How to Know If an Air Purifier Is Working Properly?

April 27, 2024

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With the growing pollution, air purifiers have become necessary for everyone at home or office. It is what everyone requires to keep the indoor air clean and breathable. But have you ever thought of cleaning your air purifier? A device or appliance is dirty for everyone if you can see dirt on top of it. But it is not always necessary. The dirt in an air purifier is not visible, and neither is the contamination in the air. Hence, it is important to ensure that your air purifier is working properly. To ensure this, you can do a physical test of your air purifier. Physical tests are not very difficult to do and can be easily done by you without the assistance of a professional coming to your home or office.

The first step in ensuring the efficacy of your air purifier involves understanding that unlike visibly dirty appliances, the dirt accumulated within an air purifier is often invisible to the naked eye. Likewise, the contaminants present in the air might not be readily perceptible. Therefore, relying solely on external appearances isn’t sufficient; instead, it’s essential to conduct periodic assessments to verify its functionality.

Table of Contents

How To Check If an Air Purifier Is Working?

Finding out whether your air purifier is working or not is not easy. However, here are some ways to help you test your air purifier. These tests are easy to do and check without any difficulty.

How to Know If an Air Purifier Is Working Properly?

Check The Indicator Lights

This is one of the best and easiest ways to tell whether the air purifier is still working or not. There are different kinds of air purifiers, and hence, their indicator lights also differ from each other. You may also find different indicator lights for various parts of the air purifier, such as filter condition, fan speed, pollen mode, etc. The most important indicator light that you need to check is the filter out of all of these.

If the indicator light for the air filter is on, then it is time for you to change the filter or clean it. A clogged filter will not purify the air and damage your air purifier. If there are three different indicator lights for your air filter, keep a good eye on it.

Check for Air Circulation

Another simplest way of finding out if your air purifier is working properly is to check the airflow. As most of you are aware, the air purifiers tend to adjust the fan’s speed according to the level of contamination in the air. If your air purifier is automatically adjusting the fan speed, it is working properly. You can also reduce the fan’s speed manually and check if you are feeling a little breeze through the vents of the air purifier. If you do, then it is working.

Even though the fan speed keeps changing, you need to remember that the fan should not make too much noise. If the purifier is making too much noise, it is an indicator of it not working properly. However, if it is not making even a little noise, it is an indicator that it is time to fix your air purifier.

Check Air Purifier Filters (If Any Contaminants)

Air purifiers filter the contamination from the air to give you, and your family purified air indoors. However, the contaminants are stuck in the filter of the air purifier. Therefore, you must check the filter regularly. The duration to check the filter depends on the type of purifier you have. It is advisable to check your filters every 2-3 weeks and replace them every 6-8 months for better air purifier performance. After that, you can vacuum it or wash it gently with warm water. However, it is also necessary to remember that you dry the filter before putting it back.

How to Know If an Air Purifier Is Working Properly

Use an Air Quality Monitor

Once you have checked the filter, fan, and other air purifier parts, you need to check the air quality. This can be done with the help of an air quality monitor. It is ideal for keeping the monitor at home for better air quality indoors. Before buying the monitor, ensure that you do your research and choose the best monitor. While checking the monitor to check the air quality, ensure that your air purifier is switched on. The reading displayed on the monitor will let you know the air quality and whether the air purifier is working properly or not.

Here are some simple yet effective methods to gauge the effectiveness of your air purifier:

