So you may ask yourself, do air purifiers help with smell? The short answer is yes – they do! You can mask the odors with sprays and artificial smells, and this may help, but the real answer is to clean the air. In this short article, we’ll explore the effectiveness of air purifiers on various odors and suggest some models to consider in 2024. For us in the Trustworthy home, we have had the Dyson Pure Cool Tower fan running for over a year and have been very pleased.
Smells that linger from pets, cigarettes, or cooking often leads to more specific questions: do air purifiers help with dog smell, cat litter smell, smoke smell, and more? As I said in the opening, the short answer is a resounding yes! So Let’s look into how they actually work and which models are leading the pack this year.
The Science Behind Odor Removal
To scientifically answer the question: Do air purifiers help with smell, you should understand how they work. There are a number of technologies employed in odor reduction, you should have a basic understanding of these to make an informed decision on what model makes sense for your needs. Purchasing a good Air Quality monitor will help with this process, check out our review of the Top 5 in 2024 here.
Basically, air purifiers clean the air by drawing it through a series of filters designed to trap and neutralize various particles and odors. Here’s a brief description of the technologies used:
- Pre-Filters:
- The first line of defense in many air purifiers, pre-filters capture larger particles such as dust, hair, and pet dander, preventing them from reaching the more delicate filters within the purifier.
- HEPA Filters:
- High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are used for trapping smaller particles that escape the pre-filter. They can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them effective against pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
- Activated Carbon Filters:
- Activated Carbon filters are really important in the battle against bad smells. The porous nature of activated carbon allows it to absorb gases, chemicals, and odors, effectively neutralizing smells from pets, cigarettes, cooking, and other sources. This filter is the workhorse behind removing the smells like smoke and pet odors in the air purifiers.
- Ionizers:
- Some air purifiers feature ionizers which release negatively charged ions into the air. These ions attach to positively charged particles such as dust and allergens, causing them to clump together and become heavy, eventually falling to the ground and thus, getting removed from the air we breathe.
- UV-C Light:
- Ultraviolet C (UV-C) light is another feature found in some air purifiers. It uses short-wave ultraviolet light to inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms like mold, bacteria, and viruses, thereby purifying the air.
- Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO):
- PCO is an advanced technology that uses a UV light in conjunction with a catalyst to produce oxidizers that neutralize harmful contaminants and odors, breaking them down into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Combining these technologies in an air purifier provides for the effective elimination of various odors. The pre-filter and HEPA filter work in tandem to clean the air of larger particles and allergens, while the Activated Carbon filter, Ionizer, UV-C Light, and PCO target and neutralize the various gaseous compounds and microorganisms responsible for bad smells. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the air within your living space is not just particle-free but also fresh and devoid of unpleasant odors.
The Importance of Combating Odor:
Persistent odors aren’t just an annoyance—they can also be harmful, especially when dealing with smoke. Eliminating these smells is critical for maintaining good air quality and creating a healthier, more comfortable living space.
Top Models of 2024
I’ve selected a few high-quality models for you to take a look at that employ various technologies at different price points. Each model section describes the pros and cons of each along with my take on the model based on hours of research. I’ve included the price at the time I wrote this article, however, prices can fluctuate often, so I included an Amazon link to check the current price. Hope this helps!
Rotate Your Mobile Device For A Complete View of The Table
| OVERALL BEST | RUNNER UP | SMART FEATURES | BEST FOR COOLING | BEST WITH ECO MODE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit Core 400S | Coway Airmega 400S | Dyson Purifier Cool | Levoit 200S | Coway Airmega AP-1512HH |
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| $219.99* | $494.08* | $546.44* | $199.99* | $201.47* |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
*Price at the time of this review
While all of our Top 5 use Pre-filters, HEPA Filters and Activated carbon, none include Ionizers, UV-C Light, or Photocatalytic Oxidation, I’ve chosen a few below with links that do include these technologies in case you are interested those.
Models with Ionizers:
- Honeywell HFD-120-Q QuietClean Oscillating Air Purifier with Permanent Washable Filters: This model features an ionizer option that can be turned on or off, providing additional particle removal efficiency.
- Sharp Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifiers: Sharp’s Plasmacluster technology is an example of ionizing technology that actively releases positive and negative ions into the air to safely break down contaminants.
