Best Air Purifier for Large Spaces: Considerations & More

Trying to find the best air purifier for your residential or commercial space can seem like a daunting task, especially when that space is pretty sizeable. While there are a number of factors to consider as you're comparing different models and their ratings and requirements, finding the best unit is actually quite simple. Below is a guide on how you can find the best air purifier for your large space or room, whether it's in your home, office, campus and more.

Determining the Size of a Room for an Air Purifier

One of the most important pieces of information you should know when shopping for an air purifier is the size or square footage of the space you want to place the unit in. Not all air purifiers are one-size-fits-all, so it’s vital that you choose one that can effectively clean the air in your large space. Here are some tips to determining the size of your space and factors to consider when shopping for an air purifier.

How to Calculate the Square Footage of a Room

Thankfully, finding the size of a space is relatively easy. The general rule of thumb in determining a room’s size is:

• Measure the width and length in feet
• Multiply those two numbers together

For example, a room that measures 10’ L x 10’ W will yield a result of 100, meaning that the space is 100 sq. ft. The square footage can then be taken and compared to the room size rating given to the air purifier to determine which one is best for that space.

In addition to the square footage, you should also keep into consideration ceiling height, connected rooms and spaces that are too large for one air purifier. Be sure you take these factors into consideration when calculating the size of a room or shared space:

• High Ceilings—Spaces and rooms that have high ceilings (8 ft. or more) should utilize an air purifier that’s rated for a larger room.
• Connected Rooms—For multiple rooms that are connected, combine the total square footage measurements from each room and use the final number accordingly while shopping for an air purifier.

Rooms larger than the provided air purifier range should use multiple units in one space.

What Exactly is a “Large Space?”

First, it’s important to establish what exactly a “large room” is in the context of air purifiers. According to Consumer Reports, a large room measures 350 sq. ft. and larger, and Sylvane categorizes their air purifier sizes based on square footage ranges, which max out at 1,900 square feet. Based on this information, it’s generally recognized that a large space can fall between 350 sq.ft. to 1,900 sq. ft.

Types of Large Spaces

Now that you know the proper square footage that these high-grade air purifiers cover, below are some of the rooms and spaces where these units work best:

Living Rooms

While living room sizes vary depending on the entire size of the home, most living rooms range from 350-400 sq. ft. Even if you have a small living room closer to 250-350 sq. ft., consider an air purifier that offers more coverage. This space is where multiple people and pets can gather, so choose a unit that can filter out larger quantities of dust, dander, germs and other particles. Also, if you have high ceilings that exceed 8 feet, the room might require two purifiers or one unit that covers more square feet.

Dining Areas

From casual dining and quick-service restaurants to neighborhood pubs and cafeterias, these spaces are prime spaces for purifiers. Some establishments that have dining areas can use high-capacity residential or small commercial units work well in these spaces. While one purifier might sufficiently cover the area at reduced capacity, an increased capacity of 50 and more people might require two units or a larger commercial purifier. Once you return to a maximum occupancy after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, you'll need to factor capacity into your decision making.

Dentist & Doctor's Offices

Whether it's a dentist or doctor's office, a waiting room and patient room have consistent foot traffic throughout the day. That means a wide variety of mold, dust, germs and other contaminants can make their way into the air. A smaller office can use residential purifiers that cover lower square footage. However, a larger facility likely requires a commercial-grade unit that offers additional protection and filtration.

College Dorm Rooms or Apartments

Standard bedrooms typically can get away with purifiers that cover less than 300 sq. ft. However, some dorm rooms and college apartments feature additional living space, exceeding 300 sq. ft., so you should look for a unit equipped to handle that amount of space. If the room or apartment includes a separate living area and bedroom, make sure each room is equipped with its own air purifier.

Common Areas

Many college dormitories or apartment complexes feature a common area. The room is very similar to a living room, allowing a group to gather in one space. Since different groups can come in and out of the room throughout the day, it's a prime spot to add an air purifier.

What Contaminants Do Purifiers Help Remove?

Based on the type of unit and filter chosen and used, air purifiers are capable of removing a large list of contaminants and allergy triggers such as:

• Lint
• Pollen
• Dust
• Mold spores
• Dust mites
• Fungi
• Lead
• Pet dander
• Smoke
• Bacteria
• Viruses

If you’re placing your air purifier in an area that experiences great foot traffic, occupation or various environmental conditions, a purifier can significantly impact the air quality and health of the space it’s in. When determining which purifier to use, it’s important to choose one that has a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and an appropriate filtration system (HEPA, Ionic, Carbon or UV-C) as these are factors that contribute to decontaminating the surrounding air.

Where to Place a Purifier in a Large Space

No matter the room, placement is key when purifying the air in a large space. While some compact options fit on countertops, most models should be placed on the floor either in a corner or along a back, front or side wall. If the air from the purifier creates a draft, position it in a direction that isn't pointed at you or guests. To ensure proper air flow, make sure the unit isn't obstructed behind bulky tables, chairs or desks or close to curtains.

Energy Usage

If you're cleaning air in a large residential or commercial space, energy consumption is an important factor to consider. When searching for the best air purifiers for large spaces, you may want to select something that is ENERGY STAR qualified. These units, which feature the ENERGY STAR label, are designed to follow the EPA's strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Residential vs. Commercial Air Purifiers