Installing an air purifier in your home can greatly improve your indoor air quality and provide health benefits for you and your family. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of choosing, purchasing, placing, installing, operating, and maintaining an air purifier in your home.
Choosing an Air Purifier
Choosing the right air purifier for your needs is the first key step. Here are the main factors to consider:
Type of Purifier
There are several types of air-purifying technologies:
- HEPA filters – Designed to remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size. Effective for allergens, mold, bacteria.
- Activated carbon filters – Absorb gases, odors, smoke, chemicals, VOC. Often used with HEPA filters.
- UV light – Destroys biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses. Usually added to other filter types.
- Ionizers – Electrically charge particles to attract them to metal plates. Controversial due to ozone emissions.
- Photocatalytic oxidation – Uses UV light and a catalyst to oxidize gasses. Effective against VOCs and odors.
HEPA filters are generally recommended as they have the widest range of particle filtration. Pairing a HEPA filter with activated carbon provides the best overall filtration.
Room Size Coverage
Air purifiers are rated by recommended room size, usually in square feet. Measure the room you want to install it in and match a purifier to that size. Going too small will compromise effectiveness, while too large is needlessly expensive.
Noise Level
Air purifiers range from very quiet to quite loud. Consider the noise level and how sensitive you are to sound. Quieter units are better for bedrooms.
Cost
Home air purifiers run from $100 on the low end to over $1,000 for high-end units. Set a budget and expect to pay more for advanced technology, automation, Wi-Fi controls, and silent operation.
Energy Efficiency
Check the power ratings and estimated annual energy cost. More efficient units will save you money over time. Look for Energy Star certified models.
Extra Features
Higher end models may offer conveniences like air quality sensors, self-adjusting fan speeds, scheduling, and controls through a mobile app. Evaluate whether these features are worthwhile for your needs.
Purchasing Considerations
Once you’ve selected the ideal air purifier model for your situation, here is what you need to know when making a purchase:
- Shop around – Compare prices between retailers. Include shipping costs if buying online.
- Consider sales tax – Account for any sales tax in your area to determine the true net cost.
- Read return policies – Understand the return window and any restocking fees. Ideally get at least 30 days.
- Assess warranties – Most quality air purifiers come with 1-5 year warranties. A longer warranty period instills confidence in durability.
- Evaluate bundles – Some retailers offer the purifier bundled with extra or discounted filters. Factor in ongoing filter replacement costs.
Thoroughly read reviews and product details to confirm coverage for your space, noise level, and features before completing your air purifier purchase.
Placement in Your Home
Proper placement of your air purifier is crucial for optimal performance.
Key Guidelines
Follow these key placement guidelines:
- Install in the rooms where you spend the most time – bedroom and living spaces.
- Position away from walls, furniture, and curtains to prevent obstructing airflow.
- Place near the center of the room for maximum circulation throughout the space.
- Keep away from heaters, air conditioners, fans or drafty areas that will disrupt filtration.
- Set on an elevated, stable surface so air intakes on the bottom are unobstructed.
- Place at least 2 feet from beds, to avoid disturbance from fan noise.
- Avoid wet or excessively humid areas of the home like bathrooms.
Avoid These Locations
Do NOT place an air purifier in these unsuitable locations:
- Kitchen – Due to heat, steam and oil from cooking.
- Enclosed storage rooms – Won’t effectively filter air.
- Basements or garages – Excess moisture promotes mold growth in filters.
- Extreme temperatures – Most models operate in temps between 40°F (4°C) and 100°F (38°C).
Position your purifier properly from the start for the very best air cleaning results.
Installation Step-by-Step
Once you have determined the optimal spot, installing your new air purifier takes just a few easy steps.
Step 1 – Unpack
Carefully unpack your air purifier and remove all plastic bags and packaging:
- Slide box lid upward to lift off.
- Flip box over with opening facing upward to slide unit out.
- Use scissors or utility knife to cut tape and remove protective plastic bags.
- Discard all plastic, ties, tape and cardboard packaging after unpacking.
- Recycle packaging materials if possible.
Step 2 – Wash Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly prior to touching filters or the interior of unit. Oils from hands transfer to filters, decreasing effectiveness prematurely if not washed off.
Follow proper hand washing guidelines:
- Use hot, soapy water.
- Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Dry hands completely with clean towel.
Step 3 – Install Filters
Most air purifiers are shipped with filters removed to prevent damage.
To install filters:
- Remove any protective coverings from filters.
