What is the Best Location for an Air Purifier?

Do you have a smoker in your home, or a funky smelling area? That is where you should place the air purifier. The closer the air purifier is to the contaminant, the faster it will trap the particles that are giving you grief. If you happen to have a neighbor who smokes leading to some odors seeping into your home, place the air purifier near the vent or wall where the odor is most concentrated.

Although it is very difficult to trap odors that are not originating in your home, by placing the air purifier where the odor is being introduced into your home, you are trapping the particles as close to the offender as possible.

Factors Influencing Air Purifier Placement

Air Movement and Circulation

Air purifiers work by drawing in contaminated air and releasing clean air back into the room. To enhance this process, consider the natural air movement within your space. Placing the purifier near areas with good airflow—like near doors or windows—can help it capture airborne particles more effectively. However, be cautious of direct drafts that might push pollutants away from the purifier before it can filter them.

Room Usage and Time Spent

Think about where you and your family spend the most time. Is it the cozy living room where everyone gathers, or perhaps the bedroom where you sleep? Prioritizing these high-traffic areas ensures that you're breathing cleaner air during the moments that matter most. After all, what's the point of purified air if you're not around to enjoy it?

Air purifiers are most effective when all the doors and windows are shut. This allows for the air purifier to clean the air in the room without interference from hallways or other rooms. Since air will flow wherever there is an opening, the air purifier will try to pull in air from outside if doors are not fully closed. 

This may seem counterintuitive, because often open doors and windows to let fresh air in. However, since small particles, such as dust and pollen are difficult to see, let’s imagine that it’s snowing outside. Your air purifier is hard at work clearing your room of snow, but with the windows open, more snow continues to enter the room, thus creating a snow carpet that will not disappear. 

During the summer, when temperatures can rise to triple digits, placing the air purifier near an open window may trap some particles as they enter the room. But please, find a safe location so that your air purifier friend does not get hurt – your air purifier does not like to be in extremely hot areas any more than you do. 

Central Location For An Air Purifier in the Room

Positioning your air purifier in a central spot can promote even distribution of clean air. This doesn't mean it has to be dead-center on your coffee table, but try to find a location where air can flow freely around the unit. Avoid tight corners or cramped spaces that might hinder its ability to circulate air effectively.

The good thing about owning a portable air purifier, such as any of our Rabbit Air purifiers, is that you can move it from room to room throughout the day. During the daytime, placing it in the living room allows for you to watch television or spend time reading on the couch while breathing in fresh, clean air. When it’s time to rest, moving your air purifier to your bedroom an hour before bedtime creates the same clean atmosphere before bedtime so that you can drift to dreamland in no time. 

Wherever you choose to place your air purifier, be sure to operate it daily so that your air purifier friend is keeping your home clean and happy. 

Height Considerations for Air Purifier Placement

Airborne pollutants don't just linger at ground level. Placing your air purifier at a height that aligns with the "breathing zone"—typically 3 to 5 feet off the ground—can enhance its ability to capture contaminants you're most likely to inhale. Consider placing it on a sturdy table or shelf to achieve this optimal height.

Common Mistakes in Air Purifier Placement

Blocking Airflow

An air purifier can't do its job if it's tucked behind a sofa or buried under a pile of magazines. Obstructing the airflow can significantly reduce its efficiency. Always ensure there's adequate space around the unit—typically at least a few feet on all sides—for unobstructed air circulation.

Ignoring Room Size

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to air purifiers. Using a small purifier in a large room means it will struggle to clean the air effectively. Always check the manufacturer's recommended room size for your unit and consider upgrading if it doesn't match your space.

It’s important that you choose a location that is not behind furniture or directly below shelves. Since most air purifiers have an intake near the front of the machine, you want it to be able to see the whole room and have access to the many airborne particles that have run rampant. This also goes for the top of the air purifier. By placing it under a shelf, the only thing that’s going to get that fresh air is the underside of your book shelf. The rule of thumb is to keep a few feet of clearance at the top, front, and sides for optimal efficiency.