How Much Does a Whole-House Air Filtration System Cost?

Whole-House Air Cleaner Prices

A whole-house air filtration system unit can cost anywhere from $100 to $3,000 or more, excluding installation. The price depends on the type of filter, size, and brand. It can be helpful to consult a local HVAC professional to determine the right model size and type based on:

• Home size

• Existing HVAC setup

• Budget

• Performance expectations

• Efficiency

• Specific allergy concerns

• Pets in your home

• What your HVAC system/ducts can accommodate

Whole-House Air Cleaner Installation Cost

The labor cost of whole-house air filtration system installations ranges between $40 and $100per hour. Installing a whole-house air cleaner is generally not regarded as a DIY project. You'll typically need to hire an HVAC pro to have the cleaner professionally installed. Installation time can range from one to six hours, depending on the unit type and duct accessibility.

Whole-House Air Cleaner Cost by Filter Type

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.

Here are the most common types of air cleaning filters and their average cost range.

Flat Filter

Flat filters are the most affordable at around $10 to $70. 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 can efficiently capture large particles like dust, pollen, and lint and prevent them from entering your heating and cooling system and spreading to your home. However, they can’t catch smaller-size air pollutants, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. Flat filters also need replacing every one to three months. Some homeowners use flat filters as pre-filters for more efficient efficiency.

Extended Media Filter

Extended media filters, also called pleated filters, cost between $400 and $700, including installation by a pro. These filters 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 every so often (about once a year) at 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. Inhaling ozone can cause respiratory problems. Furthermore, while highly effective against smaller particles, they usually don’t trap larger particles like dust and even mold spores.

Electronic filters have low operating costs since 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:

• AC coil cleaning cost: $100–$400

• AC service cost: $75–$200

UV Light Filter

A UV light filter costs between $800 and $3,000. If germs are your main worry, this filter—which uses shortwave UV light to capture pathogens such as bacteria and viruses—could be the one for you. 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 that are 0.3 microns in diameter and larger.

But these filters are typically not common in traditional home HVAC systems due to their size and energy requirements. Most HVAC systems require costly modifications to handle the installation of a true HEPA filter and 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 with no HVAC systems or duct systems if you don’t want to incur new HVAC installation costs.

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

Whole-House Air Filtration System Costs by Brand

Whole-house air filtration systems are available from a variety of different manufacturers. Some of the most popular brands are 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. 

Here’s a look at the average home air filtration system cost for some of the most popular brands on the market right now.

Whole-House Air Cleaner Cost Factors

Homeowners have all the control when choosing the model of air cleaner they want. However, labor costs can come down to factors like home size and duct accessibility. 

If you don't have an existing HVAC system to which you can attach a box, having a stand-alone unit paired with your ductwork can be a more time-consuming project with higher labor costs. 

DIY vs. Hire a Whole-House Air Cleaner Pro

Due to the complexity of this project, installing a house air purifier should only be done by a licensed local HVAC pro. Licensed professionals can make recommendations for safety and efficiency while doing all installation work to code.