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Did you know indoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside your home?
Sometimes that stat sparks an internal debate about what to do about it and how to make the air in your home safer for your family.
I personally love my air purifier. One of my favorite parts is the smell akin to that of the air following a thunderstorm.
Fun Fact: Did you know lightning purifies the air? Every strike adds an extra oxygen atom to oxygen (O2) molecules, creating what’s known as “ozone” aka O3. These O3 molecules are powerful sanitizers, deodorizing and cleansing the air.
Pretty cool, right?!
Many home air purifiers work the same way.
What is an Air Purifier?
An air purifier is a device that removes contaminants and pollutants from the air in your home. The air left behind is more breathable, containing fewer dust particles and allergens.
Pros and Cons of Air Purifiers
PROS
- Removes pet dander and dust particles
- Removes allergens and potential airborne pathogens
- Gets rid of odors
- Removes smoke and smoke-related odors
- Removes pollen
CONS
- Doesn’t remove moisture and humidity
Do I Really Need an Air Purifier?
Are there people in your home who are prone to environmental allergies? Are you yourself sensitive to dust in the air? Then you may want to invest in a quality air purifier to reduce those risks.
Do you have a child in your home with asthma? If so, some of the contaminants in the air can trigger or worsen their condition. As you know, asthma sufferers’ lungs are extremely sensitive and can easily be aggravated to spasm.
Having contaminants, pathogens and toxins in the air can cause respiratory discomfort and make the situation worse.
Location matters too.
Do you live in a city with a high pollution rate? If so, every opened window or door is an opportunity for those contaminants to enter your home.
While the air inside your home should be a respite from outdoor pollutants and pathogens, sometimes that’s not the case.
Where Should I Put My Air Purifier?
I first learned about air purifiers from my mom who was offering to give me one as a wedding present (shameless shout-out to my mama – thanks, Mom!)
But I have to admit, my first question was “Where do I put it? I don’t want an eyesore or some random box thing sitting in my living room floor.”
It turns out that wasn’t a big deal at all. I personally set mine on top of my refrigerator. It’s tucked neatly away, yet still centrally located and doing its job 24/7. Here’s what it looks perched on top of my fridge!
If you decide to get one, here are some tips for placement:
The first thing to keep in mind is safety and air flow. For safety, be sure to put the air purifier somewhere that’s not a tripping hazard.
You also want to take into consideration where it will be the most useful and where your family spends most of their time.
1- Whole Home Purification
If you go this route, make sure you get one that’s big enough. This doesn’t mean it has to be huge – just make sure it meets your square footage needs.
If you want to purify your entire home, one of the best options is to put it near the air intake if your home has central air conditioning. This way, there is continuous air flow and it will constantly be cleaning the air.
Pro tip: Make sure to keep your AC in top working order and your filters clean in order to maximize its effects.
Manufacturers usually provide placement ideas in their owner’s manual, so check that out too.
2- On Top of Your Entertainment Center
Do you spend a lot of time in the living room? Most families do, so it’s a great location for an air purifier. To keep it away from children and pets, try placing it on your entertainment center or some other shelf.
3- Near the Contaminant Source
Is there a specific contaminant you’re trying to combat? If so, then place the purifier near the source for maximum effect.
There are a lot of things to consider when trying to decide if you need an air purifier, and then if you do, where to put it.
But it doesn’t have to make your head explode in the long run.
Hopefully these tips help simplify the process and make your decision a little easier.
Do you have an air purifier? Where do you put it and why? Let me know in the comments!
Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
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