How Long to Run an Air Purifier: 3 Factors that Affect Power on Time
If you want to learn how long to run an air purifier to get the most out of it, you are in the right spot. Without knowing the right time frame, even if you have the correct CADR and room coverage the unit will be useless.
That is why I invite you to read this informative guide and make the best use of your purifier. Let’s get started!
Quick Answer
In order to know the accurate time for air purifier usage you need to know the following:
Room Size Specifications: Manufacturers mention how long it takes to fully cycle the air in a given room size. If you have placed the air purifier in the recommended space it will take you from 30 minutes up to a couple of hours.
Consider Air Quality: High levels of pollutants or allergens may necessitate running the purifier until the indicator turns green. It usually takes approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Tailor According to Your Preference: If you do not have severe allergies, get bothered by operation noise, etc. then in such cases running time and fan setting depend on you.
But that’s not all! Continue reading to learn how long and fast should you run a purifier. Also, get insights into what factors come impact running time. Let’s head below to find out the complete details!
How Long to Run an Air Purifier for Clean Indoor Air?
Experts advise using the purifier:
At least 12 hours a day to effectively remove airborne pollutants.
If continuous operation isn’t possible, use the max settings for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
You can also leave it until the indoor air quality indicator turns green.
Pro-tip: Once the air quality light turns green, shift the setting to the lowest fan speed. This will make air purifiers consume less energy yet keep the air fresh.
How Fast Can a HEPA Air Purifier Change and Fresh Air?
Atmospheric condition plays an important role in order to decide how long a HEPA filter air purifier will take to cleanse the air. A reasonable estimate is the number of air changes per 15 minutes to 1 hour mentioned by the manufacturer.
Important! You have to make sure that the air purifier is AHAM verified so the claim is validated and correct.
What are the Factors That Decrease or Increase Air Purifier’s Run Time
There are a couple of important factors that can impact air purifier run time. These include the type of filtration mechanism and the physical size of the machine. Most importantly, the severity of your problem such as how bad is the pollen season. Let’s read on to learn in detail!
In a large room, to achieve the same level of air purification as in a small room, you may need:
More powerful air cleaner;
Longer operating time.
If you have a recommended-sized air purifier then run it for 10 to 12 hours.
Here’s a helpful video that will guide you about placing your device in the correct place for better results :
2. Air Extraction Rate
We need to find the right balance between cleaning well and not using too much energy. To figure out the best Air Extraction Rate, you can try the different speeds. Assess which one makes the air super clean without using too much energy.
Important! If you have very polluted air it is recommended to use the maximum setting.
3. Filter Type
Filter type impacts runtime by a significant amount. The stronger filters are able to trap more particles in one air change. Multiple air purifiers offer HEPA filters which are the best in the market and the fastest in improving indoor air quality.
But, if you are not using genuine filters with your purifier, this will not only affect the purification time but also the quality of the air.
Are There Safety Risks Associated with Running the Purifier Throughout the Day?
Running an air purifier continuously is not something to be concerned about. In most cases, the purifier buyers are facing constant air pollution. So in order to not trigger allergies or breathing problems one should keep it on.
It is completely safe to have an air purifier running while you sleep. For many people, it is advised to keep it on to help rest better as it removes allergens and airborne particles.
Important! Keep in mind your device is labeled as ozone-free. Otherwise, the long usage might trigger respiratory issues.
I recommend running the purifier on sleep mode which is a built-in feature in most air purifiers, so it adjusts to the lowest setting. Also if you are a light sleeper, noise levels do not disrupt your naps.
Is it Possible to Schedule a Timer on My Air Purifier?
Not all air purifiers but most of them nowadays come equipped with timer settings that allow you to schedule when the purifier turns on and off.
You can set the purifier to run while you’re away, ensuring that you return home to improved air quality.
In smart air purifiers, timers can also be set via the mobile app while you are not present on the same premises as it.
How To Bring Down the Purifier’s Cleaning Time
In order to help run an air purifier for a shorter time here are the things you can do:
Air purifier unit with a High Clean Air Delivery Rate: The higher the rating for dust, pollen, and smoke particles, the faster it will purify the air.
Adequate Room size: Residential air purifier performance depends on whether it is placed in the recommended area size or not.
Filtration Types: In order to clear air pollutants multi-filtration system is important. However, the more filters are present the more energy they will consume and slow down airflow speed. The recommended ones are HEPA filters, Carbon filters, and Prefilter.
FAQs
Should I run an air purifier all the time?
Yes, you should run an air purifier all the time if you experience constant poor air quality, have severe allergies, have pets that shed a lot, smoke indoors, etc. Invest in an energy-efficient air purifier with an eco or auto mode so power consumption is not heavily loaded.
How many hours a day should I run my air purifier?
You should run your purifier for 10 – 12 hours at least to have optimal purification. But, this timeframe can also be changed if you have a lot bigger space than your device’s mentioned coverage area.
Is it OK to leave the air purifier on all night?
It is OK to leave the air purifier on all night but the energy consumption is high and too much electricity is used. Hence make sure to utilize sleep settings and auto modes. This will also prevent it from making more noise.
Is it better to run an air purifier during the day or at night?
According to a study by NIH, it is better to run an air purifier at night when you are sleeping instead of day. This will promote peaceful breathing and complete rest. However, if you experience bad air quality you can run your machine day and night.
Summing up how long to run an air purifier depends upon the indoor air quality, the size of your room, and the unit’s CADR. Some devices have an air quality indicator that will help you to understand how much time it takes to make a clear environment.
If the airborne pollutants are in a dangerous amount it might take 10 to 12 hours. There is no harm if you run your purifier all day but if you don’t want to opt for full-day usage, it is best to use your during the night.
This helps you to have a more peaceful sleep without harmful particles. You can also use the automatic mode. It will not help you adjust the cleaning speed when pollution is low but also save energy consumption.
Danny is a passionate writer who loves to share his knowledge about air purifiers. He’s been writing for 10 years, and he’ll share all that experience with Very Well Home viewers to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy an appliance!
