For the most effective air purifier results, it’s all about location, location, location.

In extreme cases, it could even damage the purifier.

It’s important to ensure your air purifier has clearance at the top, bottom, and sides.

air purifier group stacked

Credit: Marty Baldwin

So what about placing an air purifier on a shelf?

Putting an air purifier on a rack is practically equivalent to setting it against a wall.

Racks can hinder purifiers, she advises.

“Common sense dictates that a bigger purifier can better clean bigger spaces.

But that is not necessarily the case.

Its all about the airflow, she says.

But most buildings have plenty of divisions.

Place a portable HEPA air purifier in the room with the most potential contaminants, says Negron.

Dont place it in a corner or tuck it behind furniture.

Feel free to move the air purifier throughout the home to cleanse each areas space, Negron suggests.

Add to Your Workplace

Theres also a lot of buzz about placing air purifiers near computers.

These days, many desktop air purifiers cankeep your workplace dust and allergen-free.

Some use UV light while others use HEPA filters.

For those sharing a workspace, remember that these types of devices have a built-in fan.