Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (Not Just Purchase Price)
Why it matters: A $100 purifier with $60/year in filter replacements and high energy use can cost more over 3 years than a $200 model with washable filters and low wattage.
What to look for:
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Filter replacement cost & frequency: HEPA + carbon filters typically need replacement every 6–12 months. Budget $30–$80 per set depending on the brand.
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Washable pre-filter: Saves money since you can rinse and reuse it instead of buying replacements.
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Energy consumption: Check the wattage. A 22 W purifier running 24/7 costs ~$2–3/month in electricity (at $0.15/kWh). A 50 W model costs ~$5–6/month.
3-year cost example:
| Model | Purchase Price | Annual Filters | Annual Energy | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget model | $100 | $60 | $60 | $460 |
| Efficient model | $180 | $40 | $30 | $390 |
Buyer tip: Before buying, search for replacement filter prices for that specific model. If they're $80+ per set or hard to find, factor that into your decision.
