What Is a Fresh Air System?
A fresh air system supplies outdoor air to an indoor space. Designs differ: some include heat or energy recovery, and filter specifications vary. aqi0’s whole-home air purifier uses a standalone positive-pressure arrangement with a washable pre-filter and H13 HEPA filtration. It is designed, assembled and tested in Gurugram, installed in homes across Gurugram, South Delhi, Noida and Faridabad, and costs ₹82,600, fully installed.
How the aqi0 installation works
Outdoor air enters through a planned intake, passes through filtration and is supplied into the home. The layout needs paths for that air to reach occupied rooms and for air to leave. The assessment considers normal door positions and kitchen or bathroom extraction as well as the unit itself.
Positive pressure can encourage outward airflow through available paths. It does not guarantee zero infiltration under every wind, exhaust or window condition. Read positive pressure explained for the practical limitations.
What it does—and what needs separate assessment
The HEPA stage filters particles in the supplied air. Outdoor-air exchange can help dilute pollutants generated indoors when the incoming air is suitable, but a particle filter does not establish gas removal. Intake location therefore matters.
The system is not an air conditioner, dehumidifier, kitchen exhaust or medical treatment. Headaches, poor sleep or coughing do not by themselves identify a ventilation problem. Use measurements and appropriate professional advice for the question being investigated.
The DOE ventilation overview distinguishes supply, exhaust, balanced and energy-recovery arrangements. aqi0’s specifications below describe our product, not every system in those categories.
aqi0 sizing and costs
| Item | Current product basis |
|---|---|
| Coverage | One unit up to 2,000 sq ft carpet area; above that or across multiple floors, plan for two units after layout assessment |
| Effective airflow | Approximately 500 m³/h; see the technical note for the distinction from free-air rating |
| Installed system | ₹82,600, fully installed |
| Annual care plan | ₹14,750/year |
| Optional AQI/PM2.5 monitor | ₹4,000, sold separately; does not measure CO₂ |
See pricing and the technical note for inclusions, warranty and the performance commitment. Room readings depend on operating conditions and maintenance, so this guide does not predict indoor readings from outdoor AQI alone.
Plan the installation before committing
A site assessment checks carpet area, floor plan, intake placement, supply route, power, access and necessary permissions. Installation work depends on the building; do not assume the same opening, duct length or duration for every home.
aqi0 currently installs a standalone system with its own intake and supply path. HVAC integration is not offered. Existing cooling and extraction can remain part of the assessment without being connected to the new system.
Keep maintenance straightforward
Clean the washable pre-filter every 7–10 days following the supplied instructions. HEPA service is approximately every 45 days through October–February, with intervals during other months based on pollution load. Scheduled visits rotate one of the three HEPA panels and include machine cleaning under the care plan.
Use the filter-care guide for the schedule and checks. Keep a measurement log if performance changes rather than assuming the filter is always the cause.
Compare it with your other options
A suitable room purifier can be useful for particle filtration in a room. Additional outdoor-air supply is a separate requirement. Compare the actual space, maintenance, noise and installation involved in the fresh-air system versus purifier guide, or read about HRV and ERV tradeoffs.
Frequently asked
Does a fresh air system work in summer with AC running?
Yes. The AC and fresh air system are complementary — AC controls temperature, fresh air controls air quality. Incoming outdoor air is warm, but the 500 m³/h volume is small enough that a typical 1.5-2 ton AC absorbs it without a noticeable cost increase.
Does it work during monsoon?
Yes. Monsoon brings PM10 down (rain washes large particles) but PM2.5 remains elevated — only heavy downpours shift it. The system runs year-round, unaffected by humidity as long as pre-filter maintenance is routine.
Is it noisy?
At normal operating voltage, it runs at a sound level comparable to a ceiling fan on speed 2 — background noise that disappears into the ambient sound of your home. At peak-AQI mode (higher voltage during Diwali / smog events), slightly more audible but still acceptable in a bedroom.
How often do filters need to change?
Every 45 days during October-February, every 60-90 days otherwise in NCR. Covered under most manufacturers’ AMC.
Can I install it myself?
Technically yes, practically no. It requires a wall or glass opening, ducting, and electrical termination. Improper sealing causes moisture ingress; poor duct layout reduces airflow. A professional install takes a few hours and includes performance verification.