Air purifiers are an essential tool for keeping indoor air clean and free of pollutants. They can help reduce the symptoms of allergies and asthma, as well as remove odors, smoke, and other contaminants from the air. But when should air purifiers be used for optimal results? The answer is simple: leave the air purifier on all day. Continuous operation is key to ensuring that the air in your home is constantly being filtered and cleaned.
This is especially important for those with allergies or asthma, as air purifiers with a high hourly air change rate (ACH) can filter out more microscopic allergens. Air purifiers work by forcing air through filters to capture contaminants. The best air purifiers can clean the air in a space at least four times an hour, which is the rate recommended for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. However, when the air cleaner is turned off, indoor air pollution returns to its pre-treatment state.
To ensure that your family breathes clean indoor air that is constantly cleaned of new pollutants and other harmful particles entering your home, it's best to leave the air purifier on all day. Many manufacturers use the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR) rating system to evaluate air filter performance, so make sure to check this before purchasing an air purifier. HEPA-filtered air purifiers can also capture bacterial and viral particles of 0.3 microns or greater, so look for this feature when shopping for an air purifier. Some filters are reusable and washable, but require meticulous maintenance, so they are not usually found in the most effective air purifiers.
It's also important to note that some air purifiers use ionizers to help attract particles such as static negative ions, which bind to dust and allergens and cause them to be deposited out of the air. However, the EPA does not recommend the routine use of DIY air purifiers as a permanent alternative to products of known performance (such as commercially available portable air purifiers). Make sure that any air purifier you use does not produce ozone, which is toxic and will not improve the air. In conclusion, leaving an air purifier on all day is the best way to ensure the highest possible level of air quality in your home. Air purifiers remove pet dander, dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, pollen and pollution from indoor air, so running them continuously will help keep your family safe from these contaminants.
