The purchase price is only the start of what an air purifier costs. Electricity and, especially, replacement filters add up over the years you own it — and the cheapest unit to buy isn't always the cheapest to run. Here's how to budget realistically.

Electricity Costs

Air purifiers are genuinely inexpensive to run compared to most home appliances. Most models draw between 20–60 watts on normal/auto settings, occasionally spiking higher on maximum fan speed. Using a typical Australian electricity rate of around 30 cents per kWh:

💰 Rough Annual Electricity Cost (24/7 Operation)
  • Small unit, ~25W average: Roughly $65–$70 per year
  • Mid-size unit, ~40W average: Roughly $105 per year
  • Large unit, ~60W average: Roughly $155 per year

In practice, most units spend the majority of their time in auto mode on low or medium speed, only ramping up briefly when air quality sensors detect a spike — so actual costs tend to sit toward the lower end of these ranges. Compared to running an air conditioner or heater, even continuous purifier use is a minor addition to your power bill.

Filter Replacement Costs

This is where running costs vary the most between brands and models. True HEPA filters need periodic replacement — typically every 6–12 months, though heavy use, bushfire smoke exposure or pet hair can shorten that. Replacement filter prices in Australia generally fall into these bands:

  • Budget/compact units (e.g. Levoit-style): $30–$60 per replacement filter
  • Mid-range units (e.g. Philips-style): $60–$120 per replacement filter
  • Premium units (e.g. Dyson-style): $100–$180 per replacement filter

Some units use a combined HEPA + carbon cartridge (simpler, one part to replace), while others use separate pre-filter, HEPA and carbon layers with different replacement schedules — worth checking before you buy, since separate components can mean more frequent, smaller purchases rather than one larger one.

Total Cost of Ownership: A Worked Example

Over three years of continuous use, here's roughly how the numbers stack up for a mid-range purifier used in a typical bedroom or living area:

  • Purchase price: $400–$600 (one-off)
  • Electricity (3 years @ ~$100/year): approximately $300
  • Filters (3–4 replacements @ ~$80 each): approximately $280
  • Total 3-year cost: roughly $980–$1,180, or around $27–$33 per month

A cheaper unit with expensive filters can end up costing more over three years than a pricier unit with affordable filters — always check filter price and replacement interval before comparing purchase price alone. See our Dyson vs Philips vs Levoit comparison for how filter costs vary specifically between the major brands.

How to Cut Running Costs

  • Use auto mode instead of running on maximum fan speed constantly — it uses less power and extends filter life
  • Clean or replace the pre-filter regularly — a clogged pre-filter forces the motor to work harder, using more electricity and shortening the main filter's life
  • Close doors and windows while running — reduces how hard the unit has to work to maintain clean air
  • Buy generic-compatible filters where available and genuinely equivalent — can meaningfully cut ongoing costs versus brand-only replacements
  • Right-size your purifier to your room — an oversized unit for a small room wastes both electricity and filter life reaching a clean-air target faster than needed

Is Running One 24/7 Worth It?

Given electricity costs are relatively low, yes — continuous operation is generally the most cost-effective way to maintain consistently clean air, rather than switching the unit on only when you notice a problem. Air quality can decline between uses in ways you don't immediately notice (dust resettling, allergens building back up), and restarting from a "dirty" baseline each time is less efficient than maintaining a steady clean state.

💡 Budget for Filters, Not Just the Unit

When comparing purifiers, always check the manufacturer's recommended filter replacement interval and current filter price before buying. A $50 difference in filter cost, replaced twice a year, adds up to $300 over three years — often more than the price gap between two units.

Conclusion

Electricity is a minor, predictable cost for most air purifiers — typically $65–$155 a year depending on size and usage. Filters are the real variable, so factor replacement price and frequency into your decision from the start rather than after you've already bought the unit. Running your purifier continuously on auto mode is usually the most cost-effective way to maintain clean air over time.

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Michael Torres

Home Appliance Specialist

Michael has over 15 years of experience in the home appliance industry, with a particular focus on air quality products. He's helped thousands of Australian families select and maintain the right air purification solutions for their homes.