How Much Does a Whole-House Air Filtration System Cost?

Although most householders fork out about $2,640 for a whole-house air purifier, your expenses can land anywhere between $435 and $4,900. Various factors can influence your outlay, but your home size, the type and brand of air purification system, and local labor rates take center stage. If you don’t have an HVAC system and do not plan to invest in one, you can go for a portable air filter unit, running at $100+. Meanwhile, adding a HEPA-filter-equipped air purifier for the HVAC system costs up to $12,000. 

The price of installing a whole-house air purifier 

Labor Cost of Installing a Whole-House Air Purifier

Professionals usually charge $42 to $100 per hour for installing a whole-house air filtration system. Even if you are an experienced DIYer, you should better not undertake the project due to its complexity. Engaging an HVAC technician guarantees the job is done correctly and smoothly. The installation process might take anywhere from one to six hours, largely dependent on the system type. 

Please note that if the existing ductwork needs modifications or any alterations to the system are required to accommodate the new air cleaner, the HVAC labor costs can escalate significantly, with prices ranging from $90 to $246 per hour. Moreover, you may have to shell out on other services like air quality testing, preparation, wiring, etc. 

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Inspection

Getting an HVAC inspection before installing a whole-home filtration system is typically priced between $140 and $530. This service is highly advisable as it allows for detecting potential issues with the system or ductwork and addressing them early on. By scheduling this service, you can prevent complications and additional costs down the line while ensuring your whole-house air purifier operates at maximum efficiency from the start.

Permits

When modifying your HVAC system, you’ll have to pay between $240 and $450 to secure a permit unless you choose a portable alternative. As a rule of thumb, a contractor can do all the paperwork on your behalf. They will take care of the application process and ensure that all modifications comply with local building codes and regulations.

Preparation Work

Most air purifying filters require some preparatory modifications of an HVAC system before installation. These adaptations ensure the new system operates efficiently and integrates well with your home’s air handling setup. The professionals installing your air purifier can typically undertake these preparatory tasks, but they will likely charge an extra buck.

Air Quality Testing

The performance of an indoor air quality assessment takes place before purchasing a filtration system and costs from $285 to $585. Such testing helps identify specific pollutants present in your home, enabling you to choose the most effective type of air purifier to address those contaminants. In other words, you can tailor the air purifier to your home’s unique needs.

Wiring

Installing a whole-house air purifier may require hiring an electrician with hourly rates between $50 and $100. Pricing can vary as some electricians offer flat rates for specific standard tasks associated with the installation. Electrical work involves ensuring that the unit is safely and effectively integrated into your home’s existing electrical system, which requires professional expertise to meet safety standards and optimal functionality.

Electrical Outlet Installation

If an air filtration system requires additional electrical power, you may need a new outlet, which can cost from $150 to $430 to install. The price can vary based on the accessibility of the existing electrical wiring, the rates charged by the electrician, and the location. 

Air Duct Cleaning

Cleaning the existing ductwork ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of the new system, so you should be ready to pay from $443 to $1,000 for it. This price variation largely depends on the size of the home and the number of vents. Per vent, you might expect to pay between $23 to $52. This cleaning process helps remove debris, dust, and other contaminants that could hinder the air purifier’s performance.

Ductwork Replacement

The replacement of existing ductwork to ensure compatibility with the new system can set you back $268 to $532 for each duct run. This process involves removing old ducts and installing new ones that can properly handle the airflow requirements of the advanced filtration technology. 

Filter Replacement

Replacing mechanical air filtration systems, aka filters, can cost $10 to $200 if it is not a HEPA type. Their primary function is actively capturing and retaining airborne particles within their filter material. Once they get clogged, they must be changed to maintain efficiency. However, HEPA filters, known for their superior filtration capabilities, can be significantly more expensive. The frequency of filter replacement must be higher in environments with substantial amounts of dust, tobacco smoke, or homes with pets due to the increased accumulation of debris and allergens.

The whole-house air filtration system cost by services

Breakdown of the Home Air Filtration System Cost

As there is no one-size-fits-all air filtration system, it is essential to understand the difference between types and how your choice can influence the expenditure. Our comprehensive guide is designed to provide a detailed look at the costs of implementing a filtration system. Once read, you can decide on a whole-house air purifier suitable for your home needs and budget hands-down.

Cost of a Whole-House Air Purifier by Home Size

An oversized house spanning several thousand square feet will inherently necessitate a more robust air purifying system than smaller homes. This is because a larger space requires enhanced capability to filter air consistently and efficiently across various rooms and levels.

