How to install an air purifier

This story is part of home tipsCNET’s collection of practical tips for making the most of your home, inside and out.

An air purifier can go a long way in reducing potentially harmful allergens in your home. If you set and kept properly, it can help remove volatile organic compounds from rooms that harm indoor air quality. A portable air purifier is particularly useful as it can be moved from room to room to provide relief where needed.

Here we will take a look at the steps to install a standard room air purifier.

Read more: The best air purifiers of 2022

Installing an air purifier

To get the basic steps to install a portable air purifier, I consulted various user manuals from different air purifier manufacturers. Specifically, I looked at installation instructions for Honeywell, Shark, Levoit, and Crane. The steps are simple, but important to ensure your air purifier is working optimally.

Step 1: Install the air filter

Air purifiers come with at least one air filter, sometimes more. Before you begin, you will need to remove the filters from their packaging and follow the guidelines for installing them in your air purifier. Some models come with the filter already attached, but you still need to remove it from its packaging before putting it into operation. If your air filter is already installed, check that it is not still in its packaging before you start using your air purifier. If it is in its packaging, remove it and reinstall your filter.

Step 2: Set it up for use

Most air purifiers require a certain amount of space away from walls, furniture, or other objects in the room to work properly. Again, check your specific use and care manual for exact distances, as these are likely to vary from brand to brand and model to model. Shark suggests placing his unit “at least” 3 inches from walls, while Levoit stipulates a minimum of 15 inches, and Crane says his unit should be at least 3 feet from walls.

Depending on the size of your room, these distances can make a big difference and could help you decide which unit to buy. If you want to use your air purifier in a smaller room, having to mount it three feet from the wall (as Crane’s user guide suggests) could become an inconvenient tripping hazard.

Step 3 – Avoid Blocking the Louvers

Regardless of the distance the manufacturer suggests, you’ll also want to make sure the vents are clear of furniture, curtains, and other obstacles that can impede the performance of the air purifier. Always point the purifier toward the room, rather than toward a wall or piece of furniture.

Do you still have questions? Read more about how to place an air purifier for better performance and learn How to clean and maintain an air purifier. so that it lasts as long as possible.

Other things to consider

Please note that these steps may vary slightly depending on the specific model you have. Be sure to check your product’s user manual before you begin to ensure you’re following proper use and care guidelines. If you have questions, check directly with the manufacturer.

For some other simple home hacks, consider adjust the temperature of your water heater, weatherstripping your windows and doors Y change the rotation of your ceiling fan.