HEPA filters are available online and offline, depending on the AC model. These filters replace the AC's existing dust filter, which is installed in the indoor unit. These filters come in different qualities.
Highlights
These external filters are to be placed on top of the indoor unit, not inside it.
This does not affect airflow
Along with PM2.5 and PM10, they also claim to eliminate viruses and allergens.
As outdoor pollution increases, the demand for air purifiers for clean indoor air is also increasing. However, air purifiers can only clean the air in a limited space. Nowadays, many air conditioners (ACs) also have an air-cleaning feature. For this, companies install a HEPA filter in the indoor unit of the AC. However, this feature often sells ACs at a premium price. Did you know that you can use a normal AC without this feature as an air filter? Here, we will discuss this in detail, explaining how to do this and its advantages and disadvantages.
How to convert AC into an air purifier?
First, it's important to understand that the factory-installed filters in most conventional home ACs block large dust particles and even pollen, but they aren't sufficient to filter out finer particles like PM2.5, smoke, and viruses. HEPA and PM2.5-rated filters are available on the market, and some modern AC models come with built-in support for them. These AC models offer HEPA-level filtration and help remove a significant amount of small particles while also cooling the air. However, if your AC isn't, its filtration can still be improved with some modifications; it's important to understand the technical limitations.
HEPA filters are available in the market today, depending on the AC model, and can be purchased online and offline. These filters replace the AC's existing dust filter, which is installed in the indoor unit. These filters come in different qualities. Some work only to trap dust, while others also have the ability to trap PM2.5 particles or pollen. Now that winter has begun, you should install these filters in your AC and you can set it to Fan mode only, instead of Cool. It works in any mode, so if you want to use it in Humid or Cool mode, that's also possible.
Some things need to be kept in mind
Fitting a HEPA filter directly into an AC isn't always a good idea, as HEPA filters block air significantly, meaning they have high air resistance. This can put additional strain on the AC fan, reducing airflow and increasing energy consumption. So, if you're considering installing a HEPA filter, the first step is to check the airflow levels of your air handler or indoor unit.
There is also a great option
Nowadays, special air purifier filters are available in the market, which have to be placed on top of the indoor unit, not inside it. Most indoor units are designed in such a way that they draw air from the surroundings from the top. These third-party filters just have to be placed on the same inlet, so that the air passes through these filters into the indoor unit and then comes out after getting cooled. These filters do not block the air, hence there is no resistance. For example, recently a team from IIT Bombay created the AIRTH Air Purifier, which was highly appreciated.
This filter is sold online for around ₹2,500. This is the price of the entire setup. The filter needs to be replaced periodically, which costs around ₹1,500. This filter claims to eliminate PM2.5 as well as PM10, viruses, and allergens. There are many similar air purifier filters available in the market, which are safe for both you and your AC.
