Indoor air quality has become a huge concern among homeowners. You can compromise it with cigarette smoke, chemicals coming from pet dander, frying food, etc. Even if you open windows and ventilate regularly, it might not be enough. 

You should consider adding an air purifier, an appliance specialized in capturing and eliminating hazardous particles. The market offers residential, commercial, and industrial-grade units. This guide focuses on devices suitable for homeowners. You can pick a specialized air purifier for smoke or go with appliances excelling at handling other pollutants. Here's a detailed guide on things to analyze before getting this device!

What to Check Before Buying an Air Purifier

These appliances aren't cheap, but they are long-term investments. Air purifiers last for years, so making a smart purchase is imperative. If you need a smoke air purifier, you need the best in that category. The same applies to all other types. Fortunately, experts have developed an approach to finding the best air purifier. Always check these things before going through with the purchase!

1. Understand How Air Purifier Works

Once you figure out its working process, it'll be easier to confirm an air purifier is a wise investment. These appliances remove potentially hazardous particles from the air. Those pollutants vary from chemicals, odors, and dust to other debris.

Purifiers have a fan with a task to draw the air into the unit. It then passes the appliance through several filters. Depending on the components inserted, the device traps or destroys hazardous particles. Once the air passes through the purifier, it returns to the room. The process repeats as long as the appliance is active. Purifiers can process the entire air volume from a room multiple times per hour.

2. Do You Need an Air Purifier for Smoke?

Millions smoke cigarettes, and you surely have household members or friends who enjoy tobacco. Even if they are guests, only a couple of hours is enough for the entire home to get that unpleasant odor. 

And that's not the only smoke source. If you have a fireplace or cook frequently, these fumes can compromise indoor air quality. Apart from a bad odor, the chemicals might lead to respiratory problems. You'll need the best air purifier for smoke to handle these fumes and eliminate pollutants.

3. What Other Specific Air Purifiers Exist?

Apart from an air purifier for cigarette smoke, you have models designed for other purposes. Most devices are capable of eliminating all pollutant types. The advantage of specialized units is they excel in removing particles related to particular issues.

Air purifiers for specific purposes include:

• Allergies. Dust mites and other airborne particles often cause allergies. If you experience sneezing or wheezing, it helps to get an air purifier with multiple filters. HEPA should be among them to ensure the removal of even the smallest particles.

• Asthma. Chemical and odor pollutants both worsen this condition. You need optimal air quality, so an all-around cleaner is the best option. That includes devices with HEPA filters and UV light addition.

• Chemical sensitivity. It could be that residue from ammonia, and other chemicals stayed after the contractors' renovation work. Consider getting an air scrubber and then using a purifier to maintain optimal air quality.

• Pets. Animal dander can cause respiratory issues, and there are unpleasant odors. You have purifiers specializing in removing airborne particles related to pets.

4. How Big Is the Air Purifier You Need?

Even the best air purifier for cigarette smoke 2021 market has to offer won't assist if it's too small. You need an optimal device size to accommodate the area's requirements. Many manufacturers provide whole-house purifiers. These models can improve air quality throughout your home. You can use them for areas larger than 2,000 square feet. However, please note they might deliver the best results in zones closer to the device.

Standard air purifiers usually handle from 300 to 700 square feet of space. That should be enough for most rooms. You could get compact-sized models for smaller areas. These can purify the air in zones up to 300 square feet.

The price is often proportionate to the space the appliance covers. Does your purifier handle rooms up to 1,500 square feet? Then it'll be more expensive than the one working in a smaller zone.

5. Where Will You Put the Appliance?

Multiple reasons exist to decide on the best device position first. First, it'll ensure the appliance can fit in that spot. You can pick a location and measure the available space. Compare that to the device's dimensions to see if it fits.

Don't forget the importance of choosing a spot that maximizes efficiency. You want the air purifier close to the room's center, especially if it's compact. However, you also don't want it in the way. If you put it in a corner, try to get a more potent purifier than the room's size. It'll ensure the best performance.

