Nowadays, air conditioners with internal cleaners have become very popular on the market. After all, these devices allow not only cool the air in the room but also make it clean, eliminating microbes, dust, and particles from the skin, and pet hair. How to choose and why to use such devices will be described in this article.
Table of Contents
Does the air conditioner work as an air purifier?
The air filter, that is present practically in all standard models of air conditioners, cannot create conditions of total purity in the house. They are not ready to work to filter smoke, to remove pet dander, germs, as well as ultrafine dust particles. On the contrary, these filters are able to hold the clogging dust that accumulates in the inner circuit.
It is true that every user has the ability to find multi-function devices where there is a built-in HEPA filter as well as a charcoal filter, which helps to clean the air and circulate it in the house.
The air conditioner includes a fan, an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser that helps cool the warm air. Therefore, the refrigerant is able to absorb the warm air as it passes through the evaporator. The cooled air is then returned back into the home.
In order for an air conditioner to function as an air purifier, it must have fiberglass, charcoal, or HEPA filters that help trap the finest dust, dirt, pollutants, and other microbes. In other words, the filter is able to remove these particles that are carried through the air before the fan starts working to circulate the cold air in the room.
Top 5 air conditioners with a built-in air purifier
If you want more than just cool, clean, fresh air in your home, then be sure to check out our review of the best portable air conditioners that, in addition to their cooling function, are capable of cleaning the air in the room.
Whynter ARC-110WD 11,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan with Activated Carbon Filter
Each of Whynter’s models is a completely environmentally friendly and high-performance unit that has a relatively high-quality cooling refrigerant. It is thanks to it the best air purification, as well as its cooling when necessary. The air conditioner includes a patented advanced drainage technology that allows you to recycle the collected moisture and use it to produce cool air.
This unit doesn’t just cool your home or apartment, it’s energy efficient, fairly quiet in operation, and it’s programmable. Features a compact design, making it the ideal equipment for rooms where space does not allow you to purchase a large cooling unit. Therefore, it fits perfectly in offices, bedrooms, classrooms, and small workshops.
In addition, this type of cooling and air purification equipment has patented self-evaporation technology, which means that owners no longer have to empty the water tank.
This air conditioner has several modes that help you use it as efficiently as possible:
- In air conditioner mode. With it, you can cool the room and choose one of 3 speeds to help you deal with the heat.
- In dehumidifier mode. You can use the units as a portable dehumidifier, especially when it’s extremely humid days outside.
- In fan mode. If it’s not that hot in the room, you don’t need to run the air conditioner mode, and you can get by with the fan mode.
- In automatic mode. You will be able to set the necessary speed yourself, which will directly depend on the temperature outside the house.
Due to the fact that the portable device is able to cool the room, the moisture will be extracted from the air and collected inside the portable air conditioner. At the same time, this device features a patented function that does not allow the accumulation of moisture, and the technology will automatically drain the liquid that appeared as a result of its cooling. That is why this device is very popular among users.
Pros:
- Availability of self-evaporation technology, which allows you not to pour out the water tank;
- The high performance of the device;
- Reasonable cost;
- Compactness;
- Energy efficiency;
- Usability;
- Ability to program.
Cons:
This air conditioner is not available in European Union countries. It is designed for the domestic market of America.
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan with Activated Carbon Filter
This device is really unique. The fact is that no matter which mode you choose, the model will work as well as possible because it has two key filters (the first – to trap dust and other dirt particles, the second – to remove odors, represented by a charcoal filter).
The presented portable device, which is composed of two hoses, is used to use one hose to inhale air and use the second hose = to exhaust air. This creates a better performance of the device without harming the environment.
The company has a special mission in working. So, such portable type air conditioners that have two hoses allow them to have minimal impact on the environment. This is ensured by having a special refrigerant in the air conditioner, which does not contain any negative compounds, including lead, etc.
