Smoke is one of the most challenging air quality issues because it contains both particles and gases. Different smoke types require different approaches.
Understanding Smoke
Smoke isn't just one thing—it's a complex mixture:
- Particles: Visible smoke is mostly tiny particles (PM2.5 and smaller)
- Gases: Carbon monoxide, VOCs, and various other compounds
- Odor compounds: What makes smoke smell like smoke
Cigarette Smoke
The Challenge
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of compounds—particles, gases, and stubborn odor chemicals. It permeates fabrics, walls, and surfaces.
What Helps
- HEPA filter: Captures smoke particles effectively
- Substantial activated carbon: Addresses gases and odors
- High CADR: Smoke requires rapid air cleaning
Limitations
- Can't eliminate ongoing smoke in enclosed spaces
- Won't remove smoke residue from surfaces
- Carbon saturates relatively quickly with tobacco smoke
- Source control (not smoking indoors) is far more effective
For Neighbor Smoke
If smoke drifts from neighbors' units, seal air gaps (around doors, outlets, pipes) and run a purifier. This can significantly reduce exposure to secondhand smoke infiltration.
Cooking Smoke
The Challenge
Cooking, especially frying and high-heat methods, generates significant PM2.5 particles and grease-laden aerosols.
Best Solution
A range hood venting outside is far more effective than any air purifier. If you have one, use it. If you don't, opening windows during cooking helps.
Air Purifier Role
- Useful when you lack good ventilation
- HEPA captures cooking particles
- Place near but not directly over cooking area (grease can damage filters)
- Run on high during and after cooking
Important
Air purifiers recirculate air—they don't remove smoke from your space the way exhaust ventilation does. For heavy cooking, ventilation is always preferable.
Wildfire Smoke
The Challenge
Wildfire smoke can infiltrate from outdoors during smoke events, bringing very high levels of fine particulates.
What Helps
- Keep windows and doors closed: Reduce infiltration
- Run HEPA purifier continuously: Filter what gets in
- Size up: During smoke events, higher CADR is valuable
- Create a clean room: Focus on one room you can keep clean
During Smoke Events
- Run purifiers at highest tolerable speed
- Seal gaps where smoke enters
- Avoid activities that add indoor particles (cooking, candles)
- Consider relocating if AQI is very high and you're vulnerable
HEPA Effectiveness
HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing wildfire smoke particles. During wildfire events, indoor air with a running HEPA purifier can be dramatically cleaner than outdoor air.
Filter Considerations
HEPA for Particles
All smoke types involve particles that HEPA filters capture well. Smoke CADR is the relevant specification.
Carbon for Gases and Odor
If odor is a concern (cigarette smoke especially), look for purifiers with substantial activated carbon—thin sheets aren't enough for heavy odor loads.
Replacement Frequency
Heavy smoke exposure wears filters faster. During wildfire season or with persistent smoke, filters may need replacement more frequently than normal.