However, in general, the duration of use required depends on the size of your space and the amount of indoor pollution (which varies throughout the year). 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.
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.
Benefits of Running an Air Purifier All Day
Probably the biggest benefit of keeping an air purifier on at all times is having constant and continual control of airborne pollutants and allergens, which carries numerous other benefits.
Regardless of where you live, the good news is, air purifiers do not use a lot of electricity to operate.
Leaving your air purifier turned on throughout the whole night is the best move. United States Environmental Protection Agency depicted that running an air purifier all day long removes certain respirable-size particles like tobacco smoke particles.
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.
Running your purifier while you sleep is a great way to spend many hours each night breathing air that was cleaned with your purifier. Overall, removing contaminants from the air will not have a negative impact on sleep.
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.
However, in general, the duration of use required depends on the size of your space and the amount of indoor pollution (which varies throughout the year). 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.
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.
Keep your device away from moisture or areas with high humidity. Place your device at least 6 inches from walls, furniture, or other items while in use. Place your air purifier near the most likely source of indoor air pollution. Consider investing in an air purifier that shuts off automatically with a timer.
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.
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.
For the best results, keep the whole home air purifier on all day. During common weather, you can run an air purifier for as long as you like. It's generally a good idea to use the appliance only when someone is at home. An air purifier improves sleep quality by cleansing the air around you.
As a general rule, it is never a good idea to run your air conditioner or HVAC system without an air filter in place. Any amount of time spent doing so can lead to permanent damage and the possibility of needing expensive repairs.
First, check the system's airflow. A working air purifier features clear, consistent airflow. If the purifier is not blowing out air (easily determined by placing your hand in front of the system), there's likely a problem. If you are unable to hear anything, that's also a sign the purifier isn't working.
Room air cleaners are portable, electric appliances that remove fine particles, such as dust and pollen, from indoor air. A standard room air cleaner, operating continuously, uses approximately 450 kWh per year in electricity. This is more than the energy used by some new refrigerators!
Air purifiers help reduce allergens and pollutants, but improper use can have health risks. Overuse of ozone-producing purifiers can irritate the respiratory system. Additionally, if filters are not replaced regularly, purifiers may become less effective, leading to poor air quality.
When used correctly, air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively reduce dust and other allergens in the air. They may be particularly useful if you're allergic to dust mites or pollen or if allergens trigger your asthma.
Ozone-Generating Air Cleaners
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.
All kinds of factors can affect your sleep, but creating a good, comfortable environment is extremely important to ensure its quality. Sleeping with an air conditioner or air purifier can help by creating just the right conditions for a good night's rest.
The reality is, air purifiers offer an effective option for helping remove particles from the air that circulates in your home.
Ensure your air purifier has enough clearance around it to function optimally. Avoid placing it behind furniture or in tight corners where airflow might be restricted. Ideally, there should be at least 3-5 feet of clear space around the unit to allow for unimpeded air intake and output.
Typically, a high-quality air purifier like those from Alen can start showing noticeable air quality improvements within 30 to 60 minutes. However, achieving optimal results throughout your entire space can take several hours, depending on the conditions.
Keep your purifier running
We recommend running air purifiers 24/7 on their highest “quiet” setting—usually medium—or leaving them on their auto mode if they have that feature.