How Many Air Purifiers Do I Need

In conversations about air pollution and air quality, the focus is usually on outdoor air. However, recent studies that the EPA published proved that indoor spaces can have two to five times more air pollutants than the outdoors. This is of great concern because, for most of us, 90% of our time is spent indoors.

Air purifiers help improve indoor air quality by filtering out airborne particles and pollutants that might trigger allergies or respiratory conditions. Air purifiers can also trap and reduce the presence of harmful substances, promoting a healthier atmosphere, reducing airborne diseases, and removing unpleasant odors.

When planning to buy air purifiers, you may encounter the question: “How many air purifiers do I need?”. It is important to have the right number of air purifiers in your indoor space to maximize their effectiveness. This article will guide you through a list of criteria and recommendations that you should keep in mind when determining the number of air purifiers you need.

How Many Air Purifiers Do I Need?

One of the first things that come to mind when looking through air purifiers is: “How many air purifiers do I need for my apartment?”, or “How many air purifiers do I need for my house?” Indeed, a suitable number of air purifiers for your place is just as important as their quality. Therefore, here are the fundamental aspects that you should consider before determining the number of air purifiers to buy.

Calculate the size and layout of your house

The first thing to consider is the size and layout of your home. Larger homes may require multiple air purifiers to effectively cover all areas, while smaller homes may need fewer units. The house layout can affect the airflow and circulation between rooms. Open floor plans or rooms with good air circulation may benefit from a single air purifier covering multiple areas, while closed-off rooms may require individual units.

Calculate the amount of indoor air

To calculate the amount of air in your indoor space, use the following formula:
Volume (indoor air) = Indoor area (in square feet) x Ceiling height (in feet)

For example, the total indoor air volume for a 1500 sq ft house with an 8 ft ceiling is:
Volume (indoor air) = 1,500 x 8 = 12,000 ft³

Next, take the ACH (Air Changes Per Hour) into account. The minimum recommended ACH is 4, so for this example, the total amount of indoor air we need to clean per hour is: 12,000 x 4 = 48,000 ft³

Now that we know the amount of air we have to clean, it is time for us to answer the question: “How many air purifiers do I need?”. Next, we will look into the capacity of each air purifier to calculate the correct number for our place.

Research air purifier capacity and coverage

In this step, find the CFM of your air purifier. CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is the number of cubic feet that the air purifier can clean per minute. Then, multiply the CFM by 60, and we get the amount of air that the air purifier can clean in an hour.

In the example above, the CFM of the air purifier is 200 CFM, so the amount of air that one unit can clean per hour is: 200 x 60 = 12,000 ft³/h

After knowing the amount of air to be cleaned and the performance of an individual air purifier, use this formula to calculate the number of air purifiers you need:
Number of air purifiers = Amount of air to be cleaned (in ft³/h) / Air purifier airflow (in ft³/h)

As for the house in the example, the number of air purifiers we need is:
Number of air purifiers = 48,000 / 12,000 = 4 air purifiers

We hope this calculation has helped you answer: “How many air purifiers should you have in your home?”

Additionally, research the capabilities of different air purifiers to pick the one most suitable for your needs. You can check the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and recommended room size coverage to ensure adequate purification capacity.

For the best experience, opt for an air purifier with a high CADR rating. This rating indicates how effective the air purifier is at removing pollutants from the air. Alternatively, consider choosing an air purifier with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are the most effective at removing small particles, such as dust, dander, and pollen.

Evaluate specific air quality concerns

Identify any specific pollutants or allergens that are a concern in your home. If you have allergies, pets, or live in an area with high pollution, you may need additional air purifiers to address these specific issues. Additionally, determine the rooms or areas where air quality is most important to you. For example, rooms where you spend most of your time, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or areas with specific air quality concerns like the kitchen or a home office.

Consider your budget and long-term maintenance

Aside from “How many air purifiers do I need?”, you should also be asking: “And how do I maximize their cost-effectiveness and durability?”

