Many of you ask us whether it is advisable to run an air purifier all the time, especially at night. Running your air purifier at night is useful if you want to improve your sleep.
. But what about the energy cost? Aren't there other solutions for cleaning the air in your home? Can you optimise the running time of your air purifier? This is what we propose to you to see in our article.
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Is it effective to leave your air purifier on all the time?
Some high-end air cleaners use a technology called Smart SensorThis means you can run your air purifier all day without worrying about your electricity bill. This means you can run your air purifier all day without worrying about your electricity bill. If your air purifier does not have Smart Sensor technology, it is best not to turn it off for too long. Your air purifier needs to be used for a certain period of time if it is to be effective.
Whether your appliance is on or off, every moment new particles from your pets, air conditioner, open windows or even yourself contaminate your indoor air. By using Smart Sensor, a timer or an air quality indicator, you can optimise your energy bill while breathing healthy air.
If you don't have serious allergy or asthma problems, we advise you to choose an air purifier with a timer function or a air quality indicator. You can then turn off your purifier if you are satisfied with the indoor air quality.
Our advice Always keep the user guide for your air purifier. It contains advice on how long you should use your device.
How to save electricity by using an air purifier?
When you use your air purifier, not only do you wear out the filters, but you also consume a significant amount of electricity. Therefore, it is rather interesting to know how to save your energy.
Our first advice Use your device only when you are at home. You can also trigger your device remotely.
Our second piece of advice Use your air purifier differently at different times of the year. For example, pollen is a problem that occurs mainly in spring and summer, so you can run your air purifier mainly in summer and sparingly in winter. This will save you a lot of electricity.
The 7 best air cleaners in 2023
Do you want to breathe good air, but don't know which air purifier to choose?
Discover our selectionHow long does it take to change the air filter in a purifier?
The filter in an air purifier should be replaced once it has worn out, and this wear and tear occurs more quickly if you run your air purifier every day to trap polluting particles. In general, the HEPA air filter should be replaced after 6 months or even 1 year. It is preferable to have an air purifier equipped with both a pre-filter and a HEPA filter for more efficiency. Finally, the HEPA filter can be cleaned with a hoover to increase its life span.
To go further: follow our 7 tips to permanently improve the air at home!
There are several reasons why our indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air.
Common indoor air pollutants include
- Biological pollutants - Bacteria, viruses, animal dander, pollen, mites, moulds.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - Emissions from various household products such as paints, adhesives, sprays
- Particulate matter (PM 2.5) - Emitted by stoves, heaters, fireplaces where combustion occurs.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) - Emissions from stoves, space heaters, tobacco smoke.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - Emissions from unventilated stoves, tobacco smoke, welding.
- Radon - A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter the atmosphere from underground.
You can reduce pollution by simply taking a few precautions. Here are 7 ways to improve your indoor air quality to 99 %.
1. Improve ventilation
Let fresh air enter your home naturally. Open the doors and windows from time to time. You can run the air conditioner to bring in fresh air from outside. Improving ventilation is the easiest and most effective way to make indoor air clean.
2. Check the humidity
Keep indoor humidity at a moderate level of 30 to 50 %. This will minimise the growth of airborne allergens such as moulds and dust mites. Humidity increases considerably in the summer. During this period, you can use a air conditioner or a dehumidifier to maintain the humidity level in your home.
3. Keep your home clean
Clean your floors and carpets twice a week with a HEPA hoover and wash its filter regularly. Also remember to clean your furniture and household equipment where pollutants settle.
For effective cleaning, use a microfibre cloth and regularly clean the filters in your purification system where dust mites, pollen and other pollutants are trapped. Finally, replace filters as necessary and clean the air ducts of HVAC units to reduce mould growth.
4. Control of volatile organic compounds
Volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, are important indoor air pollutants. They come from some of our everyday consumer products. Air fresheners, aerosols, paints, adhesives and DIY products are all sources of VOC emissions. You should use them with care: use them in a well-ventilated area and do not expose them to the open air if you are not using them.
5. Beware of smoke
Try to avoid smoking in your home. It is one of the main causes of poor indoor air quality. Some of the elements in cigarette smoke can be trapped in furniture and clothing.
Do you smoke in your car and want to clean up the air? Follow our guide: which air purifier to choose for the car?
6. Decorate your home with house plants
Indoor plants can be a useful way to reduce chemicals in the air. They can even be a decorative element in the home. Remember not to over-water them, otherwise micro-organisms will grow in them and may turn into air pollutants. Houseplants that thrive in low light are perfect for bedrooms.
7. Test for radon in your home
It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter your home from underground. You cannot see or smell it, and it causes lung cancer. Consider testing your basement to see if it is present in your home.