Secondhand Smoke
Apartment and condo dwellers, particularly in drafty older buildings call us daily about the problem of secondhand smoke wafting in. Will an air purifier work? If so, where do you put it? Some customers have even gone so far as to purchase an air purifier for their smoking neighbors.
You'll need an air purifier which can remove the particulate and hundreds of chemicals in smoke. An air purifier with only HEPA filtration will help but not nearly as much as one with HEPA and media which can remove the chemicals and gases in smoke. The cheaper air purifier models found in home improvement stores typically have a few ounces of activated carbon whereas an air purifier that can truly clean up the smoke will have pounds.
IQAir, Blueair, and Allerair air purifier models have the capability to remove smoke, depending on the amount of smoke and your budget. See our guide below. Austin Air models also help, especially with odor.
Where to put the air purifier?
If it is clear where the secondhand smoke is coming into the dwelling, place the air purifier near it. If not, keep it in your main living area during the day and move it to the bedroom at night. If you don't want to move it, then keep it in the bedroom. The respiratory system slows down during the sleeping hours and you need clean air more than ever.
IQAir GC MultiGas - premium priced but very effective
The IQAir GC MultiGas, which cleans up to 900 square feet, has been customized for wide spectrum molecular and particulate contaminant control. It acts just like a professional gas mask while it maximizes molecular filtration for a wide variety of gaseous chemicals and odors with its advanced filter cartridge design.
This IQ air purifier has a combination of a high grade Activated Carbon & Impregnated Alumina. The Impregnated Alumina even removes formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide, which are both found in tobacco smoke. The GC MultiGas also includes a HEPA pre-filter that will remove smoke particulates at 99% efficiency at a 0.3 micron level. This air purifier was featured in the Cigar Aficionado magazine.
Blueair with GO (Gas & Odor) SmokeStop Filters - quiet operation and small room models available
Second hand smoke can leave a lingering smell more than particulate. Blueair's SmokeStop filter models are effective at removing the odor of smoke as well as the smallest particles. For small bedrooms and offices, Blueair's 203 and 403 models with SmokeStop filters are quite popular.
Allerair 5000 DS Exec - covers up to 1500 square feet
For heavy duty smoke, the Allerair 5000 DS Exec air purifier has a whopping 22 pounds of carbon blend that will remove the heavy particulate, gases and chemicals that come with smoke.
Will an air purifier really help with secondhand smoke?
One that is appropriate for smoke will help significantly. When you change the filter for the first time and see the tar and gunk that is in the filter, you'll be horrified, but you'll be a believer!
