Are air purifiers worth the expense?

Asked by: Winnifred Osinski  |  Last update: November 29, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (49 votes)

Yes, air purifiers with a HEPA filter trap polluting particles, including dust, from the air. While it is not a method of getting rid of dust completely, it helps remove the particles in the air you may inhale. Zamora-Martinez also recommends an air purifier in dry climates with sandy environments.

Are air purifiers really worth it?

Yes, air purifiers are worth the investment, even for those without allergies or breathing issues. They improve air quality by removing pollutants, dust, and other particles, creating a healthier environment. You can see what you are breathing in. When you check the filter after a few days or weeks. You will thank me.

Is an air purifier worth the investment?

An air purifier works effectively to filter this dander from your air to leave the environment cleaner and healthier. In some cases, small children are more sensitive to pet dander than adults, so for families with both small children and pets, an air purifier is an excellent investment.

What are the disadvantages of an air purifier?

The mechanical filters can produce a lot of noise, and if you're looking for a quiet home or a quiet appliance, an air purifier may not be the best choice. Finally, air purifiers require regular maintenance just like any electronic device. You'll need to change the filter regularly and make sure that the unit is clean.

Do air purifiers run up your electric bill?

Room air cleaners are portable, electric appliances that remove fine particles, such as dust and pollen, from indoor air. A standard room air cleaner, operating continuously, uses approximately 450 kWh per year in electricity. This is more than the energy used by some new refrigerators!

The DARK TRUTH about Air Purifiers

39 related questions found

Should I leave my air purifier on all the time?

Yes, we recommend running your air purifier 24/7, depending on the season, or your needs.

What uses the most electricity in a home?

Which home appliances use the most electricity?
  1. Heating and cooling: 45-50% The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. ...
  2. Water heater: 12% ...
  3. Lighting: 9-12% ...
  4. Refrigerator: 8% ...
  5. Washer and dryer: 5% ...
  6. Electric oven: 3% ...
  7. Dishwasher: 2% ...
  8. TV and cable box: 2%

What do doctors say about air purifiers?

Medical professionals suggest prioritizing maintaining a clean home and frequently sanitizing frequently used surfaces. Air purifiers should just be an accessory to your cleaning routine, not a priority.

Is it healthy to sleep with air purifier?

Air purifiers improve sleep by removing irritants and circulating the air in your room. They reduce dust and other particles that float in the air by capturing them and filtering them through HEPA filters and a deodorising filter absorbs unpleasant smells.

What are the two disadvantages of hepa filters?

The first is related to their cost. A high-quality HEPA filter can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand depending on the size and model and the area to be covered. Secondly, they need to be regularly maintained and replaced in order to keep them working properly.

How much should I pay for an air purifier?

Top rated units fall in the $120 to $200 range. We generally do not recommend units that cost less than $100 (If you find this price range unaffordable we recommend that you hold off on your purchase - it's that important). More expensive units are also not recommended.

What is the success rate of air purifiers?

HEPA Filters

This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm), which can include dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.

Does an air purifier help with mold?

While air filtration can help reduce airborne mold spores, an air purifier will not eliminate indoor mold growing on or beneath surfaces like walls and floors. Dr. Fineman emphasizes that effective indoor mold control requires managing moisture and humidity to prevent conditions that promote mold growth.

Is there a noticeable difference when using an air purifier?

One of the best aspects of whole-home purifiers is that they effectively treat the entire home. That means less dust throughout your living space. And a lack of dust is a noticeable change for most homeowners.

Do air purifiers get rid of dust?

Air purifiers are devices designed to clean and sanitize the air in your home. They remove impurities in the air, including dust, smoke, odors, and other air pollutants. "Air purifiers (also called air cleaners) are designed to remove small particles from the air we breathe indoors," Mendez says.

Do air purifiers use a lot of electricity?

Most air purifiers consume between 30 and 250 watts of electricity, with the average unit using around 50 watts. To put this into perspective, a typical 60-watt incandescent light bulb uses more energy than many air purifiers.

Should I leave air purifier on all the time?

Many people think that switching it off during the night or when they're not present is a logical energy-saving measure, but it is recommended to keep it running constantly. Once you turn off your air purifier, the air quickly becomes contaminated again with mold, dust, dander, and other pollutants present in the air.

Should an air purifier be on the floor?

Do not forget about the height of the position of the purifier. Specialists recommend placing the device on the floor, because it is near the ground that there is a higher concentration of pollutants. Setting it on a shelf can significantly reduce the filtration efficiency.

What are the negative side effects of HEPA air purifiers?

Headaches, sore throat, coughing, Asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing are a few of the symptoms that can be brought on by some air purifiers. Yes, that's right. Your air purifier may actually aggravate many of the health issues you hoped it would solve.

Do home air purifiers actually make a difference?

The reality is, air purifiers offer an effective option for helping remove particles from the air that circulates in your home. How effective depends on a number of factors, starting with the quality of the air purifier. A high-quality whole-home air purifier filters the air for your entire home.

Do air purifiers clean your lungs?

How air purifiers can boost your health. Many of the potential benefits of using an air purifier are related to your lungs, particularly for conditions such as asthma. “By filtering out fine particles, purifiers help clean the air you breathe and lessen the potential negative effects of pollution,” says Dr. Taliercio.

What runs your electric bill up the most?

What uses the most electricity in my home?
  • Air conditioning and heating: 54%
  • Water heating: 16%
  • Refrigeration: 4%
  • Lighting: 4%
  • Appliances and electronics: 23%

Does unplugging appliances save electricity?

This tiny draw of electricity can add up over time and drive up your usage and thus your electricity bill, so unplugging devices can actually save you money.

Do TVs use a lot of electricity?

The answers may surprise you. Research shows that, on average, modern TVs use approximately 58.6 watts when they're “on” or in use, and approximately 1.3 watts in standby mode. This rate of usage is higher than appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and clothes dryers.