Name the target
State whether the claim concerns particles, gases, odors, biological material on a surface, or another defined purpose.
Indoor-air add-on quote scope
What does the air-quality add-on claim—and what is included?
Filters, electronic cleaners, UV devices, ionizers, and other accessories target different problems and bring different compatibility, maintenance, evidence, and price assumptions. Make the specific product and limited claim visible before deciding.
General information only · Not indoor-air diagnosis, medical advice, a health-outcome promise, mold remediation, safety certification, or product endorsement
Narrow the claim
Different technologies and ratings do not answer the same question.
EPA distinguishes particles, gases, source control, ventilation, filtration, and potential ozone emissions. A quote review can connect a specific product to its represented purpose and limits; it cannot diagnose a home or promise a health result.
Identify product and evidence
Record manufacturer, model, device type, relevant rating or test, product literature, and the limits of the represented claim.
Confirm system assumptions
Address filter slot, cabinet, fan, airflow or static pressure, power, mounting, controls, and manufacturer limitations.
Expose maintenance and ozone information
List replacement parts, intervals, service responsibility, current costs, and applicable manufacturer or test information about ozone.
Price the complete add-on
Separate equipment, cabinet work, electrical, controls, installation, setup, parts, maintenance, warranty, and all-in price.
Quote fields
Connect the quoted product to one supported, limited purpose.
A decision-ready add-on line item identifies compatibility, evidence, recurring ownership, exclusions, and the full installed price.
| Field | Decision-ready answer | Reason to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Specific pollutant or purpose is named | “Cleaner air” is too broad to compare |
| Product identity | Manufacturer, model, and device type are listed | Different technologies share one marketing label |
| Rating and evidence | Relevant rating, test, or literature is cited with limits | A rating is treated as proof of every claim |
| HVAC compatibility | Slot, fan, airflow, cabinet, power, and setup assumptions are stated | The add-on's effect on the air-moving system is ignored |
| Installation | Location, mounting, electrical, controls, and setup are included | The device price omits required work |
| Ozone information | Manufacturer and applicable test information are identified | Potential emissions are not addressed |
| Maintenance | Parts, interval, responsibility, availability, and current cost are stated | Recurring proprietary costs are hidden |
| Warranty and price | Product, labor, parts, conditions, and all-in price are listed | Coverage and required components remain unclear |
Read the result
Clarify, verify, or compare.
The line item promises “cleaner air.”
Ask for the exact product, target, rating, evidence, system assumptions, maintenance, and price.
The product is named but compatibility or limits are missing.
Reconcile airflow, power, mounting, test evidence, ozone information, parts, warranty, and exclusions.
Each quote defines a limited purpose and complete scope.
Normalize the product, evidence, compatibility, recurring costs, warranty, and all-in installed price.
Primary sources
Use current EPA indoor-air guidance and program-owner installation context.
Air cleaners in the home
EPA guidance on source control, ventilation, filtration, product types, ratings, limitations, and ozone.
EPA Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home ↗Indoor air quality
EPA's broader indoor-air context and limits around pollution sources and control strategies.
EPA Indoor Air Quality ↗HVAC quality installation
ENERGY STAR context for airflow, ducts, equipment, and whole-system installation assumptions.
ENERGY STAR HVAC Quality Installation ↗Sources reviewed August 27, 2026. Confirm product-specific compatibility, claims, test information, maintenance, and warranty with the responsible contractor and manufacturer documentation.
Common questions
Put the decision-critical assumptions in writing.
Does a higher MERV number always mean it is right for my system?+
No. EPA recommends using a filter rated as high as the system fan and filter slot can accommodate. The contractor should assess the actual system.
Can an air cleaner solve a mold or moisture problem?+
EPA says filters and air cleaners do not address the moisture source that causes mold. Appropriate evaluation and remediation may be needed.
Does an ENERGY STAR label prove an air cleaner works better?+
For portable air cleaners, EPA explains that the label addresses energy efficiency, not air-cleaning effectiveness. Review product-specific evidence and limits.
Already holding a written quote?
Make the add-on's evidence, maintenance, and price part of the market bar.
SecondLook preserves the written target, product, compatibility assumptions, evidence limits, ownership costs, warranty, and all-in price before comparing a lower option.
- No deposit
- No contractor visit without your approval
- 15% of verified savings only if you use a lower comparable option