Do air purifiers help with smoke?

When it comes to air pollutants, smoke is one of the worst. It’s hard to get rid of and it’s extremely hazardous to health. It might come from wildfires or woodburning stoves and of course tobacco. The issue is that it’s not only a question of creating poor air quality and unpleasant odors but also the effects it can have on long-term health.

Thankfully air purifiers can help with this. Whether you’re concerned about wildfire smoke or simply want to eliminate lingering odors and irritants, this article will help you find the right air purification system for you. We will get into how exactly air purifiers work and how they combat smoke, the various technologies that make them effective in this function. We will also look at the key features you need to look for when choosing one, as well as the major health and comfort benefits of using a smoke-specific air filter.

So let’s get started.

Do air purifiers help with smoke?

Air purifiers work by pulling in air then filtering out pollutants before releasing cleaner air back into the space. While they’re often used to reduce allergens like pollen and mould spores, they can also be highly effective in removing smoke from indoor air.

It’s not just about removing smoke and the smell associated with it. Air purifiers are also effective in capturing hazardous chemical particles found in smoke, usually using HEPA filtration and activated carbon – which we will look at later in more detail. But to give a quick overview:

• HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters: These are made of fibres designed to trap extremely small particles. Smoke particles fall within the range that HEPA filters can capture. 

• Activated carbon: This complements the HEPA filter this by targeting odors and gaseous pollutants. Through a high-temperature activation process, the carbon becomes highly porous so it can then adsorb smoke-related chemicals and smells.

Best types of air purifiers for smoke

When choosing an air purifier to deal with the problem of smoke it’s worth looking for models that can do two key functions – capture particles and eliminate odors. Let’s look in more detail at what the most effective purifiers usually include:

1.HEPA Filter: We have talked already about HEPA filters which really form the backbone of air purification to get rid of unwanted smoke. They are so effective for the following reasons:

• They can capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns

• They are effective against fine smoke particles, which range from 4 to 0.01 microns

• They are essential for reducing the invisible pollutants that can affect respiratory health

2. Activated Carbon Filter: These are also central to air purification when dealing with smoke. They are effective for these reasons:

•  They can target gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors

• They work through adsorption, by binding smoke-related chemicals to their porous surface

• They are ideal for neutralising the lingering smell of smoke after cooking or exposure to wildfires

3. Multi-layer Filtration Systems: These are a ‘best of both worlds’ approach because they:

• Combine HEPA and carbon filters in a single unit for comprehensive coverage

• Remove both physical particulates and chemical residues

You could also look for air purifiers that have smart sensors which can detect changes in air quality and adjust purification levels automatically, while also providing real-time feedback. Also look out for UV-C light filters which can offer added protection by reducing airborne bacteria and viruses.

By choosing a purifier with both HEPA and activated carbon filtration, you’ll ensure maximum effectiveness in clearing the air, not just of smoke you can see, but also the harmful pollutants and odors you can’t.

Benefits of using air purifiers for smoke

With the rise of wildfires that we see on the news so regularly, as well as ongoing indoor air quality concerns, a high-performance air purifier with a smoke-specific filter can make a measurable difference in your home’s air. 

Here’s how:

Protection During Wildfire Season

• Wildfires release a mix of organic smoke (from trees) and toxic chemicals (from the things the fire later comes into contact with).

• Air filters can remove up to 99.99% of dangerous pollutants like naphthalene, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

• Helps reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), even for people who are far from the actual fire zone.

• Allows you to maintain healthy airflow indoors without relying on closed rooms or sealed-off spaces.

Reduces Cigarette Smoke Indoors

• Smoke particles and odors from just one smoker can cling to material, whether that’s carpets, curtains, or furniture. This can last for days.

• HEPA and activated carbon filters work together to capture over 250 harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke.

• Better than air fresheners (which add more VOCs to the home), air purifiers neutralise odors without harmful side effects.

Minimises Pollution from Fires at home

• Burning wood for heat in winter releases fine particulates, carbon monoxide, and VOCs into the air.

• A number of people including children and the elderly individuals – as well as asthma sufferers – are especially vulnerable to these pollutants.

• Specialised filters can capture even the smallest airborne irritants, meaning better respiratory health for everyone.

Improves Indoor Air Year-Round

• It’s hard to imagine when we see the outdoor environment, but in fact indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside air, especially in well-insulated homes.

• Air purifiers remove a wide range of irritants, including pet odors, mould spores, formaldehyde, and cleaning-product VOCs.

• Helps maintain a healthier living space and can prevent long-term immune system strain.

Odor Control Beyond Smoke

• Smoke-specific filters don’t just tackle airborne toxins, they also remove strong household odors.

• Activated carbon filtration keeps your space fresh without relying on synthetic fragrances.

Whether you’re protecting your home during wildfire season or simply seeking a cleaner, healthier indoor environment, a purpose-built air purifier can offer long-term peace of mind and significantly cleaner air.

About Daikin

The Daikin Humidifier Streamer Air Purifier helps maintain a clean and healthy home environment by combining humidification and air purification in one device. Using Daikin’s unique Streamer discharge technology, it effectively decomposes and removes allergens such as mould, dust mites, and pollen, while also eliminating unpleasant odours. Equipped with a deodorizing filter, an electrostatic HEPA filter, and a PM2.5 sensor, it ensures thorough air purification. The unit is designed for easy maintenance, making it a convenient solution for improving indoor air quality.

Daikin is a global innovator in air conditioning and HVAC systems. We offer a complete range of systems to meet the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial clients. From packaged units and split systems to ductless mini-splits and advanced VRF (VRV) technology, Daikin products are engineered for optimal performance, energy efficiency, and comfort year-round.

Daikin leads the industry in innovation and customer support and has business in 170 countries with millions of systems installed. Learn more about Daikin’s HVAC products by contacting us today.