5 tips to use an air purifier effectively

Indoor air quality has an important impact on your health. However, there are several sources of indoor air pollution, such as dust, dander, pollen, gas, chemicals and other particles. One of the effective ways to improve indoor air quality is by installing an air purifier. 

An air purifier will bring many benefits to your home:

• Air purifiers are undeniably necessary important for people living with asthma. Pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, or dust mites can trigger asthma, causing difficulty breathing.
• Air purifiers with activated carbon can cleanse harmful chemical contaminants from indoor environments, avoiding the risk of several health problems.
• It neutralizes unpleasant odor and eliminates pet hair from the air. It even eliminates dust, pollen, and allergens from the air, which can be helpful for allergy sufferers.

Most air purifiers are pretty easy to use, you can simply turn it on and leave it running all day long. That said, you can maximize their performance and functionality by following these 5 tips and tricks on how to use an air purifier:

1. Clean or replace the filters regularly
2. Place it in the right place
3. Keep your air purifier ON all the time
4. Keep doors and windows closed when the air purifier is on
5. Do some extra efforts by regular vacuuming

Below are detailed instructions on making the most of your air purifier:

1. Clean or replace the filters regularly

As its filters collect more pollutants over time, your air purifier will lose its efficiency. You will need to either clean or replace the filters to make sure your purifier performs well. Read and follow strictly the filter replacement guidelines in your owner’s manual.

For air purifiers with HEPA or carbon filters, you should replace the filters every year. Most filters have a lifespan of 6 to 12 months, but it depends on usage.

To keep the purifier’s body clean, wipe dust and debris using a microfiber cloth. Avoid using wet cloth.

2. Place it in the right place

If this is the first time you buy an air purifier, you will find it difficult to decide where and how to place it. You need to know that the location of the product matters a lot. Electrolux will share with you some tips for placing your air purifier:

• You should ensure that your air purifier is centrally located in your room to deliver clean air into your personal space. Also, place it on a flat surface such as the floor, dresser, or table
• Most air purifiers have front air intakes and side intakes with the outlet at the top. It’s important to ensure that the location you pick does not block the air intake. Also, you should point the flow of clean air towards your breathing zone. Putting it too low or high can negatively affect its performance. We recommend placing the purifier at least 15 cm from the nearest object, including walls.
• Make sure to place the air purifier in a place where nothing can obstruct airflow. Don’t place it against walls or large furniture. Also, avoid placing books, vases, or anything on the top of the air purifier that can block the airflow or change the settings of the unit.
• Avoid a location that is too hot or too cold. Extreme temperature levels can cause a strain on your air purifier.

3. Keep your air purifier ON all the time

Purifying the air is a continuous process because the airflow in your room is constantly changing. You cannot run your air purifiers for a few hours and expect the air to be clean. Also, running your air purifier 24/7 can benefit people that have allergies and respiratory issues, such as asthma.

But you don’t have to worry about energy consumption - most air purifiers don’t require a lot of electricity, as it only consumes about the same amount as your computer. If you’re concerned about energy usage, you can turn the fan speed to low. If you choose to run it only at certain times, running it at night would be beneficial.

4. Keep doors and windows closed when the air purifier is on

Similar to air conditioners, air purifiers work more efficiently in confined spaces because they can remove micro-dust, odors and allergen faster. If you leave the doors or windows open when using an air purifier, then all the clean air will escape! Thus, to save electricity, just turn off your air purifier when you open the door.

Also, remember to check if there are any leaks in the doors, windows or roofs. This will prevent outdoor air from getting into your room, which saves the filters from overworking.

5. Do some extra efforts to improve indoor air quality

Your air purifier can perform more efficiently if you do some little extra works. Since air purifiers cannot remove large dust and allergens, vacuuming once or twice a week is recommended to improve the air quality. Discover a range of Electrolux vacuum cleaners for superior cleaning performance

Some frequently-asked questions about air purifiers

Do air purifiers work with windows open?

Technically, an air purifier can work with windows open but you should not do that. It’s just not recommended to keep the windows consistently open while using the air purifier. This hinders the performance and reduces the air quality in the room. Also, If the environment outside of your home isn't very healthy or clean, then you should close all the doors and windows when your air purifier is operating.

Should I leave air purifier on all day?

Yes, you can run an air purifier 24/7 to keep your indoor air healthy & fresh. That's because of how air purifiers work, since they work by continuously filtering the air in a room, trapping airborne particles in their HEPA filter. That means in order to get clean, fresh air in your home, you can leave an air purifier running to do its job.

Is it safe to leave an air purifier on all day?

Yes, it’s safe to leave your air purifier on all day. But, you need to make sure that you clean the filters about once a month. The filters trap heavy amounts of dust and allergens which can be harmful to sensitive groups if they’re not cleaned consistently.

How much electricity does an air purifier use?

Small air purifiers use under 50 watts of electricity, while medium air purifiers may use up to 100 watts or more. Hence, you do not need to be worried about energy consumption when turning on the air purifier all day.

Can I use an air purifier along with an air conditioner?

The answer is Yes. Air conditioners are used to cool the air in your room, while air purifiers can improve indoor air quality without regulating the room temperature.

How long does it take for an air purifier to clean a room?

This mainly depends on the setting of the unit, the current air quality, and the size of the room. For a smaller room, it normally takes 30 minutes. For larger rooms, it can take up to two to three hours for the air purifier to improve indoor air quality.

Discover high-quality air purifiers from Electrolux Thailand: