It’s Possible You’re Utilizing Your Air Purifier Incorrectly

I must admit I might engage in such behavior, but in the event I happen to be a guest at your place, I may take a moment to discreetly check for the presence of an air purifier. Should I come across one, I could find myself calculating the volume of your room and, perhaps when left unattended, I might even explore the contents of the purifier to inspect the filter.

I realize this might not be the most courteous behavior for a visitor, but it is all in the pursuit of a greater good.

Upon making my observations, I may be tempted to offer unsolicited advice regarding indoor air quality. This could range from pointing out that your air purifier is inadequately sized for thorough cleansing of the room, to cautioning against placing the purifier too close against a sofa or wall, or even mentioning the need for replacement of filters, or worst case scenario – discovering that the plastic encasing the filter was never removed upon initial purchase of the purifier.

This inclination to impart unrequested guidance on indoor air quality comes from a place of deep-rooted concern. Prior to my immersion in the realm of air quality, I never paid much attention to the air indoors nor did I realize the potential long-term impact on my health, sleep quality, and cognitive function that minor adjustments and use of certain appliances could bring. And I wish the same for you. Make sure to explore our relevant resources, such as the Finest Air Purifiers, Top-notch Indoor Air Quality Monitors, and Prime Robot Vacuum Cleaners.

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Dimension Matters

Familiarize yourself with the room size

Photograph: Lisa Wood Shapiro

Ceiling height influences necessary purifier strength

Photograph: Lisa Wood Shapiro

You may already have an air purifier in place. But is it the appropriate one for the space? Like many, I too once believed that a compact, visually appealing air purifier was sufficient. That is no longer the case.

Begin by determining the square footage suitable for your air filter and bear in mind that air purifiers are often marketed based on the square footage at their highest operational level. Remember, the highest setting also entails the loudest noise output.

Chances are, you are not operating your purifier at full blast, so what is the square footage match for the regular setting you employ? And what you seek is this calculation: How many air changes can occur in a room of a specific size within an hour?

The optimal figure, referred to as the clean air delivery rate, or CADR, can be located on the air purifier’s packaging. The higher the value, the larger the area it can effectively purify. Bear in mind that CADR values are based on rooms with 8-foot ceilings. In case your ceilings are higher, such as those in an A-frame structure, you’ll necessitate a purifier with a higher CADR.

The Appropriate Match for the Correct Intensity

Photograph: Lisa Wood Shapiro

Upon determining the CADR, the journey isn’t quite over. There remains a process akin to an air quality version of Goldilocks. For instance, if you are using your air purifier in the bedroom, understand that “sleep mode” indicates that the purifier is operating at its lowest intensity.