How Long Should You Run An Air Purifier?

If you have recently purchased a high-quality air purifier, you may be asking yourself “should I run an air purifier all the time or just when I’m home?” Don’t worry. We have answers.

Should You Run an Air Purifier All of the Time?

Generally speaking, it is safe for you to run an air purifier all of the time, with some caveats. Although, you may wonder if air purifiers are harmful or helpful, and if these purification devices can remove carbon monoxide.

For a comparative look at these devices, read our air purifiers vs. dehumidifiers guide.

• HEPA-based Air Purifier – Experts have encouraged consumers to run traditional HEPA-style air purifiers all of the time. The longer one of these purifiers runs, the more air cycles it can complete, leaving your home free from air pollutants. It is also the best for cleaning N95 particles, which are 95% of airborne particles that are of 0.3 microns or larger. A HEPA air purifier will remove 99.97% of these particles. Running these purifiers continuously can also reduce foul odors. There will be a slight energy draw, but the cost will be relatively minor. And, as long as you install the air filter in the air purifier correctly, it’ll work fine.
• Ionic Air Purifier – These air purifiers should only be run when needed, because they release trace amounts of ozone into the air. We recommend running these air purifiers for an hour or two every day.
• Electrostatic Air Purifier – Electrostatic air purifiers can be run continuously, and doing so could help improve the overall air quality. Just be sure to clean the electrostatic filters once every month.
• Bipolar Air Purifier – Similar to ionic air purifiers, bipolar units should be only run when needed. This type of purifier also releases ozone into the air, which can worsen the symptoms of certain respiratory ailments.
• Ozone Generator – Try to run ozone generators only when needed, as this type of air purifier releases a significant amount of ozone into the air. As previously stated, ozone can worsen the symptoms of asthma and several other ailments.
• UV Air Purifier – It is perfectly fine to run a UV air purifier continuously, as ultraviolet light is not harmful to humans or animals. The light produced by these purifiers could be an annoyance as you try to sleep though.

Benefits of Running an Air Purifier Continuously

You will experience several benefits by running an air purifier all of the time. These could include a reduction of foul odors throughout the home, a decreased level of airborne pathogens, and a sounder night’s sleep. Feel free to experiment to find the optimal level of air purification in your home. If you find that you only need to run it 12 hours a day, then that will also be a great option. However, as long as you continue using the air purifier, it may get wet, affecting how it works. You should consider powering it off and giving it time to dry off. Additionally, you may be interested in learning the differences between an air washer vs air purifier to see which is best for your home needs.

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