This device features different modes, which allows you and your family to achieve the best results. In particular, the equipment can work in cooling mode. This mode is where the device differs in capacity. In dehumidifier mode, the air is able to dehumidify the air masses as it passes through the portable air conditioner. In the fan mode, the best air circulation occurs due to the three-speed settings of the device. Also, this unit can work in heating mode.
Pros:
- Portability of the unit;
- Operation in three powerful units;
- Two hoses that help the unit do its job better.
Cons:
- Cost;
- The difficulty for foreign nationals to purchase.
Whynter ARC-143MX 14,000 BTU 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner with 3M Filter and Storage Bag
This is a portable-sized air conditioner that includes two hoses. It is through them that advanced air filtration takes place. It also has automatic drainage technology, allowing you to use it in server rooms and other areas where you want to keep your operating costs low.
It is part of the company’s new program, so it is lead-free and uses only natural refrigerants.
It comes on the market with an antibacterial air filter, which is needed to remove the smallest particles, including dust, hair, and dander from pets. With an antimicrobial agent, it is possible to achieve a halt to the growth of mold and mildew, and the latest microstructured filter material is able to trap and retain particles that do not escape into the room.
The unit features patented automatic drainage technology, which allows the moisture that has been collected during the unit’s operation to be used and reused.
Pros:
- Availability of multiple operating functions;
- Two hoses, providing better functionality;
- Availability of microstructured filter material;
- An antibacterial air filter that allows you to catch the tiniest particles.
Cons:
- No need to use it at home, and better suited for server rooms. Therefore, the range of indoor use is limited.
Whynter Elite ARC-122DS 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan with Activated Carbon Filter
The user can get great power from a unit that works not just for cooling, but also as a thermal device. The equipment has a convenient touch screen control panel as well as a remote control for remote control. Features the ability to self-evaporate moisture that collects while the unit is operating as an air conditioner (there is an internal auto pump to drain the condensate).
Due to the fact that the device runs on two hoses, it provides better functionality. In addition, the unit cools the air faster and better and has a 24-hour programmable timer which saves energy significantly. The unit can operate on and off automatically. In addition, the user has the ability to program the equipment to cool a few hours before you come home.
This equipment has several programmable features and operating modes, making it the most versatile and convenient to use:
- There are three or four operating modes (for cooling, for dehumidification, exclusively as a fan, for heating).
- Availability of special thermostatic control.
- Safety in the use of the equipment.
- The possibility for the user to enjoy cool and filtered air. So, the unit includes a washable pre-filter as well as a charcoal air filter.
There are several speeds for fan operation.
Pros:
- Features the presence of two hoses for better operation of the unit;
- Multiple filtration systems to achieve better air quality;
- Ability to work for heating;
- Safe to use.
Cons:
- Difficult to purchase outside the United States.
- High cost of equipment.
Whynter ARC-131GD 13,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan with Activated Carbon Filter
If you have a room where air cooling is inadequate, it is best to look into getting a quiet and compact unit that helps you cope with such problems. So, such a portable air conditioner is great for small rooms where it is easy to install and then use. It has a patented technology as part of it, with the help of which you can remove the moisture that accumulates during the process of cooling the room. As a result, you no longer have to empty the water tank as in other portable type devices.
The equipment has a digital control panel as well as a remote control so that you can always conveniently set the desired temperature and humidity.
This unit works in four modes (by cooling the air, by dehumidifying it, as a fan, and also in automatic mode).
There are customers who want a portable type air conditioner and don’t want to empty the condensate collection tank. The model shown is just right for that and will be convenient for you.
Pros:
- Condensate collection tank;
- Multiple operating modes;
- The best air and water filters in the unit.
Cons:
- Suitable for small spaces.
TOP tower cool fan with filter heap
Air conditioners, which have unique HEPA air filters, are very popular among users. It is with them that the best air purification is provided. Let’s analyze the most popular variants of such devices, which are presented on the market.
