Can You Use an Air Purifier with an Air Conditioner?

Air quality and temperature control are two of the most important factors when it comes to creating a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Air conditioners are typically used to maintain optimal temperatures, while air purifiers are designed to enhance air quality by removing pollutants and allergens. What happens, then, when you use the two together? In this article, we’ll explore the compatibility and feasibility of doing so, and the benefits that may come from it.

Compatibility: Air Purifiers and Air Conditioners Serve Different Purposes

Using devices that contradict or overlap each other could lead to more frequent breakdowns that require aircon troubleshooting in Singapore, so the first factor to consider when gauging the viability of using both devices together is whether their functions overlap. The good news is that they don’t—air conditioners are primarily designed to regulate temperature while the main task of air purifiers is to capture and eliminate airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, and odours. Air conditioners do come with filters that also help clean the surrounding air to a certain degree, but certainly not to the extent of the latter. Due to the stark differences in purpose, there’s no inherent conflict in using both devices in the same space. 

Enhanced Air Quality: A Dual Benefit

Not only does an air conditioner and an air purifier not overlap; they actually complement each other to provide a dual advantage for your indoor environment. While the air conditioner cools or heats the air to maintain the optimal temperature, the air purifier is hard at work removing impurities and improving the air quality. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the benefits of using these devices together:

Cleaner and Healthier Air 

Air purifiers can effectively remove allergens like pollen and pet dander, as well as microscopic particles that can cause or worsen respiratory conditions. This results in air that is both cooler and healthier to breathe.

Odour Elimination 

Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can remove common household odours, such as cooking smells or tobacco smoke. Combining an air purifier with an air conditioner can help create and maintain a cool environment whilst preventing unwanted odours from circulating around the space.

Enhanced Allergen Control 

If you’re suffering from allergies or asthma, the combination of an air purifier and an air conditioner could greatly reduce allergen levels in the air, providing you with much-needed relief from allergy symptoms and asthma attacks.

Dust and Particle Reduction 

Air purifiers can capture dust and fine particles, preventing them from settling on furniture and surfaces. This not only contributes to a cleaner and more comfortable living space; it also decreases the rate of dust and debris buildup in your air conditioner’s filters, allowing it to last longer without needing an aircon replacement in Singapore.

Learn more: 4 Ways a Dirty Aircon Can Affect Health

Considerations for Optimal Performance

To ensure that your air purifier and air conditioner work seamlessly together, here are some factors to consider:

Room Size 

Choose an air purifier with an appropriate Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for the size of the room. This ensures that the air purifier can effectively filter the air in the given space.

Type of Air Purifier 

Select an air purifier that suits your specific needs. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are known for their effectiveness in removing allergens, while those with activated carbon filters are excellent for odour control.

Maintenance Requirements 

Regularly clean or replace the filters in your air purifier as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is crucial for maintaining its performance and ensuring it continues to operate as intended.

Placement and Timing for Optimal Performance

To maximise the benefits of using an air conditioner and an air purifier concurrently, here are some placement and timing tips to adopt:

Positioning 

Place the air purifier in a strategic location within the room, ensuring that it’s not obstructed by furniture or other objects. Proper placement can help facilitate better air circulation and filtration.

Simultaneous Operation 

Run the air purifier concurrently with the air conditioner. This allows the air purifier to continuously filter the air while the air conditioner cools or heats it, resulting in consistently improved indoor air quality.

Finally, an effective collaboration between the two devices requires both of them to be working optimally to begin with. If your air conditioner is due for cleaning or servicing, then consider engaging trusted aircon service providers like GoodCool to give your air conditioners a new lease of life. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we specialise in a wide range of air conditioner brands—whether you’re looking for Daikin aircon service, Mitsubishi aircon repair in Singapore, or any other brand, we’ve got you covered. To find out more about our services, please contact us.