🍃 Air purifier

How much electricity does an air purifier use? Cost per day and per year

Air purifier power use at different fan speeds, and cost per day and per year if left running.

Typical power

25 W

Cost per hour

$0.005 · £0.007

Per year · 110 kWh

$20 · £28

With 12 hours a day, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

A HEPA air purifier uses 5–55 W depending on fan speed, about 25 W in auto mode. Running 12 hours a day all year that’s about 110 kWh.

Beware of 3-in-1 models with a heating function: when heating they become 1,500–2,000 W heaters.

The hidden cost is replacement filters: usually changed every 6–12 months, they can cost more than the electricity.

Consumption compared

TypeUsagekWh/yearCost/year
Lowest speed / night mode6 W26$5 · £7
Auto mode25 W110$20 · £28
Highest speed55 W241$43 · £63
Purifier with fan and heater, heating mode1,500 W6,570$1,183 · £1,708

Yearly cost with 12 hours a day.

Work out your cost

Per hour
$0.005
Per month
$1.64
Per year
$20
Energy per year
109.5 kWh

The price is a typical all-in figure for your country: replace it with yours (bill total ÷ kWh).

How to use less

  • Use auto mode with the sensor: high speed is only needed when the air is really dirty.
  • Choose a CADR suited to the room: an undersized unit has to run flat out.
  • Keep windows closed while it runs and clean the pre-filter every two weeks.
Lower-energy modelsCompare prices and energy labels on AmazonAmazon ↗

FAQ

How much electricity does an air purifier use?
About 25 W, or 0 kWh for each hour of use; from 3 to 100 W depending on the model.
How much does it cost per year?
With 12 hours a day it uses about 110 kWh a year: about $20 · £28 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?
Use auto mode with the sensor: high speed is only needed when the air is really dirty. Choose a CADR suited to the room: an undersized unit has to run flat out.

And what does your whole home use?

The calculator estimates heating, hot water and appliances and tells you what to change first.

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