Did you know that the air inside your home could be more polluted than the air outside? According to the U.S. Environmental protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can carry higher levels of contaminants, and considering that most people spend about 90% of their time indoors, this makes indoor air quality (IAQ) a major concern.
If you’ve been experiencing allergies, headaches, respiratory discomfort, or trouble sleeping, the air in your home may be part of the problem. In this guide, Macawsome Heating & Cooling explores the best air purification solutions for Ontario homeowners and how to select the right option for your space.
What’s Polluting Your Indoor Air?
To choose the right purification system, it helps to understand what you’re trying to eliminate.
The EPA categorizes indoor air pollutants into two types:
- Particulate Matter – Includes dust mites, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander and smoke particles.
- Gaseous Pollutants – Emitted from stoves, cleaning products, furniture, and construction materials. These often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde.
Ontario homeowners, especially during wildfire season or Santa Ana winds, may also experience spikes in indoor pollutants from outside sources, further stressing the need for effective filtration.
Whole-Home vs. Portable Air Purifiers
There are two primary types of air purification systems available to homeowners:
Whole-Home Air Purifiers
These are installed directly into your HVAC system to clean the air throughout your entire home. They operate quietly, work while your heating or cooling runs, and require minimal upkeep. For Ontario residents dealing with dust, allergens, or lingering odors across multiple rooms, this option offers consistent and comprehensive protection.
Portable Air Purifiers
These standalone units are best for targeted spaces like bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices. Portable purifiers offer flexibility and affordability, especially if you only need to improve the air in a few high-use areas. They’re ideal for renters or homeowners looking for room–by–room filtration.
Popular Air Purification Technologies
Different air purifiers use different technologies – many of which can be layered for stronger filtration.
- HEPA Filters – Capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust, and bacteria.
- Activated Carbon Filters – Absorb odors and gaseous pollutants such as smoke, pet smells, and VOCs from household products.
- UV-C Light – Destroys mold spores, bacteria, and certain viruses by breaking down their DNA. Often used alongside HEPA systems.
- Ionic Purifiers – Charge particles so they stick to surfaces or collection plates. While less common in newer systems, some units still incorporate ionization for added filtration.
For homes in Ontario where allergens, wildfire smoke, or urban pollution are common concerns, a combination of HEPA and carbon filtration is often the most effective solution.
How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for Your Home
To get the most out of your air purifier, make sure its coverage area matches the size of your room or home. A unit that’s too small won’t filter effectively – especially during wildfire season or high pollen days.
Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to see how quickly it removes smoke, dust, and allergens. A higher CADR means faster, better performance. If you’ll use the purifier in a bedroom or shared space, choose one that runs quietly, even on higher settings.
For 24/7 use, look for ENERGY STAR-certified models to help save on energy bills.
Ontario homeowners often love the Levoit Core 400S for medium to large rooms, or the Coway Airmega 250 for powerful whole-room filtration with real-time air quality monitoring.
Not sure which one’s right? Macawsome can help recommend the best fir for your home and air quality needs!
Maximize Your Air Purifier’s Performance
Even the best air purifier can only do so much if it’s not installed or maintained properly. To get the most out of your system:
- Place portable units away from walls or corners so air can circulate freely.
- Keep doors and windows closed while the system runs, especially on high-pollen or smoky days.
- Replace filters regularly, typically every 6-12 months depending on usage and manufacturer guidelines.
- Pair filtration with ventilation and humidity control to maintain balanced indoor air.
- Schedule HVAC maintenance, since clean coils, ducts, and vents help your air purifier work more efficiently.
Regular vacuuming and dusting with microfiber cloths will also help reduce the overall pollutant load in your home.
Breathe Easier with Macawsome Heating & Cooling
The best air purification solutions go beyond buying an air purifier – they involve understanding what’s in your air and how to remove it effectively. At Macawsome, we specialize in helping families across the Inland Empire find the right air quality solutions for their home’s unique needs.
Whether you’re dealing with pet dander, seasonal allergies, wildfire smoke, or just want clear air for your family, we’re here to help.
Call (909) 333-4004 to schedule an air quality consultation or to learn more about whole-home and room-specific air purification options near you!