While having an air purifier in every room may provide optimal coverage, it may not be practical for everyone. Choosing the right number of air purifiers and putting them in the right positions can increase their efficiency significantly. As for maintenance, each air purifier should be checked and cleaned every month in order to work properly, or even have its parts replaced if necessary.

Recommendations for specific scenarios

Below is a table of the recommended number of air purifiers based on the size of your indoor area. The height of the ceiling is 8 ft and the airflow of each air purifier is 200 CFM.

Where to Place Your Air Purifier to Maximize Effectiveness

Aside from getting the right number, the placement of your air purifier should also be taken into account. Putting your air purifier in the right place can optimize its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Here are some factors you should keep in mind when positioning your air purifier to achieve the best outcome:

Avoid heat sources, electronics, and moisture

First, since air purifiers have internal components that generate heat during operation, placing the unit near heat sources can strain the device and potentially affect its performance or lifespan. Therefore, it is best to keep the air purifier in a cool area to ensure proper ventilation and prevent overheating.

Second, electronics can potentially interfere with the operation of your air purifier. Thus, placing the unit too close to electronic devices may lead to electrical interference, affecting the performance and efficiency of both the air purifier and the electronics.

Third, placing the air purifier in areas with excessive moisture can lead to damage or malfunction. This is because moisture can corrode internal components, promote the growth of mold or bacteria, and compromise the effectiveness of the air purifier.

Place your air purifier near the source of pollution

If you have specific sources of pollution in your home, such as a fireplace, stove, or pet’s bed, place the air purifier nearby. This will help remove the pollutants from the air before they can spread throughout the room.

Position your air purifier in central spots

Position the air purifier in a central location within the room or area you want to purify. This will help to circulate the air throughout the room and ensure that all of the air is being cleaned.

Put your air purifier at elevated places

Place the air purifier at an elevated level, such as on a table, shelf, or stand. This helps to ensure that the clean air is released at a higher level, allowing it to disperse more effectively throughout the room.

Put your air purifier in places with good airflow

This could be near a doorway, window, or vent. This will help to draw in more air and improve the efficiency of the air purifier. Furthermore, you should avoid placing it in a corner or behind furniture, as this will block the airflow.

Avoid obstructions

Place the air purifier at least 6 inches away from walls, furniture, and other objects. You should also clear some space around the unit to allow for proper intake and output of air.

FAQs

1. How many air purifiers should I have in my house?

As explained earlier in the article, the answer greatly depends on a range of factors, including the size of your indoor space, the capabilities of your air purifier, your specific air quality concerns, your budget, and maintenance. Consulting with a professional is also recommended to find the answer that best caters to your needs.

2. Should I have multiple air purifiers?

If you have a large indoor area or many closed-off rooms, you will most likely need multiple air purifiers. Additionally, remember to check the performance and coverage of the air purifier you are getting so as to optimize the cost-effectiveness. If you have multiple air purifiers, place them in different rooms or in different parts of the same room. This will help to ensure that all of the air in your home is being cleaned.

3. Should you get an air purifier for every room?

While putting an air purifier in every room would be best for the air quality, it is not necessary to do so. There are ways to utilize a small number of air purifiers. You should place your air purifiers in central locations to maximize coverage, or put them in rooms with high levels of pollutants and rooms where you spend the most time. Alternatively, you can purchase portable air purifiers that you can move around the house as needed.

Conclusion

All in all, to answer the question “How many air purifiers do I need?”, you should consider the size and layout of your place, the performance and coverage of the air purifier, your specific air quality requirements, and your budget and maintenance. Additionally, strategic placement can help optimize the efficiency of your air purifiers. We all want the best air quality for our homes, but it is also important to strike a balance between good air quality and keeping it cost-effective and economical. If you need further support or have special preferences, seek advice from professionals for the most suitable recommendations for your home or office.