What Does It Cost to Run an Air Purifier in India? Electricity and Filter Expenses Explained

Key Takeaways:
 

• The actual cost of an air purifier combines the upfront as well as the ongoing expenses, like electricity cost and filter replacement cost. 
• Electricity expenses vary with the city; however, buying an energy-efficient air purifier and keeping it on sleep mode or auto mode can reduce the power consumption and provide satisfactory air quality.
• Filter replacement costs are major long-term expenses, particularly in polluted cities, where filters clog faster.

Air pollution in India has become one of the major health concerns. Over half of the world’s most polluted cities¹ are located in India. Currently, the country’s average PM 2.5 levels are nearly 9.78² times higher than the limit prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Because of such high levels of air pollution, air purifiers have become a necessity, especially in metropolitan cities, where the air quality index (AQI) falls into the severe category frequently. 
 

Running an air purifier involves its price tag value as well as operating expenses. This blog will help you understand these expenses and make an informed choice for buying an air purifier for your home.

The Two Cost Pillars Every Buyer Must Understand
 

When buying an air purifier, most people focus on the air purifier price and often overlook the cost they would incur with regular use. However, these ongoing expenses, which are electricity costs and filter replacement costs, actually play an important role in determining the overall cost of an air purifier.

Electricity Costs in India- How to Calculate What Your Air Purifier Consumes.
 

Electricity costs in India vary from city to city. For instance, in Delhi, it roughly ranges from ₹ 3.00- ₹ 8.00 kWh³ (kilowatt- hour). Whereas, in Mumbai, it ranges from ₹ 4.43- ₹ 14.33 kWh⁴. 
 

An air purifier generally consumes around 20W of energy in smaller rooms and approximately 50W for larger areas, depending on the room size, unit’s capacity and the existing air quality. 
 

• Formula to calculate how much electricity is being consumed by an air purifier: 
            Wattage x hours per day x days per year ÷ 1000 = kWh consumed.

❖ Calculation based on the average electricity cost per unit of ₹8.

Auto mode and sleep mode significantly reduce the electricity consumption as the fan speed is reduced and display lights are turned off.
 

Eureka Forbes provides multiple options of energy-efficient air purifiers, like the Forbes 230 surround 360°, which comes with a timer function offering 2-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour and 8-hour settings for energy efficiency.

Filter Replacement Cost: The Real Long-Term Expense
 

People often get confused between the filter types. This makes it difficult for them to estimate the replacement frequency and associated cost. 
 

The following table can be used as a reference:

Although filter replacement depends on the usage and indoor pollution levels, places like Delhi, where the air quality index (AQI) ranges from 307⁵ in April and goes above 500  in November-December, might require frequent filter changes.
 

Generally, activated carbon filters and true HEPA filters cost around ₹ 1600- ₹ 9,000, and from time to time, seasonal offers are available on them. 
 

To know more about the filter types, click on air filters.

Additional Factors to Consider
 

Other than electricity cost and filter replacement costs, factors such as noise levels and availability of replacement parts also influence the selection of an appropriate air purifier. Eureka Forbes offers air purifiers like Eureka Forbes Air Purifier 150 Surround 360°, which operate at noise levels below 55 decibels to reduce discomfort. Moreover, we have an all-India presence, making accessibility to spare parts easier for the consumer.

How to Minimise Running Costs Without Compromising Air Quality
 

It is a notion that you need to spend more on air purifiers for an ambient air quality at home.  However, certain practical steps can be taken to minimise the running costs without compromising the air quality. 
 

These steps include:
 

• Buying an energy-efficient air purifier would reduce the electricity costs without compromising the air quality.
• Using auto mode allows the purifier to adjust its filtration according to the existing air quality, avoiding unnecessary power consumption.
• Keeping doors and windows closed could limit the entry of pollutants from outside, resulting in less load on the air filter.
• Cleaning or washing the pre-filter on a regular basis will extend the lifespan of the air filter.
• Choosing an air purifier based on the capacity and room size would result in efficient purification. 
• Positioning of the air purifier at the centre would ensure proper circulation even at a lower speed.

Conclusion
 

The ongoing expenses attached to air purifiers, such as electricity consumption and filter replacement, depend on the usage, city and existing air quality.  However, these costs can be easily managed by buying an energy-efficient air purifier equipped with different modes, thus reducing unnecessary long-term expenditure while providing an ambient air quality.

References: 
 

1. https://www.aqi.in/in/real-time-most-polluted-city-ranking
2. https://www.iqair.com/in-en/newsroom/india-air-quality-alert
3. https://www.derc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Tariff%20Schedule%202020-21.pdf
4. https://electricbill.in/en/maharashtra-electricity-bill-calculator
5. https://aqicn.org/city/delhi/
    

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How often do I really need to replace the HEPA filter?
    

   The HEPA filter should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on the usage.

    

2. Is buying a cheaper air purifier and replacing filters more often a smarter strategy than buying a premium model?
    

   No, buying a cheaper air purifier and replacing filters frequently would result in higher expenses and a reduction in the air purifier’s efficiency in the long run. It is suggested to buy the premium model with long-lasting filters, such as Eureka Forbes 230 Surround 360°.

    

3. Should I leave my air purifier on when I'm not home?
    

   Yes, you can leave your air purifier on while you are away, but it is advisable to turn it off for an extended vacation to conserve energy and reduce the electricity cost.