Portable air purifiers are light, facilitating easy transport between locations. Many units come with handles and wheels to simplify the move. You also have stationary purifiers. You connect these directly to your HVAC system. They use the existing ducts to clean the air throughout the house.

6. How Difficult Is It to Maintain the Air Purifier?

Air purifiers require minimum maintenance. You will need to occasionally wipe the unit with a cloth to remove any debris on the outer sides. However, it's necessary to replace filters regularly. This ensures optimal performance and promotes the unit's longevity.

Most air purifiers have initial or pre-filters. These collect large particles and have the shortest longevity. Look for a washable filter to extend its lifespan. If you can't clean them, they won't last more than three months. But even if you can, replace them after no more than six or when you notice they aren't in good condition.

Activated carbon filters aren't present in all air purifiers. But if you have them, they'll focus on removing VOCs and odors. That includes pet dander and tobacco smoke, but also other fine particles. If you want the carbon to maintain efficiency, replace the component after about six months.

Finally, HEPA filters are standard in air purifiers. They can withstand heavy use and last up to 12 months. However, check their condition occasionally. Some units will even warn you when filters need replacement.

7. Why Do ACH and CADR Ratings Matter, and How to Check Them?

These parameters show how efficient your air purifier is. Here's what these abbreviations mean and why considering them is essential:

• ACH. It stands for air changes per hour. As the explanation suggests, it tells you how many times it will filter the room's air volume in 60 minutes. The higher the rating, the better the device's effectiveness. Look for units that have at least four air changes in 60 minutes. If people often spend time in that room, increase this to six or eight.

• CADR. It stands short for a clean air delivery rate. It can be in CFM, which stands for cubic feet per minute. It shows how much air it can filter in 60 seconds. Some manufacturers prefer m3 per hour. This parameter indicates how many cubic meters the purifier can process in 60 minutes.

8. Does Your Air Purifier Come with Smart Features?

The high-tech era improved most home appliances with smart features. These improve monitoring and control over how your air purifier works. The essential smart feature is a programmable timer. It ensures optimal energy consumption. You can set the device to activate before you return home. Once you get back, the cleaner will have already finished filtering the air.

Wi-Fi controls have become a standard in high-end devices. You can use smartphone apps to control your unit. It's possible to adjust the settings even from a distance. Some premium purifiers come with air quality sensors. These can alter the fan speed automatically. They would analyze the room's air quality and perform the necessary adjustments.

9. Read the Product Description

Small things could be a deciding factor when choosing an air purifier. The following product description data can help:

• Noise level. The usual rate is from 50 to 70dB. Aim for a lower rating to avoid the device disrupting your activities.

• Adjustable speeds. Lower speeds could utilize less energy but also ensure quieter operation.

• Design and colors. Some rooms require a small footprint, while you might not mind a bigger unit for other areas. As for the colors, they should fit the décor and your preference.

• Warranty. Look for products that come with the manufacturer's guarantee. They are an indicator that the unit is of expected quality.

• Cord length. It can play an integral role when choosing the unit's location.

• Metal housings are better. It depends on whether you choose entry-range or high-end purifiers. But if you can, always go with metal housings since they are more durable than plastic.

• UV light. Some manufacturers add this as an optional feature. UV lights can be efficient in eliminating mold spores and germs. However, some believe prolonged exposure to these isn't good for humans.

Final Thoughts

Air purifiers can be beneficial for household members' health and quality of life. Hazardous particles, such as dust and chemicals, can lead to allergies and respiratory issues. An air purifier for smoke can remove pollutants coming from cigarettes, fireplaces, and cooking on stoves.

The market offers hundreds of air purifiers. Models vary in sizes, filter types, areas covered, etc. Choosing an air purifier from a reputable brand is a wise decision. You'll get a generous warranty and a device of superb quality. Online sales and special internet offers are often other benefits. Feel free to check out the available options and order your air purifier today!