How Long Should I Keep an Air Purifier On?

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Updated Jul 7, 2022 1:56 PM

If you have recently purchased the best air purifier or if you are just doing research, there is one question that may be coming to mind. How long should I keep an air purifier on? Don’t worry. We are here with much-desired answers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • It is generally considered a good practice to run an air purifier continuously, though results may vary depending on the make and model.
  • If you are running your air purifier all of the time, be sure to place it on a low setting.
  • Running an air purifier continuously can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms and foul odors.

How Air Purifiers Work

To understand whether or not you should keep an air purifier on all of the time, it will be helpful to know how these contraptions work. The specifics will vary depending on the make and mode, but air purifiers work by sucking in air from the atmosphere, running this air through filters, and then spitting the purified air back out into your home.

Insider Tip

It is generally considered good practice to keep an air purifier running continuously, as this will provide the best level of purified and breathable air.

How Long Should I Keep the Purifier On?

It is generally considered good practice to keep an air purifier running continuously, as this will provide the best level of purified and breathable air. So go ahead and keep that air purifier running all of the time, with one caveat. If you are running an air purifier continuously, keep it at a low setting. This will help conserve energy and help keep the purifier operating at peak efficiency. Just be mindful of how long it will take your air purifier to clean the room and how many times an air purifier changes the air per hour when making decisions about running time.

Benefits of Having an Air Purifier Running Continuously

Here are just some of the benefits of running an air purifier continuously in your home or office.

Insider Tip

Running an air purifier all of the time can be especially helpful during allergy seasons as people flow into and out of your home.

Decreased Allergy Symptoms

Running an air purifier, like a PM2.5 air purifier, continuously should reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms related to allergies. This is because an air purifier running all of the time will naturally push out more purified air than a machine that only runs some of the time. This will translate to more offending allergens being filtered out or destroyed. Running an air purifier all of the time can be especially helpful during allergy seasons as people flow into and out of your home. With allergies like this, that’s how you know you’ll need an air purifier, preferably a UV air purifier that works effectively at neutralizing germs and allergens.

Reduced Foul Odors

If you are having an issue with an unpleasant smell in the home, running an air purifier continuously will remove it quicker than if you are running that same purifier sporadically. This method can be particularly effective for a number of offensive smells, such as smoke, mold, mildew, food aromas, and more. Some smells are clingier than others, so be patient as you run the air purifier. In other words, it could take a day or two for the odor to be completely eliminated. Because air purifiers can be a big investment, make sure you know the signs that your air purifier isn’t working so you can stay on top of maintenance issues.

Warning

If you are running an air purifier continuously, keep it at a low setting.

F.A.Q.

What are the best types of air purifiers for all-day use?

There are many types of air purifiers that have been rated for continuous use, including HEPA-based purifiers and electrostatic purifiers. Some purifier types should be avoided when it comes to all-day use.


Do air purifiers get rid of dust mites?

Yes, as long as they are floating in the air and have not settled on a surface. Air purifiers do a great job at removing airborne dust and dust mites.


What type of air purifiers are not good for 24-hour use?

Though many types of air purifiers are good for 24-hour use, consumers should avoid continuously using ozone-generating air purifiers and ionic air purifiers. Both of these types of air purifiers can release unhealthy particles into the air.



STAT: According to statistics, more than 186 million Americans are living in areas with questionable air quality – a clear indication of why air purifiers are enjoying a surge of popularity. (source)

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