose an ENERGY STAR certified model to minimize electricity consumption and reduce utility costs.
  6. Filter Maintenance and Cost: Consider how often filters need to be cleaned or replaced. Check the cost and availability of replacement filters to understand the long-term commitment.
  7. Smart Features: Wi-Fi connectivity and app control offer convenience, allowing you to monitor air quality and adjust settings remotely.
  8. Air Quality Sensors: Some units include sensors that automatically detect pollutants and adjust the fan speed accordingly, optimizing performance and energy use.
  9. Price and Warranty: Compare the initial cost, replacement-filter costs, warranty coverage, and features to determine which model fits your needs and budget.

Why Choose a Bryant Whole-Home Air Purifier?

Bryant’s Evolution™ Air Purifier integrates directly with your home's HVAC system to purify the air throughout your entire house, not just a single room. It is third-party tested and proven to inactivate 99% of select captured viruses and germs, including coronavirus, human influenza, and the common cold surrogate.
 
The Evolution Air Purifier uses MERV 15 filtration and captures up to 95% of particles from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, based on third-party testing.1 
 
The Evolution Air Purifier also has a 10-year parts limited warranty upon timely registration, excluding filter replacements, subject to the applicable warranty terms.
Infographic explaining how whole-home air purifiers work by integrating with HVAC systems to filter and circulate clean air throughout the entire home.

Connect With A Bryant Dealer Today

Still have questions about what an air purifier does? A local Bryant dealer can provide expert guidance on improving your home’s indoor air quality. Schedule an appointment with your local Bryant dealer to discuss air purification options for your home, including whole-home systems that integrate with your HVAC equipment.

Air Purifier FAQs

A whole-home air purifier improves indoor air quality by removing dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, and other airborne pollutants, leading to improved indoor air quality throughout your home. Learn more about air purifier benefits.
You may need a whole-home air purifier if you experience allergies, asthma, frequent dust buildup, musty odors, or live in an area with poor outdoor air quality or wildfire smoke.

About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.

About The Expert Reviewer: Chrystal Jolliffe is a Product Manager specializing in Residential Indoor Air Quality at Bryant. Her work centers on advancing solutions that support cleaner indoor air and a more comfortable home environment. She helps homeowners understand the role indoor air quality products can play in their homes, empowering them to evaluate their options and make informed decisions about their indoor environment.
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