Breathe Easier with Galaxy Services – Bay Area HVAC Experts
If you or your family suffer from allergies, upgrading your indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the smartest things you can do. But with so many options: air purifiers, HEPA filters, UV lights, and more, how do you know what really works?
Let’s break down the difference between air purifiers and HVAC filters, and help you decide which solution is best for your Bay Area home.
🤧 Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Allergy Relief
Dust, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and even wildfire smoke can all make their way into your home’s ductwork and circulate through your central HVAC system. Without proper filtration or purification, you’ll breathe those allergens in every day.
Improving IAQ can:
- Reduce sneezing, coughing, and sinus irritation
- Improve sleep and energy levels
- Help asthma and allergy sufferers live more comfortably
🌀 Air Filters: The First Line of Defense
Every HVAC system has an air filter, but not all filters are created equal.
✔️ HVAC Filter Options:
- Standard MERV 8–11 filters: Good for dust and large particles
- MERV 13–16 filters: Better at capturing pollen, mold, and bacteria
- HEPA filters (in compatible systems): Capture 99.97% of microscopic particles
Pros:
✅ Affordable
✅ Easy to replace
✅ Can be upgraded in many systems
Cons:
❌ Won’t remove odors, VOCs, or viruses
❌ Need regular replacement to remain effective
🌬️ Air Purifiers: Next-Level Indoor Air Protection
Air purifiers work alongside your HVAC system to clean the air at a deeper level. Some models use UV light, activated carbon, or ionization to neutralize particles, odors, bacteria, and even airborne viruses.
Popular HVAC-Integrated Purifiers:
- UV air purifiers (great for mold and germs)
- Whole-house electronic air cleaners
- Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) systems
- Activated carbon filters (target odors and smoke)
Pros:
✅ Removes fine particles, odors, and VOCs
✅ Works with your ducted system or standalone
✅ Ideal for wildfire smoke and chemical sensitivities
Cons:
❌ Higher upfront cost
❌ Some require professional installation
🆚 Air Filter or Air Purifier — Which Is Best?
If you’re looking for basic protection from dust, dander, and seasonal allergens, upgrading your HVAC filter to MERV 13 or higher may be enough.
But if you’re dealing with:
- Severe allergies or asthma
- Wildfire smoke exposure
- Musty smells or mold issues
- Indoor pets
…a whole-house air purifier installed by Galaxy Services is your best option for clean, healthy air throughout your home.
🛠️ We Install Allergy-Friendly HVAC Solutions
At Galaxy Services, we install:
- Whole-house air purification systems
- Upgraded HVAC filters (MERV 13+)
- Smart thermostats with IAQ monitoring
- Humidity control add-ons for Bay Area homes
We’ll help you choose the best air quality solution based on your home, HVAC system, and allergy symptoms.
📞 Call Galaxy Services today at (925) 578-3293
💨 Clean Air Experts | Licensed HVAC Contractors | Free IAQ Consultations
🌁 Serving Pleasant Hill, Berkeley, San Mateo, and beyond
Click here to schedule your indoor air quality assessment and start breathing cleaner, healthier air in your home.