When deciding where to place an air purifier, there are a few key factors to consider:
Room Size
Air purifiers are rated for a certain room size, usually indicated in square feet. Make sure to get one that’s appropriately sized for the room you want to purify. As a general rule of thumb:
- Small purifiers (up to 200 sq ft) are good for rooms like bedrooms and home offices.
- Medium purifiers (201-500 sq ft) work well in mid-sized rooms like living rooms and playrooms.
- Large purifiers (500+ sq ft) are ideal for open concept spaces and large rooms.
Putting an undersized purifier in a too-large room means the air won’t get filtered as efficiently. Oversized units use more energy than necessary.
Air Flow
Air purifiers work best when air can freely circulate through them. Avoid putting your unit in a corner or directly against a wall. Leave at least a few inches of clearance on all sides.
Also consider the room’s existing air flow. Most experts recommend placing units near air return vents so they can filter air that’s already circulating.
Pollutant Sources
Consider what you want the air purifier to filter when deciding where to put it. Key pollutant sources include:
- Kitchens – Cooking fumes, food smells
- Bathrooms – Mold, mildew
- Living spaces – Smoke, pet dander, dust
- Bedrooms – Dust mites, pet dander
Placing the unit near pollutant sources helps improve air quality more efficiently. For example, an open-concept living room/kitchen area would benefit from a purifier placed in the kitchen.
Convenience
Make sure to place the purifier somewhere easy to access. You’ll need to be able to easily change filters and control settings.
Some common convenient spots include:
- On the floor next to an outlet
- On a sturdy end table
- On a counter top away from the stove
Avoid putting it somewhere hard to reach like high shelves or packed bookcases.
Noise Levels
Air purifiers produce low levels of white noise from their fans. This shouldn’t be an issue in most rooms, but consider sound levels if placing one in a bedroom or home office.
Look for quieter models (under 45 dB on the lowest setting) or place the unit away from beds/desks to reduce distractions.
Suggested Room Placement
Taking these factors together, here are some suggested locations for common rooms:
| Room | Recommended Placement |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | In a corner near the bed but not directly next to your head while sleeping |
| Living Room | Next to the couch/seating area or near the entranceway |
| Kitchen | On the counter or table, away from the stove |
| Bathroom | On the counter or a stand near the shower |
| Basement | Near the stairs/entranceway |
| Office | On the floor under your desk or table |
Other Tips
- Keep the unit upright at all times – do not tilt or lay it on its side.
- Plug directly into a wall outlet rather than a power strip.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas with high humidity.
- Vacuum the pre-filter weekly to keep dust from accumulating.
- Change out filters based on manufacturer recommendations, typically every 3-6 months.
Conclusion
When deciding the best place for an air purifier, consider room size, existing air flow, pollution sources, noise, convenience, and accessibility. Place the unit in an open area where air can circulate freely through the filters. Prioritize high traffic rooms where you spend the most time like bedrooms, living spaces, and offices. With some strategic placement, an air purifier can effectively clean the air in your home.
