The purchase price is just the beginning. Air purifiers have ongoing costs that can add up—or can be quite reasonable, depending on the model. Here's what to factor in.
Electricity Costs
Air purifiers run continuously for best results. How much does this cost?
Typical Power Consumption
- Low speed: 5-15 watts
- Medium speed: 15-40 watts
- High speed: 40-100+ watts
For comparison, a 60-watt light bulb uses 60 watts. Most purifiers on medium speed use less than a light bulb left on.
Annual Electricity Cost
Running a 30-watt purifier 24/7 for a year:
- 30 watts × 24 hours × 365 days = 262.8 kWh per year
- At typical rates, this is quite modest
Electricity costs vary significantly by region, so check your local rates. But for most people, electricity is a minor cost compared to filter replacement.
Filter Replacement Costs
This is usually the bigger ongoing expense.
Typical Replacement Schedules
- HEPA filters: Every 6-12 months
- Carbon filters: Every 3-6 months
- Pre-filters: Washable or replace every 1-3 months
Filter Cost Ranges
- Budget models: $20-40 per HEPA replacement
- Mid-range models: $30-60 per HEPA replacement
- Premium models: $50-100+ per HEPA replacement
The Real Cost Trap
Some "cheap" purifiers have expensive proprietary filters. A purifier that costs half as much upfront but has filters that cost twice as much becomes more expensive over time.
Check Filter Costs Before Buying
Always look up replacement filter prices before purchasing a purifier. A "budget" purifier with expensive filters isn't actually budget-friendly.
Total Cost of Ownership
Here's how to think about true cost:
3-Year Cost = Purchase Price + (Annual Filters × 3) + (Annual Electricity × 3)
Example Comparison
| Cost Factor | Budget Purifier | Mid-Range Purifier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $80 | $200 |
| Annual filter cost | $80 (2 × $40) | $50 (1 × $50) |
| Annual electricity | ~$30 | ~$35 |
| 3-Year Total | $410 | $455 |
The "expensive" purifier only costs $45 more over three years, but likely offers better performance and build quality.
Ways to Reduce Costs
Use Pre-Filters
Pre-filters catch larger particles before they reach the HEPA filter. Cleaning or replacing cheap pre-filters extends HEPA filter life.
Match Size to Room
An oversized purifier works harder than needed. A properly-sized unit runs at lower speeds, using less energy and potentially extending filter life.
Consider Third-Party Filters
Some purifiers have compatible third-party filters that cost less than OEM replacements. Quality varies, so research reviews. This isn't always available or advisable.
Don't Over-Replace
Follow manufacturer guidelines, but don't replace filters more often than needed. Some purifiers have filter life indicators that can be conservative.