Dyson Pure Cool, TP01 HEPA Air Refresher & Fan, For Large Rooms
This device is characterized by increased safety, so it can be used in rooms where children live. The fact is that the air purifier does not include rotating blades. In addition, the device is cleaned as conveniently as possible, because the outer surface is smooth, and also has no grates, which makes such work difficult. You can use the airflow control, as well as enable or disable individual functions of the device. There is a special remote control, and there is also a timer to turn off. Installed in large rooms. Distinguished by its quiet operation, so you can turn it on at night.
Pros:
- High quality of work;
- Several modes of operation;
- Ease of use.
Cons:
- As an air purifier, it is not high performance.
Dyson HP01 Pure Hot Cool, HEPA Air Purifier
Quite popular for cleaning and humidifying the air. Features a unique design that makes cleaning the device quite easy. The device has a sensor to track several indicators of air mass quality, as well as setting temperature and humidity. The device has a special LCD display. The device is distinguished by the fact that the structure of the equipment has a UV irradiator, which additionally kills germs and bacteria. In addition, the device allows you to saturate the air with moisture, due to which salt crystals begin to form in the air.
Pros:
- Ease of use;
- Multiple operating functions;
- High quality of the cleaned air.
Cons:
- Low performance as a cleaning and humidifying function.
- Suitable for rooms that are of medium size.
- Cost.
Dyson Pure Cool, TP04 – HEPA Air Purifier and Tower Fan
This device is capable of intelligently cleaning and cooling indoor air. Thanks to Dyson’s special technology, the device makes any room (office, home, etc.) clean. According to studies, it is much more effective to catch and remove small particles, such as allergens or bacteria, with the help of the device.
It contains a special HEPA air filter, which is capable of trapping up to 99.9% of all germs. Energy efficient device that has the appropriate quality certificates. There are several variations of the device, for example, as cleaning equipment, cooling, or in fan mode.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient device;
- Multiple operating modes;
- High quality of cooled air;
- There is a unique HEPA filter.
Cons:
- Expensive.
What should you consider before buying?
Before you buy this device, it is important to follow the following guidelines to choose the best device for you and your family.
Types of filters
- There are several types of filters that are used in modern air conditioners and air purifiers:
- Pre-filter. Represents the primary filter, which is capable of catching large dirt particles, dust, dander, hair, and spores.
- HEPA filter. With its help, it is possible to clean the room as effectively as possible from small particles (microbes, allergens, pollen).
- The filter has an activated carbon. Suitable to absorb the unpleasant smell in the room, smoke.
- Filter with ultraviolet disinfection. Distinguished by the fact that it better removes dust mites, bacteria, and germs.
- Ionic filter. Includes a combination of air conditioner and air purifier. Thanks to the silver ions available, the best purification of air masses occur in the room where such a filter is installed.
Coverage Area
The coverage area is directly related to the cooling capacity of the air conditioner and air cleaner. If you buy a small device, its efficiency for a large room will be minimal. In other words, you will be using the equipment for a long time, wasting energy, and not enjoying cool and clean air.
That said, if you buy a large unit, it will also use a large amount of electricity. And due to the fact that the AC reaches the desired temperature faster, the unit will break down faster.
To choose a device that will be effective for your room, it is best to consult a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many buyers have other questions. For example, which is related to the need to buy a device two in one.
Do I need an air purifier if I have a central air conditioner?
You should. Especially if you want to achieve quality air in your home. A central air conditioner does not remove dirt, and dust, but instead can bring the smell of smoke, dirt, etc. into your home. This is why it is important to purchase such devices to ensure that your indoor air is better purified.
Do air conditioners have HEPA filters?
If we turn to the technical specifications, all filters in air conditioners that have a MERV rating of 17 or more are HEPA filters. Such filters are commonly referred to as hospital-grade and are most effective to trap viruses and charcoal dust.
Is there an air purifier that is also an air conditioner?
Yes. They have all been described in detail in this article.
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