How Much Does It Cost to Install a Whole-House Air Purifier?

From coughs and sneezes to that annoying layer of dust that seems to accumulate on surfaces no matter how often you clean, invisible contaminants in your home can cause all sorts of woes.

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A whole-house air purifier can help you bust the dust and beat allergies for good, keeping indoor air healthy.

Whole-house air purifiers connect to your home's HVAC system and remove airborne contaminants, such as dust and pollen. Some models use an air filter to trap tiny particles in the air passing through your HVAC system, preventing them from reentering your home. 

Other air filtration systems use a high-voltage electrical current to charge contaminant particles. A negatively charged collector plate then catches the particles to remove them from the air. Electronic models generally remove a broader spectrum of contaminants, including microscopic smoke particles. 

Ultraviolet air purifiers use UV light to eliminate certain contaminants, such as bacteria and mold. However, they can't remove dust, pollen and other common particles from the air. Therefore, many homeowners choose hybrid systems containing a UV bulb and a barrier filter for more comprehensive protection.

A whole-house air purifier could be a good option if you live in a polluted area or suffer from allergies. While furnaces and other parts of your HVAC system contain filters, they don't usually remove small contaminants as effectively as specialized air purifiers. 

Many companies make smaller, freestanding units to filter the air in a single room. These portable models are cheaper than entire-home air purifiers, but they can't filter the air in a whole house. 

How Much Does a Whole-House Air Purifier Cost?

According to HomeGuide, a whole-house air purifier costs $400 to $4,000 (CAD 547 to CAD 5,472) on average, including installation labor and materials. However, you could pay up to $5,000 (CAD 6,840) for a premium brand. 

Expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 (CAD 1,368 and CAD 4,104) on the air purifier itself. Extended media filters are a budget-friendly option at $100 to $300 (CAD 137 to CAD 410) per unit or $400 to $800 (CAD 547 to CAD 1,094) installed. These pleated filters come with a cabinet that connects to your HVAC ductwork. 

HEPA filters remove airborne contaminants more efficiently. However, they're more expensive at $600 to $3,000 (CAD 821 to CAD 4,104) for the unit itself and $1,000 to $4,000 (CAD 1,368 to CAD 5,472) with professional installation. Fitting a whole-house air purifier with a HEPA filter can impact airflow through your ductwork, so it's worth consulting an HVAC professional before installation. 

Other common types of whole-house air purifiers include:

• Electronic filter: $300 to $1,000 (CAD 410 to CAD 1,368) per unit or $500 to $2,000 (CAD 684 to CAD 2,736) installed
• UV filter: $200 to $400 (CAD 274 to CAD 547) per unit or $400 to $800 (CAD 547 to CAD 1,094) installed
• UV hybrid filter: $800 to $1,800 (CAD 1,094 to CAD 2,462) per unit or $1,200 to $3,000 (CAD 1,642 to CAD 4,104) installed
• Portable air purifier: $500 to $1,800 (CAD 500 to CAD 2,462) per unit

If you're on a very tight budget, consider installing a basic flat filter. These air purifiers cost just $10 to $70 (CAD 14 to CAD 96), but they aren't as efficient as other air filtration systems. You'll also need to replace the filter at least every three months to prevent clogs.

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• How Much Does an HVAC Filter Cost? 
• HVAC Upkeep Costs: Everything You Need to Know

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What Factors Impact the Cost of a Whole-Home Air Purifier?

Installing a whole-house air purifier costs more if you need to alter your HVAC system to accommodate your unit. To avoid causing airflow issues, it's a good idea to hire an HVAC specialist to inspect your system before installing an air purifier. Most HVAC professionals charge $150 to $500 (CAD 205 to CAD 684) per inspection. 

You may need to replace some of your ductwork to install an air purifier in your home. Air duct replacement costs around $1 to $7 (CAD 1.37 to CAD 9.58) per linear foot or $250 to $550 (CAD 342 to CAD 752) per duct, according to This Old House.