Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Air Purifier
Choosing the right air purifier starts with knowing how much clean air your home needs.
Look for the proper air changes per hour (ACH) and clean air delivery rate (CADR) to match the purifier’s coverage to your space and HVAC system. From there, consider the key factors you’ll see in the sections below—filtration performance (MERV or Captures & Kills® technology), noise levels and fan speeds, filter replacement frequency and cost, and smart features. To ensure the best performance, it’s important to match your air purifier with the right air conditioner and explore Bryant’s lineup of best air purifiers. A Bryant dealer can confirm the correct sizing for your home and handle professional installation for lasting comfort and cleaner air.
Filtration Explained (MERV vs. HEPA terms)
When comparing filters, MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rates how effectively a system captures particles—from larger dust, pollen, and pet dander to smaller mold spores and even some dust mites—based on ASHRAE Standard 52.2. Think of it like a mesh sieve: the higher the MERV number, the finer the mesh and the more it can trap. HEPA, on the other hand, is a separate standard used in many portable air purifiers, with “True HEPA” grades like H13 or H14 designed for very fine filtration such as smoke or bacteria. Bryant’s whole-home systems use high-MERV media filters—some with Captures & Kills® technology—to clean air as it circulates through your HVAC system for consistent, whole-house filtration. The goal is balancing filtration efficiency with airflow and system compatibility while avoiding ozone-producing technologies. Up next: choosing coverage based on clean air delivery rate (CADR) and understanding filter replacement costs.
Coverage, ACH & CADR
Coverage refers to the size of the space—measured by room length × width × height—while air changes per hour (ACH) tells you how often the air is completely refreshed. Most homes benefit from about 5 ACH, but households with allergies or smoke concerns may need higher rates. The clean air delivery rate (CADR) shows how much filtered air a purifier delivers each minute—choose a model with a CADR that meets your desired ACH for the room’s volume. For example, a Bryant DGAPA air purifier can help achieve around 5 ACH in a 2,000 sq. ft. home when integrated with the HVAC system, making it ideal for whole-home coverage.
Noise Levels & Fan Speeds
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB)—about 35 dB for a quiet library and 60 dB for normal conversation. Each fan speed setting trades quiet operation for more clean-air output (CADR), so higher speeds clean faster but sound louder. A helpful rule of thumb is to choose an air purifier that meets your CADR goal at a comfortable, everyday fan speed—not only on its highest setting. Bryant’s whole-home, duct-mounted purifiers keep most of the sound within your HVAC system, maintaining quiet comfort throughout your living spaces.
Filter Replacement & Ongoing Costs
The true cost of ownership includes regular filter replacements to keep your system performing at its best. Bryant’s DGAPA and EZXCAB models use high-MERV media filters typically replaced every 6–12 months, while UVCAP units combine UV lamps with activated carbon filters that may need changing about once a year. Basic FNCCAB cabinets use standard media filters with similar replacement intervals, depending on indoor air quality. Homes with pets, heavy dust, or wildfire smoke may need more frequent service, just as portable units with a HEPA filter often require shorter cycles. For guidance on timing and compatible parts, visit our air filter replacement page.
Energy Use
Air purifiers use energy every time they move air through filters, so efficiency comes down to how much clean air you get for the electricity used. Choosing a model that reaches your target clean air delivery rate (CADR) at a comfortable, everyday fan speed—not just on high—helps balance performance and energy use. Look for models are independently tested to deliver strong filtration with lower power consumption. To keep efficiency high, replace or clean filters regularly so your system doesn’t have to work harder. For the best long-term savings and performance, a Bryant dealer can help ensure your purifier integrates efficiently with a variable-speed HVAC system.
Placement & Whole-Home vs. Room Units
Room air purifiers are ideal for spot treatment—cleaning the air in a single bedroom, office, or living area—while Bryant’s whole-home, duct-mounted systems deliver quiet, consistent filtration throughout the entire house as part of your HVAC system. For room units, place the purifier near the center of the space or close to the pollution source, keeping 6–12 inches of clearance from walls and furniture. Avoid corners or blocked areas, and keep doors open so air can circulate freely. Whole-home systems should be installed on the return side of the ductwork for optimal airflow and proper air changes per hour (ACH). Choose a room unit for targeted use or a whole-home purifier for complete comfort—and always consult a Bryant dealer to confirm sizing, static pressure, and professional installation.
Type of Air Purifiers
Bryant offers several whole-home air purification technologies designed to integrate seamlessly with your HVAC system. High-MERV media filters with Captures & Kills® technology are best for families focused on reducing bacteria, viruses, and allergens throughout the home. Carbon + UV models combine odor control with germicidal UV light—ideal for homes concerned about smells, VOCs, or microbial growth. Mechanical air cleaners provide reliable particle filtration to protect equipment and improve indoor air quality at an affordable cost. These whole-home solutions differ from portable room units that rely on True HEPA, carbon-only, or UV-C filters, offering house-wide coverage and quieter operation. For safety and performance, avoid ionic or ozone-producing purifiers, and consider pairing your system with smart air controls for automatic, efficient operation.
Why Choose Bryant?
Bryant delivers whole-home, duct-integrated air purification solutions that provide consistent, quiet filtration for every room in your house. Our proven technologies, like high-MERV media with Captures & Kills®, ensure reliable removal of allergens, dust, and microbes, backed by robust warranties for peace of mind. Bryant’s excellence is recognized industry-wide, including being ranked #2 Best HVAC Company in both 2022 and 2023 by U.S. News & World Report. With over a century of experience and award-winning performance, Bryant gives homeowners confidence in cleaner, healthier indoor air.
Customer Testimonial
“When researching for the purchase of a new gas furnace and air conditioning system, one important consideration we had was the need for a high quality air purification unit. We chose to add a Bryant DGAPA Evolution Air Purifier to our new Bryant gas furnace and air conditioner system. We quickly noticed the drop in the amount of dust in our house as compared to the poor filtration of our old system. Changing the filter and cleaning the Filter Enhancement Module (FEM) is quick and easy. The benefits of this unit are well worth it and we highly recommend the unit, no matter what brand of HVAC system you connect it to.” - Chris
Benefits of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers help improve indoor air quality by reducing dust, dust pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and smoke or household odors—creating a cleaner, more comfortable living environment. In third-party testing, the Evolution™ Air Purifier reduced airborne pet dander by 89% and pollen by 82% at 5 ACH in a 2,000 sq. ft. home over 24 hours¹. Whole-home systems provide consistent, quieter filtration throughout your house, while portable room units target specific areas. By capturing dust mites and other fine particles, these systems can make daily life easier for allergy-prone households. Learn more about the benefits of air purification on our air purifier benefits page and discover exactly what does an air purifier do to keep your indoor air clean and fresh.
Find the Right Home Air Purifier From Bryant
Selecting the perfect air purifier for your home begins with understanding your specific needs—whether it's addressing pet dander, allergens, or improving indoor air quality in large rooms. Bryant offers a range of whole-home, duct-integrated air purifiers, such as the DGAPA and EZXCAB, designed to provide consistent, quiet filtration tailored to various room sizes. To determine the best fit for your home, consult with your local Bryant dealer—experts who can assess your space and recommend the ideal system. Alternatively, utilize our system builder tool to explore options that match your home's requirements.