An air purifier with only a HEPA filter does not reliably remove odors from the air. A HEPA filter captures particles such as dust and pollen, while odors consist mainly of gases and volatile substances. If you want odor removal, you need a device specifically designed for that, and ventilation remains the most important thing.
Why does a HEPA filter not capture odors?
A HEPA filter works like a sieve for particles. According to the European standard EN 1822, HEPA 13 captures at least 99.95 percent of particles in the most difficult-to-filter particle size. Odors from cooking, smoke, or paint consist largely of gaseous molecules. These slip through a particle filter. That is not a deficiency of the filter, but a matter of what the filter is designed to do. You can read the same idea in our article what an air purifier can and cannot remove from the air.
Where do odors come from?
Typical sources are cooking, pets, smoke, fresh paint, cleaning products, and damp spaces. Sometimes odors are also a sign of an underlying problem, such as moisture or mold. In that case, the solution is to remove the cause and not to capture the odor. GGD Leefomgeving emphasizes that an air purifier is not a replacement for good ventilation, because it does not refresh the air. So always ventilate, especially after cooking or doing home improvements.
What does a carbon filter do differently?
Activated carbon filters are often used for odors, because carbon can bind gases. Check the specifications of an air purifier to see if such a filter is included. On the product page of the Dynter PA244, a four-stage filtration system with a HEPA filter is listed, but no specific odor filter is mentioned. We therefore also do not promise odor removal from this device.
In what way can an air purifier still help?
Odors are sometimes caused by particles, such as smoke particles. In that case, a HEPA filter does capture part of the source. In addition, clean air can feel pleasant, without that being the same as odors disappearing. Be critical of air purifiers that emit ozone: GGD Leefomgeving reports that most tested models emit more ozone than is safe and therefore advises not to use them, or to ventilate well after use. In addition, a dirty or old filter can itself become a source of pollution, so replace the filter in time. Read more about maintenance in how often should you replace the HEPA filter of an air purifier.
Direct answer: no, an air purifier with only a HEPA filter does not reliably remove odors from the air, because the filter captures particles and odors consist mainly of gases. For odor problems, addressing the source and ventilation help the most.
Dynter AirPure Plus PA244: what does it say on the product page?
Product name: Dynter AirPure Plus PA244 air purifier
Filtration: 4-stage filtration system with HEPA filter
CADR: 260 m³/h
Suitable for: rooms up to 55 m²
Noise: 28 to 60 dB, with sleep mode
Power: 45 W, three fan speeds and automatic mode
Operation: touch display and remote control
Filter: replaceable (6 to 8 months according to the product page)
| What do you want to reduce? | Does a HEPA air purifier help? | What else helps? |
|---|---|---|
| Dust and pollen | Yes, particles are filtered | Regular vacuuming and ventilation |
| Smoke particles | Partially | Do not smoke indoors, ventilate |
| Cooking odors | Limited, odors are gases | Extractor hood and open window |
| Musty odor due to moisture | No | Address the cause, ventilate |
What suits your situation?
If your goal is cleaner air in terms of less dust, pollen, or fine particles, then a HEPA air purifier is suitable. If odor is the problem, then first find the source and ventilate. See also air purifier versus ventilation system: what is the difference.
View the Dynter AirPure Plus PA244, the HEPA 13 replacement filter or the entire air purifier collection.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air purifier remove smoke odor?
A HEPA filter captures smoke particles, but not all gases that cause the odor. Ventilation remains important.
What is the difference between a HEPA filter and a carbon filter?
A HEPA filter captures particles. An activated carbon filter can bind gases and odors. Always check if a model has a carbon filter.
Can an air purifier remedy musty air?
Not if the cause is moisture or mold. Then you must address the source and ventilate sufficiently.
Is an air purifier a replacement for ventilation?
No, according to GGD Leefomgeving. An air purifier does not refresh the air, so ventilation remains necessary.