What Does an Air Purifier Do?
What does an air purifier do? An air purifier enhances indoor air quality by eliminating contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and odors. It operates by drawing in surrounding air, passing it through various filters to capture these particles, and then releasing the purified air back into the room. This process ensures that you and your family breathe cleaner and fresher air.
Understanding what an air purifier does and its benefits can assist you in making an informed decision when selecting the right one for your home.
This article will delve into the different aspects of air purifiers, including choosing the right model and optimizing its performance. We will also answer frequently asked questions and provide insights into Bryant air purifiers, which are designed to deliver superior indoor air quality.

Understanding What Air Purifiers Do
What an air purifier does is pull in the surrounding air and pass it through filters that capture harmful particles and pollutants. Different types of air purifiers use a combination of HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, activated carbon filters, and pre-filters to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and even certain bacteria and viruses.
Air purifiers typically use filters, such as HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, to trap particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. This is especially beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters, such as Bryant’s Carbon Air Purifier With UV, can absorb smoke, cooking odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving the air quality by reducing unpleasant smells and harmful chemicals.
By removing or reducing pollutants and allergens, air purifiers contribute to better overall air quality. Cleaner air can help reduce symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headaches, and fatigue, making it easier to breathe and creating a more comfortable indoor environment.
People with allergies or respiratory conditions, families with young children or pets, smokers, and those living in urban areas with high pollution levels can all benefit from improved air quality.

Nine Considerations In Choosing the Right Air Purifier
Now that you know what an air purifier does, which air purifier is right for you? Here are nine considerations in choosing the right air purifier for you.
1. Size and Coverage Area
Choose an air purifier that is suitable for the size of the space where you plan to use it. Air purifiers have different coverage areas (measured in square feet), so be sure to match the purifier’s capacity to the size
2. Noise Level
Consider the noise level of the air purifier. Opt for models with quiet operation to maintain a peaceful environment. Look for models with a low decibel (dB) rating for quieter operation, or adjustable fan speeds for customizable noise control.
3. Smart Features
Features like Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and integration with smart home systems can add convenience and allow you to monitor and control air quality remotely.
4. Air Quality Sensors
Some air purifiers feature air quality sensors that monitor air quality in real-time, automatically adjusting fan speed or alerting you when air quality deteriorates.
5. Energy Efficiency
Air purifiers run continuously to maintain air quality, so it’s important to choose an energy-efficient model to minimize electricity costs. Look for units with an ENERGY STAR certification for reduced energy consumption.
6. Maintenance and Filter Replacement
Check how often the filters need to be replaced or cleaned. Some purifiers have washable filters that can be reused, while others require periodic filter replacement. Make sure you’re comfortable with the maintenance required and the cost of replacement filters.
Choose a model with easily accessible and replaceable filters to simplify maintenance.
7. Specific Allergies or Health Concerns
- Allergen Removal: If you suffer from allergies or asthma, prioritize air purifiers with HEPA filters, as they are most effective at capturing airborne allergens.
- Pet Owners: If you have pets, consider an air purifier with specialized filters to capture pet dander, fur, and odors.
- Smoke and Odor Control: For smokers or those living in areas with air pollution, choose a purifier with activated carbon filters to eliminate smoke, odors, and chemicals from the air. Learn more about Bryant’s Carbon Air Purifier With UV.
8. Clean Air Delivery Rate
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a critical factor to consider when selecting an air purifier because it directly measures the purifier's ability to clean the air in a specific area efficiently. CADR indicates how quickly the air purifier can remove particles such as dust, pollen, and smoke from the air, and it is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
A higher CADR means the air purifier is more effective at filtering air and cleaning larger volumes of air per minute. This ensures that the purifier can address pollutants faster, leading to cleaner indoor air in a shorter time.
The higher the CADR, the quicker the purifier will clean the air in your room. This is especially important in spaces with high levels of pollutants, such as kitchens, smoking areas, or homes with pets. A higher CADR will reduce the time it takes to circulate and filter the air, helping to maintain a healthier environment.
9. Price and Warranty
Set a budget based on your needs and the features you want. While higher-end models with advanced features may come at a higher cost, they may also provide better long-term performance.
Look for an air purifier with a solid warranty and customer support. A longer warranty often indicates better build quality and reliability.
By considering these factors and understanding what an air purifier does and the different types available, you can make an informed decision and choose the right air purifier to improve the air quality in your home or office.
Why Choose a Bryant Air Purifier
Bryant’s Evolution™ Air Purifier is installed as part of your home comfort system to help capture airborne particles that circulate throughout your home. Capturing these particles keeps the equipment components clean, and more importantly, helps reduce particles from the air you breathe. Because your indoor air is under constant attack, you need an effective defense – the kind you get with the Evolution air purifier.
Featuring our patented Captures & Kills® technology, these air purifiers offer proven, third-party tested effectiveness with a 99% inactivation of select captured viruses and germs when used as instructed,1 including:
- Coronavirus
- Common cold surrogate
- Bacteria that causes strep throat
- Human influenza
Bryant air purifiers come with a 10-year parts limited warranty upon timely registration (excludes filter replacements)2.
Connect With A Bryant Dealer on What An Air Purifier Does
Still have questions on what an air purifier does? Your local Bryant dealer is happy to answer them and guide you through the entire heating and cooling decision process, including improving your home’s indoor air quality. Because indoor air is under constant attack from airborne pollutants, you need an effective defense – the kind you get with the Evolution™ Air Purifier. Schedule an appointment with your local Bryant dealer to start the process today.
Learn More About Air Purifiers
- Discover the best air purifier for your home
- Explore air purifier for mold options
- Understand do air purifiers work?
- Find out how to choose an air purifier for dust
- Read our guide on the best air purifier for allergies
- Explore do air purifiers help with smell
- Learn the importance of MERV rating
- Discover how to improve your indoor air quality
1To the original owner, when product is used in an owner-occupied residence, a 10-year parts limited warranty upon timely registration of your new equipment. Warranty period is 5 years if not registered within 90 days. Jurisdictions where warranty benefits cannot be conditioned on registration will automatically receive a 10-year parts limited warranty. See warranty certificate for complete details.
2To the original owner, when product is used in an owner-occupied residence, a 10-year parts limited warranty upon timely registration of your new equipment. Warranty period is 5 years if not registered within 90 days. Jurisdictions where warranty benefits cannot be conditioned on registration will automatically receive a 10-year parts limited warranty. See warranty certificate for complete details.