Air Purifiers with Charcoal or Carbon Filters

The size of the carbon bed and how well it's suited to your space make a real difference in performance. Larger carbon beds generally offer more reduction capacity and longer-lasting effectiveness, especially in spaces with ongoing sources of odors and VOCs.

Some experts recommend 10 or more air changes per hour (ACH) for maximum reduction, but most homes simply don't have the space or airflow setup to reach that -- and that's okay. Many customers are happy with the results at 2 ACH or higher; anything is better than nothing, though very low ACH may be less noticeable to you even while the unit is still working. On the other end, running a unit at too high a CFM for the size of your room, or running it on a higher speed than the space calls for, can actually be less effective than running a properly sized unit on a lower, quieter speed. The right fit for your space matters more than chasing the highest possible number.

Helpful Tip: Although activated carbon air purifiers are very effective, it's critical to maintain the unit accordingly. Carbon filters work by adsorbing pollutants, which means they have a finite capacity -- once the carbon is saturated, it stops adsorbing and can even release trapped odors back into the air. Keeping an eye on your filter replacement schedule, rather than waiting until you notice a smell returning, helps your unit keep performing the way it's designed to.

For more information on Carbon Filter Technology or for assistance in finding and saving on the right air purifier for you, please visit these other pages on our site:

• More Info on Carbon Filter Air Purifiers
• How to Pick the Perfect Air Purifier
• How to Save Money Buying Air Purifiers