How Much Does a Whole-Home Air Purifier Cost in 2025?

Whole-Home Air Purifier Cost Factors

The cost to install a whole-home air purifier depends on the filter type and brand, the size of your home, the condition of your existing HVAC system, and labor fees. 

Home Size

The size of your home can affect the cost of installing an air purification system. Large homes typically require a more extensive system with additional equipment, such as in-duct purifiers, which adds to the total cost. Homes with multiple levels or open floor plans also require more powerful units to purify the air of a larger space.

Filter Type

The type of filter you use determines the cost of your whole-home air filtration system installation.

Air cleaners have minimum efficiency reporting values (MERVs) from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) that rate a filter’s ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns using a scale of 1 to 16. Whole-house air filtration systems with higher MERVs are more expensive because they’re better at trapping specific particle types.

Flat Filter

Flat filters are the most affordable, at around $10 to $70. However, if you have an HVAC technician install one for you, the cost can jump to between $50 and $170 due to labor charges. These filters consist of fibers—usually fiberglass—stretched over a framework. 

Flat filters efficiently capture large particles like dust, pollen, and lint, preventing them from entering your heating and cooling system and spreading to your home. However, they can’t catch smaller air pollutants like viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. Flat filters also need replacing every one to three months. Some homeowners use flat filters as pre-filters to increase efficiency.

Extended Media Filter

Extended media or pleated filters cost between $400 and $700 for materials and installation. They are often more effective than flat filters at removing smaller airborne pollutants such as mold spores. 

Extended filters are made of high-efficient filter paper pleated in an accordion-style frame. The pleating increases the total surface area for filtration and allows the filter to capture more debris. Like flat filters, extended filters need replacing about once a year, which costs around $40 to $60.

Electronic Filter

Most electronic filters cost between $600 and $2,000 to install. These filters employ an electrical field to trap charged particles. The most common type of electronic air cleaner is the electrostatic precipitator, which typically traps particles on a set of charged flat plates. 

One disadvantage of these filters is they generate ozone as a by-product of the air purification process, which can cause respiratory problems. Furthermore, while highly effective against smaller particles, they usually don’t trap larger particles like dust and mold spores.

Electronic filters have low operating costs because they don’t need replacing, but you must clean them regularly to maintain their effectiveness. You can save money by combining your electronic filter cleaning with other services, including:

• AC coil cleaning cost: $100–$400

• AC service cost: $75–$200

• Whole-home humidifier installation cost: $400–$2,500

UV Light Filter

A UV light filter costs between $800 and $3,000. If germs are your main worry, this filter uses shortwave UV light to capture pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. However, these filters can’t remove dust, pollen, or gaseous contaminants.

HEPA Filter

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter installations cost between $2,000 and $4,000. True HEPA filters claim to capture more than 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter and larger.

Due to their size and energy requirements, these filters are often not found in traditional home HVAC systems. Most HVAC systems require costly modifications to handle the installation of a true HEPA filter. They counter the airflow slowdown these filters cause due to their higher density. To install a HEPA filter, you might have to budget for the costs of adjusting ductwork and vents. 

Portable Air Filter

Portable air filter units cost between $500 and $1,800. They’re typically used in homes without HVAC or duct systems and are ideal if you don’t want to incur new HVAC installation costs.

The greatest advantage of portable air filters is that they can be moved from room to room. You can use them whenever you need localized air cleaning, such as in your bedroom at night.

Existing HVAC System

Whole-home air purifiers are installed at the air intake point or within the duct path of your HVAC system. If your existing HVAC system is in poor condition or requires modification, you’ll need to include the cost of additional HVAC work in your budget. 

You can schedule an HVAC inspection, which costs between $100 and $500, to assess your system's condition and performance. If the inspection uncovers the need for ductwork or system changes, expect to pay between $100 and $250 per hour for labor. If a complete replacement is necessary, installing a new HVAC system costs anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.

Brand

Whole-house air filtration systems are available from various manufacturers. The most popular brands include AprilAire, Lennox, Carrier, Trane, and Honeywell. The cost and reliability of units vary by brand. Make sure to do your research and read customer reviews before making a purchase. 

Labor

The cost to hire a local HVAC pro to install a whole-house air filtration system ranges from $40 to $100 per hour. Depending on the unit type and duct accessibility, the installation time varies from one to six hours. Due to the complexity of the installation, labor costs will likely increase for a large home or a unique layout.

Do Whole-House Air Purifiers Increase Home Value?

Whole-house air purifiers can increase home value, depending on your location and the type of system you install. Buyers concerned about indoor air quality and airborne contaminants may be attracted to an air purification system's health benefits. These systems can also reduce wear and tear on your HVAC, which may appeal to potential buyers concerned about maintenance and HVAC repair costs.

Installing a completely new HVAC system with your air purifier can increase home value by up to 7%. Most homeowners see a return of around 60% on their investment.

Budgeting for a Whole-Home Air Purifier

While installing a whole-home air purifier is an investment in your health and home comfort, the price can add up. To keep the project within your budget, consider the following money-saving tips:

• Compare air purifier brands and models to find the most efficient, cost-effective option for your household. 

• Some contractors offer bundle discounts when you combine air purifier installation with other HVAC services. If you have other projects that require assistance, have them done all at once to make the most of the labor fees.

• Opt for an energy-efficient model to reduce utility bills and save on long-term costs.

• Keep up with regular maintenance to ensure your system stays running in top condition and avoid costly repair bills.

• Compare quotes from multiple HVAC contractors to find competitive offers in your area.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.