Buying an air purifier is one thing, using it properly is another. With a few simple adjustments, you can get significantly more out of the device. These are the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
1. An air purifier that is too small for the room
Many people choose based on price rather than capacity. An air purifier has a maximum CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) value and a recommended floor area. If your living room is larger than what the device can handle, the air will not be sufficiently refreshed, even if the device is on continuously. Therefore, always check the recommended square footage before you buy — calculate it with our CADR calculator or read which air purifier is suitable for a large room.
2. Placing the device against the wall or in a corner
Air purifiers draw in air from multiple sides and blow clean air back into the room. If the device is placed flush against a wall, curtain, or behind furniture, that airflow is obstructed. Preferably give your air purifier some space, especially at the back and sides.
3. Only turning it on occasionally
An air purifier works best when it runs regularly, not just when you happen to think about air quality. Fine dust, pollen, and other particles are constantly entering the home. Let the device run on a low or automatic setting, even when you aren't actively thinking about it.
4. Leaving the filter in for too long
A full filter cleans less effectively and can even cause more noise and higher power consumption, because the motor has to work harder to pull air through a saturated filter. Replace the HEPA filter according to the manufacturer's advice; for most air purifiers, including the PA244, that is every 6 to 8 months with normal use. Read more about how often you should replace the filter.
5. Thinking an air purifier replaces ventilation
An air purifier filters particles like dust, pollen, and fine dust from the air already in the house, but it does not refresh oxygen and does not lower CO2 levels. For a fresh indoor climate, regular ventilation remains necessary, even if the air purifier is running at full power.
6. Structurally keeping windows and doors closed
Some people close everything off as soon as the air purifier is on, for fear that clean air will leak out. That is not necessary and works counterproductively: without any fresh air supply, CO2 actually accumulates. Simply ventilate as you always would, and let the air purifier do its job the rest of the time.
7. Wrong location in the bedroom
If you place the air purifier right next to your head, even a quiet setting can feel bothersome. A spot a meter or two from the bed, with enough space around it, often works better, especially in combination with a night mode — see our tips on the best air purifier for the bedroom.
Practical example
The AirPure Plus PA244 is suitable for up to 55 m² and has a HEPA13 filter, an automatic mode, and a night mode, precisely the features that help prevent the mistakes above: sufficient capacity, quiet operation at night, and a filter that consistently does its job as long as you replace it on time.
Conclusion
Most mistakes with air purifiers are not in the device itself, but in its placement and usage. Choose the right capacity, give the device space, let it run regularly, and don't forget to replace the filter. Then you will get the most out of your air purifier.