Many people think that switching it off during the night or when they're not present is a logical energy-saving measure, but it is recommended to keep it running constantly. Once you turn off your air purifier, the air quickly becomes contaminated again with mold, dust, dander, and other pollutants present in the air.
This is why most manufacturers will recommend you to leave your air purifier running all day, especially if it comes equipped with an automatic setting. This setting allows your device to monitor the quality of your air in your home for you and to adjust its speed depending on the levels of pollutants that it detects.
Regardless of where you live, the good news is, air purifiers do not use a lot of electricity to operate.
In a peer-reviewed study by SleepScore Labs, 93% of users said adding an Alen BreatheSmart 45i HEPA purifier helped them sleep better and wake feeling fresher. By using an air purifier in your space, you can take control of your air quality, sleep deeply, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Leaving your air purifier turned on throughout the whole day is the best move. United States Environmental Protection Agency depicted that running air purifiers all day long removes certain respirable-size particles like tobacco smoke particles.
Many people think that switching it off during the night or when they're not present is a logical energy-saving measure, but it is recommended to keep it running constantly. Once you turn off your air purifier, the air quickly becomes contaminated again with mold, dust, dander, and other pollutants present in the air.
Mold is an obvious health risk in any home, but investing in an air purifier can help limit your exposure. The best among them will ideally offer HEPA-level filtration, with this level of filtration being able to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.
The first is related to their cost. A high-quality HEPA filter can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand depending on the size and model and the area to be covered. Secondly, they need to be regularly maintained and replaced in order to keep them working properly.
Part of the reason that HEPA filters are so rarely used in HVAC systems is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. This means that the system needs to be extremely powerful and use additional fans in order to properly draw air through the HEPA filter and circulate it throughout the room or building.
Running an air purifier for a few hours on the highest setting or up to 12 hours a day can be sufficient for most homes. If you prefer not to leave it on while you're away or sleeping, use a timer to manage its operation. How long does it take for an air purifier to clean a room?
What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.
Heating and cooling: 45-50%
The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.
Air purifiers assist in eliminating household dust by helping to clean and purify the air in the home. Dyson's advanced purification machines are engineered with technology that traps dust before it settles on your furniture and floors. Dyson purifiers capture 99.95% of dust and ultrafine particles1.
3) Energy Consumption
Some advanced units have varying fan speeds, which will affect energy consumption. For example, an air purifier with a Medical-Grade H13 HEPA filter and three fan speeds may consume 0.015 kWh at low speed, 0.033 kWh at medium speed, and 0.081 kWh at high speed.
For context, electricity usage is a minor factor in the cost of air purifier ownership. The cost to run Alen's largest unit, the 75i, on its top fan speed 24/7 for a year is likely less than $50. Customers typically run the unit on speed 2 or 3, so the average cost is likely less than $25 for an entire year.
Is It Safe to Leave an Air Purifier On While You're Away? Leaving an air purifier on while you're away from home is generally considered safe, as most modern air purifiers are designed for continuous operation.
One mechanism of damage results from ozone-olefin reactions, and another from ozone reacting with electron donors (such as glutathione). Inhalation of relatively small amounts of ozone can cause coughing, chest pain, throat irritation, and shortness of breath.
Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters offer an effective solution for reducing indoor dust levels and improving overall air quality.
Medical professionals suggest prioritizing maintaining a clean home and frequently sanitizing frequently used surfaces. Air purifiers should just be an accessory to your cleaning routine, not a priority.
The average lifespan of HEPA filters can vary significantly depending on their usage, environment, quality, and maintenance, as previously discussed. However, as a general guideline, HEPA filters typically last between 6 months to 3 years before needing replacement.
ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulate matter than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are 99.999% effective at removing submicron particulate matter of 0.12-micron diameter or larger, while HEPA filters are 99.97% effective for eliminating particulate matter of 0.3-micron diameter or larger.
This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).
You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem.
Use an air purifier: An air purifier can help trap mold spores in the air and prevent them from spreading. Be sure to choose a model with a HEPA filter, which can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. Use a dehumidifier: Mold thrives in damp environments, so reducing humidity levels can help prevent mold growth.
A general rule of thumb is to have one air purifier for every 300-500 square feet of living space. However, this can vary depending on the specific model's capacity and your indoor air quality needs. Consider your space and lifestyle factors to make a decision that will work for your family.