Air purifiers come in a wide array of designs, manufacturers, and models. Some use ultraviolet light to kill pathogens. Some use an electrostatic charge to trap contaminants. They come in small portable versions as well as those designed to integrate with HVAC systems and purify the air for a whole home.
One of the most common questions about air purifiers is how much of the time they should be used. Do you need to run your air purifier all the time?
Manufacturers’ Instructions
Manufacturers of air purifiers are generally in agreement on this one. Air purifiers should be kept constantly running. They are designed to be able to do this for years at a time, with small, well-engineered motors that can handle the job 24/7.
Use of Electricity
You can save hundreds of dollars a year by adjusting your thermostat to use less heating and AC when you’re away from home. The same is not true of air purifiers. With their small motors and simple processes, they draw very little electricity. You’ll barely save any money if you turn your purifier off when you’re away for the day. Each model is different, but you may be spending as little as a dollar a week to run your purifier at all times.
Keeping Contaminant Levels Low
Your air purifier prevents all kinds of things from entering your respiratory system. Pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, and pollution from nearby industry or agriculture are common contaminants. Wildfire smoke adds things like sulfuric acid, volatile organic compounds, and particles of metals to the array of unhealthy things contaminating your air.
When your air purifier has been running for a while, the concentration of these contaminants is greatly reduced. When your air purifier is turned off, it does not take long for the concentration to increase quite a bit.
Some of these contaminants, like germs, have indoor origins like your exhalations. Some will come in every time you open a window or door. And despite our best efforts at weatherization, no home is so tightly sealed that contaminants can’t get in, even with doors and windows shut.
Adjustable Settings
Many air purifiers have three settings: low, medium, and high. If you’re concerned about the small addition to your electric bill, or bothered by the noise, adjust your settings as needed. Use the medium setting most of the time, the low when you need it to be extremely quiet, and the high setting only when there are extra contaminants, such as when you’ve got company over or if you’ve detected mold in your house.
Don’t Forget Your Filters
Many air purifiers also have filtration systems, so you’ll need to be diligent about changing or cleaning the filters. A general recommendation is to clean electrostatic or carbon filters monthly. HEPA filters last much longer. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions, or get in touch with us if you need help with your air purifier in Coleraine, MN.
Reach out to Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning today. Service to you is success to us!