People see air purifiers as essential home appliances nowadays, primarily because of the recent global pandemic. However, if you are a first-time owner, you’re probably asking: should I use the air purifier daily and for how long should I leave it on?
Generally, an 8 to 12-hour runtime daily is good enough to keep indoor air clean. Heavy-duty air purifiers can even run 24/7. To date, there is no clear disadvantage when leaving them on all day.
Still, it’s best to check and follow what your manual says, as duration can vary based on the product or model.
Air purifier runtime also depends on the health status of your household and the air quality within your environment. So, while there are suggested standards, there is no fixed air purifier schedule.
However, keep reading if you still need to know more about the best time to use your air purifier.
I’ll highlight some essential points you should know when running your air purifier for several hours.
Points to Consider When You Use the Air Purifier Daily
As mentioned, choosing the ideal air purifier runtime is up to you and your situation at home. However, there are also factors to consider if you decide to run it every day or all day.
Here’s a list of best practices you can use for guidance.
1. Run the air purifier all day when indoor quality is relatively poor.
If you are in a newly renovated home or there’s smoke or heavy haze outside, keep your air purifier on for several hours or all day for the best results.
These conditions emit dust, volatile compounds, and harmful substances that are not good for your health. Some of these pollutants may even cause nausea and headaches.
Running your air purifier round-the-clock should help clear the indoor air faster.
2. Daily use of an air purifier can shorten its filter screen’s lifespan.
Continuous air purifier operation can saturate the filter screen faster than usual.
Without proper cleaning or timely replacement, the filter can diffuse polluted air indoors, leading to secondary pollution.
So, have spare filters on hand if you use your air purifier every day. Also, inspect the screen weekly to replace it in time.
3. Consider the cost of using your air purifier every day.
Air purifiers for home use typically use 50 to 100 watts, depending on size. So, generally, air purifiers do not consume a lot of electricity, even if you use them every day.
Still, if you’re trying to regulate your power consumption at home, running your air purifier only when necessary is more practical.
The same principle applies to filter replacement. You can limit the need to buy a new filter by turning your air purifier on for a few hours rather than all day.
4. Look for a smart air purifier with built-in sensors.
If you plan to use the air purifier every day, a modern model is a worthy investment. This machine type takes the guesswork out of air purifying and automatically turns on and off using its air quality sensors.
Most smart air purifiers have a scheduling feature and pollutant detector, while some even have voice control and work with a compatible app.
These modern features naturally make the appliance more expensive. However, these are also typically well-built with good warranty coverage – essential specs of an air purifier for heavy use.
Aside from helpful sensors, check the cleaning requirements, wattage, and replacement filter cost, too.
5. Place your air purifier at an ideal location.
When using your air purifier for hours, its placement is vital to optimum performance and energy efficiency.
Position your air purifier somewhere with enough space around it, and avoid spots with blockages like shelves and corners. Also, avoid placing it behind or under your furniture.
Air purifiers work best in enclosed or confined spaces, too. So, close the windows before turning on the appliance.
Check out this previous article for more tips on where to place your air purifier.
6. Turn off the machine when no one is home.
Most users integrate their air purifiers with short-circuit protection in case of electrical malfunction.
Nonetheless, if you use your air purifier every day, it’s best to turn it off if you will be away from home for a long time. It’s an extra precaution for your peace of mind.
You can also opt for a modern air purifier with a compatible app, which you can remotely switch on a few hours before you get home.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing wrong with keeping your air purifier on for hours every day. It is even ideal, especially in areas with high indoor air pollution.
However, there are also factors like energy cost, filter lifespan, and safety to consider. Keep these in mind and go for what’s practical.
Lastly, choose an air purifier with features that suit frequent use.
