Electric Air Purifier Usage: When and How Long To Use

Most people who purchase an air purifier for the home or office do so to reduce the effects of allergens or smoke. Having a purifier in the home can even reduce eczema. Having selected an efficient and powerful air purifier, you may notice a dramatic improvement in the air quality of your home. However, to achieve maximum results from your machine, it is important to know when to operate it and for how long.

How Long Should You Let It Run for Maximum Effect?

Air purifiers are designed and meant to be used for extended periods of time. It is a common misconception that operating an air purifier for an hour or two in a room will sufficiently clean the air. New particulates swirl around in the air all the time. Humans, pets, air-conditioning and heating systems, and open windows are all responsible for introducing contaminants into a room.

How long to run your purifier greatly depends on its make, model, and type. Your user manual should give you a guideline, but generally you want to keep it on for between five and eight hours at a time, keeping in mind that you can always turn it back on after it has had a rest.

When Should You Run Your Air Filter to Save Electricity?

Those who want to operate air purifiers in the home are often worried about conserving electricity. To run one or more allergen removers for many hours at a time not only wears out the filters and the machines themselves, but also expends an enormous amount of electricity.

To maximize the effectiveness of your air purifier and conserve as much electricity as possible, consider operating it during times of the day when you will be inside the home. Similarly, if you are not using the purifier to reduce allergies, consider keeping windows open to allow for ventilation of smoke or other undesirable particles in the air, if the weather allows.

Running the purifier for a few minutes before you go to sleep at night and keeping it on overnight can help improve your quality of sleep, but you should shut the cleaner off in the morning before you leave the house. You can also turn the intake fan to a lower setting at night to reduce noise and conserve energy.

Additionally, dusting and vacuuming more frequently and thoroughly may help to reduce the amount of time you have to run your purifier by tackling household allergies at the source.

Finally, consider adjusting your use of your air purifier according to the time of year. During the summer, when pollen counts are highest, running the machine for longer periods of time may be wise.

How Long Can You Use a Purifier Before Changing the Filter?

Each model of air purifier has a different filter lifespan. Typically, most quality air filters can operate for a few hours a day for several months without a replacement filter. Some filters may even last up to two years without the need for replacement. If you can clean the filter or filters on your purifier, take the time every few weeks to do so. This will significantly extend the lifespan of the filter. If a filter has been exhausted, change it promptly to maintain your purifier’s capabilities.

Air purifiers make a noticeable difference in the quality of the air around them. Familiarize yourself with your individual model and know how best to use it, when to clean it, and how to replace its parts. Doing so will ensure that you have the cleanest air possible for the longest period of time.