- Align and insert filters according to directions in manual:
- Note direction of airflow arrows on filters
- Verify filter type by color or markings
- Insert so positioning tabs click securely into filter chamber
- Avoid touching filter surface area. Only grip outer edges or tabs.
- Double check filter orientation to confirm accurate installation.
See your air purifier user guide for specific filter diagrams.
Step 4 – Plug In
Plug the power cord into an easily accessible 120V grounded electrical outlet:
- Do NOT connect to a power strip or extension cord as this may cause electrical hazard or damage.
- Ensure cord is not strained, pinched or crimped.
- Confirm outlet is functional by plugging in another device.
- Avoid outlets controlled by light switches which may inadvertently turn off unit.
- Use outlet covers if small children are present to prevent hazmats.
Step 5 – Power On
Turn your air purifier on by pressing the power button on control panel:
- Most units will have an audible beep and blinking LED lights to indicate power on status.
- The fan will begin to spin, pulling air through the filters to start purification process.
- Ensure fan is actually spinning and there are no abnormal noises.
You may notice slight odor initially as filters adjust. This is normal and dissipates after a few days purifying air.
Step 6 – Adjust Settings
Optimizing settings is vital to achieving filtration effectiveness for your conditions.
Refer to your user manual for specifics on adjusting:
- Fan Speed -Adjust for room size and activity level. Faster for larger spaces and more people. Quieter speeds for nighttime operation.
- Timers – Set on/off times to save energy when occupied vs unoccupied.
- Sensors – Toggle auto sensor modes to self-adjust based on air quality as needed.
Continue tweaking settings until best performance is dialed in through experience in your space.
Congratulations, your air purifier installation is now complete!
Operating and Maintenance
To keep your air purifier working optimally for years to come, proper operation and regular maintenance are essential.
Daily Operation
- Allow continuous operation whenever occupying purified spaces for best air cleaning.
- Only turn unit off if leaving home for multiple days to conserve energy.
- Enable sleep/low speeds at night to avoid fan noise disturbances.
- Close exterior doors and windows while running to contain and filter recirculated interior air.
- Adjust settings seasonally as heat, humidity and occupancy levels fluctuate.
Cleaning
Regular external cleaning prevents buildup of dust and dander:
- Wipe down exterior plastic housing monthly with soft, dry cloth.
- Clean intake grilles and output vents monthly with soft brush or vacuum hose.
- Disinfect surfaces biannually with non-bleach wipe or spray cleaner.
Internal components should be professionally cleaned every 2-3 years for optimal efficiency.
Filter Changes
Changing filters per the manufacturer’s schedule is imperative for purification capabilities:
- Mark your purchase date on the filters or log install dates.
- Note recommended replacement timeframe; Typically 3-6 months for HEPA and 6-12 months for activated carbon.
- Sign up for replacement filter deliveries every 6 months.
- Replace filters sooner if experiencing notably diminished airflow.
- Replace filters immediately following smoke, fire, flood or other hazardous air contamination events.
Setting automatic reminders to swap filters is highly advisable to stay on schedule.
By properly operating your purifier daily and maintaining the components, your air will remain clean for years of healthy breathing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite best usage practices, air purifiers can occasionally encounter problems. Review these troubleshooting tips for the most widespread issues:
Little to No Airflow
- Dirty Filters – Replace clogged filters if airflow is reduced.
- Blocked Intake – Clear obstructions from unit air intakes.
- Fan Malfunction – Have technician assess fan functionality.
Excess Noise
- Uneven Surface – Place purifier on a level floor.
- Loose Parts – Ensure no internal components are rattling.
- Defective Fan – Have technician test and replace fan if necessary.
Power Problems
- No Power – Try different grounded outlet. Verify outlet works. Reset breaker. Replace surge protector if damaged.
- Control Panel Not Responding – Attempt power cycle. If unresponsive, contact manufacturer for repairs.
Persisting Odors
- Dirty Filters – Swap out filters with carbon media to remove odors.
- Clean Interior – Disinfect and deodorize unit interior if smells remain after new filters.
Diagnosed issues beyond these basic fixes often require technical service to get your unit functioning optimally again.
Breath Easy
Installing an air purifier properly is instrumental to reaping the full indoor air quality benefits. Positioning the unit correctly in your space, changing filters consistently, operating it daily, and fixing problems promptly allows for the best air cleaning results over time. Refer back to this comprehensive guide anytime you have questions related to effectively using your home air purifier. With these best practices, you’ll breathe easy with clean air for years to come!