Adding complexity, homes with more intricate floor plans—those with multiple wings or stories—might need supplemental equipment to maintain adequate air quality. For instance, 3,000-square-foot houses may benefit from integrating additional in-duct air purifiers or standalone units strategically placed to maximize airflow and filtration efficacy. These additions ensure that clean air is evenly distributed throughout the residence, but expenses can skyrocket, too.

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Whole-House Air Purifier Cost by Filter Type

Even though all filtering systems are designed to enhance indoor air quality, they differ in function and technology. If you want to minimize allergens at home, you can’t grab a random filter and call it a day. Each filter type possesses distinct abilities in purifying the air, influencing its effectiveness and price point. It’s vital to choose a suitable air filtering solution that aligns with your health needs and budget, ensuring an environment with cleaner, healthier air.

Flat Filter

Flat filters are the most pocket-friendly option, typically priced between $15 and $75 for material alone. Once you hire an HVAC technician to install it, your expenses can fall between $100 and $240. These filters trap dust, pet dander, and lint effectively, preventing them from circulating through your living spaces. Yet, they are useless against smaller pollutants like bacteria and mold spores. You can leverage them as pre-filters to enhance overall filtration efficiency. Just remember to replace every one to three months. 

HEPA Filter

Installing a whole-house HEPA filter costs between $2,000 and $4,700. Capable of trapping over 99.97% of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in size, HEPA filters excel at purifying the air of fine particles prevalent in many homes. However, integrating a true HEPA filter into a standard home HVAC system is often not straightforward. Because of their dense structure, these filters can significantly reduce airflow, necessitating potentially expensive modifications to the system, including adjustments to ductwork and vents.

Electronic Filter

Electronic air purifiers run $600 to $2,400, with a Pristine Air IAQ 3000 price, for example, falling somewhere in the middle of the range. This filter type uses electrically charged plates to capture particles circulating through your HVAC system. Unlike traditional filters, electronic purifiers do not need replacements, though they do require regular cleaning to remain effective. However, a notable drawback of these devices is the production of ozone, a by-product that can potentially lead to respiratory issues when inhaled. On top of that, they are less efficient at capturing dust and mold spores.

Extended Media Filter

Installing extended media filters, which typically range from $450 to $900, including professional installation, offers a more effective solution for capturing smaller airborne pollutants like mold spores. Please note that adding an extended media air filter to your home’s HVAC system calls for modifications of the latter. 

Portable Air Filter

Portable air purifiers range in price from $100 to $1,800 and are ideal for homes lacking HVAC or duct systems, meaning you can avoid the expenses associated with installing new HVAC equipment. These units are versatile and can be used in specific rooms or transported throughout the house as necessary. Particularly useful for targeted air purification needs, portable air filters differ significantly in their efficiency at trapping different sizes of airborne particles.

UV Light Filter

The price range for a UV light filter falls between $800 and $3,500. If your primary concern is the presence of germs within your living space, a UV light filter could be an ideal choice. Utilizing shortwave ultraviolet light, this type of filter is specifically designed to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, effectively sanitizing the air. However, it’s important to note that UV light filters can’t deal with other types of pollutants like dust or pollen. Alternative filtering systems may be necessary for comprehensive air purification.

The whole-home air purifier cost by filter type

Whole-Home Air Purifier Cost by Brand

The modern market is chock-full with whole-house air filtration systems produced under different names. The list of manufacturers includes but is not limited to AprilAire, Field Controls, Lennox, Carrier, Trane, and Honeywell. The pricing and performance of these systems differ from one brand to another. The difference in equipment prices may reach a few hundred dollars while the quality may be the same. Below, you’ll find an overview of the average home air filtration system costs from some leading brands.

The HVAC air purifier cost by brand

Cost of Adding an Air Purifier to the HVAC

Adding an air purifier to an existing HVAC system can set you back $500 to $2,500. The cost of integrating an air purification unit can vary widely, depending on the type of purifier, the complexity of your HVAC system, and the labor costs associated with the installation. The price range specified is eligible for basic models of air purifiers and covers both the unit and professional installation fees. The cost can increase for higher-end or more sophisticated systems, such as those with HEPA filters or UV light technology, potentially exceeding $3,000.

What Are the Advantages and Downsides of Installing a Whole-House Air Purifier?

Can’t decide whether a whole-house air purification system is worth your investment? Let’s examine its main drawbacks and advantages to help you make an informed decision.