Visual Inspection: Begin by examining the exterior of your air purifier for any visible signs of damage or accumulation of dust and debris. While this might not provide a comprehensive indication of its performance, it’s a good starting point to ensure that the device is well-maintained.
Air Quality Monitoring: Invest in an air quality monitor to measure the air quality in your home or office before and after operating the air purifier. This allows you to quantify the improvement in air quality attributed to the purifier’s operation. Look for monitors that measure particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants commonly found indoors.
Filter Inspection: Check the condition of the air purifier’s filters regularly. Over time, filters become clogged with contaminants, reducing their efficiency. If the filters appear dirty or discolored, it’s time to clean or replace them, depending on the type of filter your device uses. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on filter maintenance.
Airflow and Noise Level: Pay attention to the airflow and noise produced by the air purifier. A decrease in airflow or an increase in noise might indicate a problem with the device’s internal components. Clean the air inlet and outlet vents to ensure unobstructed airflow, and if the issue persists, consider contacting the manufacturer for troubleshooting or repairs.
Odor Removal: Assess whether the air purifier effectively eliminates odors from your indoor environment. While some odors may take longer to dissipate, consistent exposure to clean, filtered air should gradually improve indoor air quality and eliminate persistent odors.
Manufacturer Recommendations: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and usage provided in the user manual. Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as cleaning the device and replacing filters, ensures optimal performance and prolongs the lifespan of your air purifier.

FAQ

How long does it take to notice the effects of an air purifier?

Once you have switched on the air purifier, it can take any time from 45 minutes to 3 hours for it to purify the air. However, it depends on how contaminated the air is indoors. It also depends on the power at which the purifier is working and the volume of the air.

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

It depends on the power setting of the air purifier and the size of the room. It also depends on the quality of the air. It can take up to 3 hours to purify your air completely.

How many hours a day should you run an air purifier?

If you want to keep the air always purified, you should keep the air purifier running for at least 12 hours. However, this is not a fixed schedule that needs to be followed. You can keep it running according to the requirement.

Should you leave an air purifier on all the time?

You can leave the air purifier running for 12 hours but keeping it running for 24 hours will remove all the new contamination in the air.

To maximize the efficiency of an air purifier and expedite the process of air purification, several strategies can be adopted:

Placement: Position the air purifier in a central location within the room to ensure optimal air circulation and coverage.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the purifier well-maintained by replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Clogged or dirty filters can hinder the purifier’s performance.
Continuous Operation: For consistent air quality improvement, run the air purifier continuously, especially in environments prone to high levels of pollutants.
Supplementary Measures: Consider implementing additional measures to reduce indoor air pollution, such as proper ventilation, minimizing the use of pollutants indoors, and regular cleaning to remove dust and allergens.

Final Word

When there is pollution everywhere and there is a high risk of respiratory issues, air purifier has come as a boon. But, if the air purifier is keeping you and your family safe and giving you purified air, then it is also important to ensure you maintain the purifier. So, keep a regular check on the purifier and all its parts to ensure that your purifier is working properly at all times.

Regular maintenance of an air purifier is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental aspect of maximizing its performance and longevity. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Change Filters Regularly: Filters are the frontline soldiers in the battle against airborne contaminants. Over time, they accumulate dust, allergens, and other particles, diminishing their effectiveness. To maintain peak efficiency, it’s crucial to replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 6 to 12 months.
Clean Exterior Surfaces: Dust and dirt can accumulate on the exterior surfaces of the air purifier, hindering airflow and reducing its effectiveness. Wipe down the exterior regularly with a damp cloth to prevent buildup and ensure unobstructed airflow.
Inspect and Clean Air Vents: Air vents can become clogged with dust and debris, impeding the flow of purified air. Periodically inspect the vents and use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush to remove any buildup, allowing for unrestricted airflow.
Monitor Performance: Pay attention to any changes in the performance of your air purifier, such as reduced airflow or unusual noises. These could be indicators of underlying issues that require attention. Promptly address any issues to prevent further deterioration of the purifier’s functionality.
Keep Surrounding Area Clean: Maintaining cleanliness in the vicinity of the air purifier can prevent the introduction of additional pollutants into the air. Vacuum regularly, minimize sources of indoor pollution, and avoid smoking or burning candles nearby to preserve the quality of purified air.

By adhering to these maintenance practices, you not only ensure the continued efficacy of your air purifier but also safeguard the health and well-being of yourself and your family. Clean air is essential for respiratory health, particularly in environments where pollution levels are high. With proper maintenance, your air purifier can serve as a reliable ally in the ongoing battle for clean, healthy air.

Keep in mind all the tips for healthy and purified air around you.