5 Factors That Can Affect The Air Purifier Electricity Cost. Tips To Save Energy. (May 2025 update)

If you're considering an air purifier for your home, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: how much do air purifiers cost to run? With UK electricity prices currently at 27.03p per kWh (April-June 2025), it's smart to understand exactly what impact these devices will have on your energy bills before making a purchase.

The truth is, air purifier running costs vary dramatically - from as little as £0.50 per month for basic desktop models to over £20 per month for powerful whole-home systems. Most quality mid-range purifiers designed for UK bedrooms and living rooms typically cost between £2-£8 per month to run continuously, which is comparable to leaving a couple of LED lightbulbs on 24/7.

 

Several key factors determine where your purifier will fall on this spectrum:

● The wattage of your specific model (ranging from 5W to 100W+)

● How many hours per day you run it

● What fan speed settings you typically use

● Your local electricity rates

● The size of your room and purifier's efficiency

Modern air purifiers have become remarkably energy efficient compared to models from just five years ago.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down:

✔ Real-world running cost examples for different purifier types

✔ How to calculate your exact costs based on your usage

✔ 5 surprising factors that secretly increase energy use

✔ Money-saving tips to maximise filtration while minimising bills

Whether you're looking to alleviate allergies, remove pet odours, or simply breathe cleaner air, understanding these energy costs will help you choose the perfect purifier for both your health needs and your budget.

How Much Do Air Purifiers Cost to Run? What Are the Main Factors?

Many customers ask us "how much electricity does an air purifier use?"—and the answer depends on five key factors. While efficient models (like our 3W MOR-AP01) cost £0.58/month (working 24/7), others can add £12+ to your bill. Here’s what affects your costs:

1. Wattage: The Biggest Cost Factor

Do air purifiers use a lot of electricity? Not if you choose wisely:

Morris MOR-AP01: 3W (costs £0.0008 per day - hourly use)

Morris MOR-AP02: 15W–81W (costs £0.004 (15W) until £0.02 (81W) per hour (depending on speed).

"My old purifier used 50W. Switching to the MOR-AP01 saved me £12/month!" – Tom, Glasgow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tip: Low-wattage models (under 10W) are the cheapest to run 24/7.

2. Fan Speed: High = More Energy

 

Speed	Watts	MOR-AP02 Cost (24hrs)
Low	15W	£0.097/day
Medium	33W	£0.214/day
High	81W	£0.525/day

"Do I run an air purifier all the time?" Yes—but keep it on low at night to save money.

3. Room Size: Bigger Spaces Cost More

Small rooms (≤40 sq ft): MOR-AP01 (runs efficiently)

Large rooms (≤237 sq ft): MOR-AP02 (needs more power)

"Our MOR-AP02 cleans our open-plan living room on medium speed, costing just £0.21/day." – Priya, London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. Filter Condition: Clogged = 20% More Energy

Dirty filters force purifiers to work harder, increasing costs.

✅ Morris reminder alerts you when to replace filters.

 

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5. Local Electricity Rates

All costs below use the current 27.03p/kWh rate (April–June 2025). The air purifier electricity consumption will be:

Model	Wattage	Cost per Hour	Cost per Month (24/7)
Morris MOR-AP01 (H13)	3W	£0.0008	£0.58
Basic Purifier (H10-H12)	50W	£0.0135	£9.73
High-End Purifier (H14)	80W	£0.0216	£15.56

 

Key Takeaway:

The MOR-AP01 costs 90% less to run than older "True HEPA" models—just £0.58/month for continuous use.

"Are air purifiers worth the expense?" At £0.07–£0.36/day for clean air? Absolutely.

"I compared 5 brands—the MOR-AP01 was the cheapest to run AND the most effective!" – Lisa, Edinburgh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

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Tips for Reducing Air Purifier Electricity Costs

1. Use a Smart Timer or Schedule

● Many modern air purifiers come with timers or scheduling features.

● Set the purifier to run during peak times, like allergy season, and turn it off during low usage times, reducing overall electricity costs.

2. Set Low Speeds

● Running your air purifier on low speed can significantly lower electricity usage.

● Instead of high speed, keep it on low to continuously filter allergens without high energy costs.

3. Consider Air Purifier Placement

● Proper placement affects airflow and running costs.

● Avoid corners; place the purifier centrally for optimal airflow.

● Keep it away from windows and doors to reduce incoming pollutants.

4. Replace Old Filters

● Dirty filters hinder performance and increase energy use.

● Regularly replace filters with ones designed for your specific air purifier.

5. Get a New Air Purifier

● Upgrading to a modern air purifier can improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Look for units with a 4-stage air purification system:

✔ Pre-Filter: Captures large particles (hair, dust).

✔ HEPA H13 Filter: Removes 99.95% of particles down to 0.3 microns (bacteria, smoke).

✔ Activated Carbon Filter: Eliminates odours and harmful gases.

✔ Ioniser Booster: Neutralises pollutants with negative ions.

 

 

 

FAQs

Do air purifiers run up your electric bill?

Not significantly. This depends on the model's wattage. Morris offers the MOR-AP01, which consumes only 3W of power, making it an energy-efficient choice that minimises its impact on your electric bill while still providing effective air purification. In contrast, the MOR-AP02 consumes between 15W and 81W, depending on the fan speed.

How much does it cost to run an air purifier 24 hours a day?

Are air purifiers expensive to run?

The cost of running an air purifier in the UK will depend on the energy rating of your purifier. Using the current standard electricity tariff in the UK (27.03p/kWh) (1 April to 30 June 2025) (Standard credit UK average), an air purifier with a consumption rating of 0.003 kWh will cost:

For a typical 24W (0.024kW) air purifier:

Calculation	Cost
Per Hour
0.024kW × 27.03p =	0.65p/hour
Per Day (24hrs):
0.65p × 24 =	15.6p/day
Per Month (30 days):
15.6p × 30 =	£4.68/month
Per Year:
£4.68 × 12 =	£56.16/year

 

MOR-AP01: £0.58/month

MOR-AP02: £2.91–£15.76/month (depending on speed)

Ready for cleaner, more affordable air?

Shop MOR-AP01 (Budget pick) | Shop MOR-AP02 (Smart auto mode)

 

Are air purifiers worth the expense?

Yes, air purifiers are worth the expense for cleaner, healthier air—especially if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or live in polluted areas. Modern energy-efficient models (like those under 10W) cost as little as £0.03 per hour to run, making them an affordable long-term investment for better sleep and respiratory health.

Do I run an air purifier all the time?

For best results, yes—run your air purifier continuously on low/auto mode. It maintains clean air by capturing pollutants as they appear, and modern energy-efficient models (like ours) cost just pennies a day to operate 24/7. Only turn it off if the room is empty for extended periods.