How Many Days Does it Take to Notice a Difference When Using an Air Purifier

Updated: Jul 7, 2022 2:00 PM
How Many Days Does it Take to Notice a Difference When Using an Air Purifier

If you are thinking of purchasing an appliance to freshen your air, you may wonder how many days it takes to notice a difference when using the best air purifier. We are here with some answers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The length of time it takes for an air purifier to work will vary depending on the size of the treated area, the power of the purifier itself, and the desired results.
  • Foul odors, for instance, should be drastically reduced with a day or so of continuous use.
  • Feel free to use modern air purifiers 24 hours a day, as this is generally considered to be a best practice.

How Does an Air Purifier Operate?

In order to understand how long it will take to notice a difference while using an air purifier, it can be helpful to know how one of these air purifiers works as well as how long you should keep them on. There are different mechanisms depending on the style of air purifier you choose, but they do share some commonalities. The air purifier pulls in the surrounding air, filters it, and pushes out purified air.

Insider Tip

The air purifier pulls in the surrounding air, filters it, and pushes out purified air.

How Long Will it Take to Notice a Difference?

This will depend on a number of factors and what it is you are looking for the air purifier to do. The size of your home, the level of impurities in the air, and the power of the purifier will all impact how it takes for that air purifier to do its job as well as how many times it changes the air per hour. If you are looking for a reduction in foul odors, you can expect an air purifier to do its job in a day or so. That said, you also want to know how long it takes an air purifier to clean a room, how long HEPA filters last, and the best way to maximize an air purifier’s efficiency.

Tips to Increase Air Purifier Efficiency

If you want to hurry your air purifier along and make it more efficient, here are some tips.

Insider Tip

If you are looking for a reduction in foul odors, you can expect an air purifier to do its job in a day or so.

Run Your Air Purifier Continuously

Modern air purifiers are made to be run at all hours of the day, so do not hesitate to use yours continuously. This will drastically lessen the amount of time it takes to purify the air in a home. We would recommend running an air purifier at a low setting if you are using it 24 hours a day, as doing so with a high setting could wear down some of the internal components.

Maintain the Purifier and the Filters

You should perform regular maintenance and cleaning tasks on your air purifier and its integrated air filters. When it comes to air filters, HEPA filters should be disposed of and replaced once every six months to a year. Other kinds of filters, including electrostatic filters, should be thoroughly cleaned every month. The exterior of the air purifier should also be cleaned around once a month. We recommend using a microfiber cloth for this task.

Warning

We would recommend running an air purifier at a low setting if you are using it 24 hours a day, as doing so with a high setting could wear down some of the internal components.

F.A.Q.

Of all the air purifier options available, what is the most effective air purifier technology?

Many of the newer air purifier technologies are effective in different ways. HEPA-based air purifiers are great for reducing allergens. UV air purifiers are great for destroying bacteria. Activated carbon air purifiers are great for odor reduction.


What are air purifiers supposed to do and do they actually do it?

Air purifiers are supposed to purify the air using a variety of filters. Results may vary depending on your individual air purifier, but they do actually work as advertised.


Can air purifiers filter the outside air that enters your home?

Air purifiers can filter the outside air but most purifiers will easily get overwhelmed as there is plenty of outside air out there. A whole planet’s worth.



STAT: The CADR is a standardized test that shows how many cubic feet per minute an air purifier is able to move to clean out 80% of the pollutants in the air. (source)

Get the Winner of the Day Direct to Your Inbox

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Learn More About Air Purifier