If you recently purchased a top-rated air purifier, you may have one question on your mind. How to maximize air purifier efficiency. These machines are designed to filter out impurities from the air, after all, so efficiency is key.
Keep in mind, that efficiency can be hindered if you don’t change the air filter in your purifier. Other issues can be not getting rid of mold in the air purifier, not installing the right air filter, and not regularly resetting the carbon light on an air purifier.
There’s quite a bit to learn about maintaining an air purifier. And, we are right here with you so keep reading.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- If you are looking to maximize the efficiency of your air purifier, start by regularly cleaning, maintaining, or replacing the air filters according to instructions.
- You should also feel free to run the purifier all of the time, as modern units are designed for continuous operation.
- Experimenting with the settings can also be a good way to increase efficiency.
How Does an Air Purifier Function?
Filter-based air purifiers function by drawing in the air via fans, running that air through a filter of some kind, and then releasing the filtered air back into the atmosphere. As this works, you’ll be able to tell how many days it takes to notice a difference when using your air purifier. Ionizers work by releasing negatively charged ions that bond with airborne particles, drawing them to the ground. UV air purifiers work by drawing in air from its immediate surroundings and blasting it with a focused beam of ultraviolet light.
Insider Tip
Filter-based air purifiers function by drawing in the air via fans, running that air through a filter of some kind, and then releasing the filtered air back into the atmosphere.
How to Maximize the Efficiency of an Air Purifier
Though the specifics will vary depending on your make and model, there are some universal tips and guidelines to follow when looking to maximize the efficiency of any air purifier. Also, you need to know how to measure a room using square footage for the air purifier to work effectively. Also, if you can avoid it, try not to hide your air purifier, as a sofa or wall can block the air output.
Keep the Filters Maintained
If you primarily use a filter-based air purifier, such as those that have been equipped with a HEPA filter, an electrostatic filter, or an activated carbon filter, you should perform due diligence to keep these filters cleaned and maintained. The cleaning and maintenance process will differ depending on your actual air purifier, but HEPA filters generally need to be disposed of and replaced every six months to one year. Activated carbon and electrostatic filters should be cleaned with water and a microfiber cloth once every month.
Insider Tip
The cleaning and maintenance process will differ depending on your actual air purifier, but HEPA filters generally need to be disposed of and replaced every six months to one year.
Run it Continuously
Feel free to run your air purifier all of the time, as modern purifiers are designed with that in mind. Running an air purifier continuously will almost certainly bump up its efficiency and efficacy. If you are going to be using your air purifier all of the time, you may want to do so at a low setting.
Use the Highest Setting
If you really want to tick up your air purifier’s efficiency, fiddle with the settings. Try running the purifier on its highest setting when needed, especially if you are experiencing a foul odor or you have discovered mold or a related allergen in your home. If you are running your purifier on its highest setting, be sure to check in on it every now and then.
In addition, you can maximize your air purifier efficiency by adding tea tree oil to your water-based air purifier to make a tea tree oil air purifier that will not only purify the air but also leave it smelling nice.
Warning
Activated carbon and electrostatic filters should be cleaned with water and a microfiber cloth once every month.
F.A.Q.
What are air purifiers supposed to filter out and do they actually do it?
Air purifiers are supposed to filter out a multitude of airborne particles, including allergens, mold, mildew, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, germs, and virus particles. Do they do it? This will depend on your air purifier, but they are considered to be effective in many cases.
Can air purifiers filter the outdoor air that enters your home?
Air purifiers can technically filter outdoor air that enters your home, but most units are not designed to filter a large amount of air so outdoor could overwhelm it over time.
What are other ways I can improve the air quality in my home?
Get a humidifier and regulate it so your home’s humidity is between 40 and 60 percent. You can also regularly clean and dust all surfaces and vacuum.
STAT: HEPA filters are no less than 99.97% efficient at capturing human-generated viral particles associated with SARS-CoV-2. (source)
