How to Choose the Best Air Purifiers for Smoke and Odor Removal

Smoke and unpleasant odors can significantly impact indoor air quality, affecting both comfort and health. Whether you’re dealing with wildfire smoke, cooking odors, or pet smells, an effective air purifier can make a substantial difference. For example, living in BC’s lower mainland, we deal with wildfire smoke nearly every summer now. We also have a cat, who doesn’t usually leave odors but is a hairy beast. An air purifier has made a huge difference for our home.

This guide will help you navigate the key features and considerations to choose the best air purifier for smoke and odor removal. After this, you may want to consider buying your own Dyson air purifier.

Understanding Smoke and Odor Particles

Before delving into air purifier features, it’s important to understand what you’re trying to remove. Smoke particles are typically very small, ranging from 0.1 to 1 micron in size. Odor molecules can be even smaller. This means that to effectively combat smoke and odors, you need an air purifier capable of capturing these tiny particles and molecules.

Key features to consider when buying an air purifier:

1. HEPA Filtration: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are crucial for removing smoke particles.
2. Activated Carbon Filters: For odor removal, activated carbon filters are essential. These filters use a form of processed carbon with a large surface area that adsorbs odor molecules and gases. The more activated carbon a filter contains, the more effective it will be at removing odors. Some advanced air purifiers use specially treated activated carbon for enhanced performance against specific odors.
3. Multi-Stage Filtration: The most effective air purifiers for smoke and odor typically employ a multi-stage filtration system. This often includes a pre-filter to capture larger particles, a true HEPA filter for fine particles, and an activated carbon filter for odors and gases.
4. Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): This metric indicates how many times the air purifier can filter the entire volume of air in a room per hour. For smoke and odor removal, look for air purifiers with a higher ACH rate, ideally 4 or more.
5. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): CADR measures how quickly an air purifier can remove smoke, pollen, and dust from the air. Higher CADR numbers indicate faster and more efficient air cleaning. For smoke specifically, look for a CADR of at least 100 for small rooms and 300 or higher for larger spaces.
6. Room Size Coverage: Ensure the air purifier is rated for the size of the room where you plan to use it. An undersized unit will struggle to effectively clean the air in a large space. Most manufacturers provide recommended room sizes for their air purifiers.

Additional Considerations for Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can be noisy, especially at higher fan speeds. If you plan to use the unit in a bedroom or quiet space, look for models with lower decibel ratings or those with quiet operation modes. For example, our air purifier has a “night mode” that is quieter than its other fan modes. It is still much quieter than a standard fan.

Consider the energy consumption of the air purifier, especially if you plan to run it continuously (like we do, because of our cat). Look for ENERGY STAR certified models, which are more energy-efficient.

Factor in the long-term costs of filter replacements. HEPA and activated carbon filters need to be replaced periodically, and these costs can add up over time. For example, a new filter for our air purifier runs around $40. We do vacuum the filter about once a month to extend its life, but we still replace it every four to six months.

If you plan to move the air purifier between rooms, consider its weight and size and whether it has wheels or handles for easy transport. I move our air purifier between the main floor and the upstairs about once a week.

Some air purifiers offer smart features like air quality sensors, automatic mode adjustments, and smartphone app control. While not essential, these can enhance usability and effectiveness.

Some air purifiers include UV-C light technology, which can help neutralize certain bacteria and viruses. While this feature isn’t necessary for smoke and odor removal, it can provide additional air purification benefits.

Optimizing Air Purifier Performance

To get the most out of your air purifier for smoke and odor removal:

1. Place the unit in the room where you spend the most time or where smoke and odors are most prevalent.
2. Keep doors and windows closed when the purifier is operating to maintain its effectiveness.
3. Run the air purifier continuously for best results, especially during times of high smoke or odor presence.
4. Regularly clean or replace filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain optimal performance.
5. Use the highest fan speed tolerable for faster air cleaning, especially when smoke or odors are strong.
6. Consider using multiple air purifiers in different rooms for whole-house coverage.

Better Indoor Air Quality With Your Choice of an Air Purifier

Choosing the best air purifier for smoke and odor removal involves considering various factors, including filtration technology, room size coverage, and specific features that address your needs. By focusing on air purifiers with True HEPA filters, substantial activated carbon filters, and appropriate CADR ratings for your space, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality.

For example, we bought our air purifier specifically to help reduce air-borne allergens related to our cat. I carefully researched which air purifiers were the most effective for pet dander control. Since starting to use our air purifier, we’ve been very impressed at the amount of fur and other matter that it filters from the air. It’s very obvious that the air purifier is working hard in our home!

Remember that while an air purifier can greatly reduce smoke and odors, it’s also important to address the source of these issues when possible. Combining source control with effective air purification will yield the best results for cleaner, fresher indoor air.

Investing in a high-quality air purifier designed for smoke and odor removal can make a noticeable difference in your home’s air quality, providing a healthier and more comfortable living environment. With the right air purifier, you can breathe easier and enjoy cleaner, fresher air free from smoke and unpleasant odors.