Models with UV-C Light:
- GermGuardian AC4825E 4-in-1 Air Purifier: This popular model includes a UV-C light that works in conjunction with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, in addition to filtering out common allergens and odors.
- HoMedics TotalClean 5-in-1 UV Air Purifier: Offers UV-C light technology aimed at killing bacteria and viruses, along with HEPA filtration for particulate pollutants.
Models with Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO):
- Airocide APS-200 PM 2.5: Utilizes PCO technology to oxidize gases, VOCs, and microorganisms without producing harmful ozone. It’s known for its application in space to maintain clean air.
- Purashield 500 Air Scrubber: Incorporates PCO technology among other layers of filtration to target a wide range of pollutants, including VOCs, bacteria, and viruses.
Top-5 Detail Reviews
Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier (Overall Best – Smart Features)
Pros
- ✅ Large coverage up to 1980 ft², ideal for large rooms
- ✅ 3-stage filtration captures a wide range of pollutants
- ✅ Whisper-level quiet operation for undisturbed sleep
Cons
- ❌ The app can be unreliable at times
- ❌ Replacement filters required for best performance
John’s Take
The Levoit Core 400S stands out as the Overall Best choice for its smart features and extensive coverage. It’s perfect for anyone looking to purify large spaces efficiently. Despite the occasional app hiccup, its performance and quiet operation make it a top pick for homes and offices alike.
Coway Airmega 400S Smart Air Purifier (Runner Up – Large Spaces)
Pros
- ✅ Cleans spaces up to 1,560 sq. ft. efficiently
- ✅ HyperCaptive Filtration System for superior air purification
- ✅ Smart features including app and voice control
Cons
- ❌ High initial cost
- ❌ Can be noisy at higher settings
John’s Take
The Coway Airmega 400S is a powerhouse for large spaces, offering top-notch air purification coupled with smart technology for ease of use. While the price tag is steep, the investment is justified for those needing to purify large areas effectively.
Dyson Purifier Cool (Best for Cooling)
Pros
- ✅ Dual functionality as an air purifier and cooling fan
- ✅ Advanced filtration system captures a wide range of pollutants
- ✅ Intuitive app control and real-time air quality monitoring
Cons
- ❌ Premium price point
- ❌ Fan cooling power may not meet all expectations
John’s Take
The Dyson Purifier Cool is a stylish and effective solution for those seeking both air purification and a cooling breeze. Its high-tech features and dual functionality make it a standout choice, albeit with a premium price tag that reflects its advanced capabilities.
Levoit 200S (Best Overall Performance)
Pros
- ✅ Large room coverage up to 1900 ft²
- ✅ High air intake and 3-stage filtration for superior purification
- ✅ Smart features including app control and scheduling
Cons
- ❌ May be too large for small spaces
- ❌ Some users find the app controls confusing
John’s Take
The Levoit 200S shines as a high-performance air purifier, making it an excellent choice for those with larger spaces. Its smart capabilities and efficient filtration system ensure a healthier indoor environment. Despite its size, the benefits it brings to large rooms are undeniable.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH (Best with Eco Mode)
Pros
- ✅ Efficiently purifies spaces up to 361 sq. ft.
- ✅ HyperCaptive Filtration System for advanced air purification
- ✅ Eco Mode conserves energy when air is clean
Cons
- ❌ Replacement filters can be expensive
- ❌ Some users find it noisy at the highest setting
John’s Take
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH stands out for its Eco Mode, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious users. Its effective filtration system and smart features offer excellent air quality management. While filter replacement costs and noise level are considerations, its overall performance and energy efficiency make it a top contender.
Final Thoughts
Everyone wants an odor-free home, and the right air purifier is one way to help get there. They really do play a role in neutralizing smells like dog smell, cat litter smell, smoke smell, and cigarette smell, establishing a healthier and more inviting space.
So, the answer to the question of do air purifiers help with smell? Undoubtedly YES! The models mentioned above are suggestions for what to look for in 2023. Hopefully, the research and data we’ve compiled on odor elimination technology and purifier models help you make an informed decision if you are indeed in the market for a good air purifier.
If you liked this article, please check out our article on Homeownership Essentials: Common Sense Tips all homeowners should know!