5 Best Air Purifiers for Weed Smoke

Air purifiers are devices that help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and contaminants from the air. They work by using filters or other technologies to capture and trap particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Air purifiers are frequently employed in residences, workplaces, and various indoor settings to enhance air quality and promote a healthier and more comfortable atmosphere.

One specific use case for air purifiers is to remove weed smoke from the air. When marijuana is smoked, it releases harmful chemicals and particles into the air, which can have negative effects on both the smoker and those around them. Using an air purifier can help reduce exposure to these harmful effects by effectively removing the smoke particles and odors from the air.

Understanding the Harmful Effects of Weed Smoke

Weed smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals and particles as tobacco smoke. When marijuana is smoked, it releases toxins such as carbon monoxide, tar, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These substances can irritate the respiratory system and cause a range of health problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and increased risk of respiratory infections.

Secondhand weed smoke can also be harmful to those who are exposed to it. Studies have shown that exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke can have similar health effects as exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. This is particularly concerning for children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Using an air purifier can help reduce exposure to these harmful effects by effectively capturing and removing the smoke particles and odors from the air. This can create a healthier indoor environment for both smokers and non-smokers alike.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Purifier for Weed Smoke

When choosing an air purifier for weed smoke, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right one for your needs.

• Room Size: The size of the room where the air purifier will be used is an important factor to consider. Air purifiers are designed to clean a certain amount of air per hour, known as the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). It’s important to choose an air purifier with a CADR that is appropriate for the size of the room where it will be used.
• Filter Type: Different air purifiers use different types of filters to capture and remove particles from the air. The most common types of filters used in air purifiers are HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and pre-filters. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing small particles, while activated carbon filters are effective at removing odors and VOCs. Pre-filters help extend the life of the main filter by capturing larger particles.
• Noise Level: Some air purifiers can be quite noisy, especially when running on higher fan speeds. If you plan to use the air purifier in a bedroom or other quiet space, it’s important to choose one that operates quietly.

Considering these factors will help ensure that you choose an air purifier that is effective at removing weed smoke from the air and meets your specific needs.

Top 5 Air Purifiers for Weed Smoke

1: IQAir Healthpro Plus

IQAir, renowned as the pioneering air purification company, presents the IQAir Healthpro Plus, your ultimate solution for combatting both particles and odors stemming from weed smoke.

Equipped with a substantial HyperHEPA filter and a hefty 5 lbs of activated charcoal infused with zeolite, the IQAir Healthpro Plus is primed to tackle weed smoke odors with unparalleled efficiency.

While its design may not be the epitome of aesthetics, it undeniably reigns as the premier air purifier in the market, excelling in particle removal (achieving PM1 level zero in just 25 minutes in our rigorous test). Moreover, it boasts one of the largest activated carbon filters available, ensuring superior performance.

What we like:

• Ample V-50 cell gas and odor filter containing 5 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite
• Exceptional particle removal capability, achieving PM1 level zero in just 25 minutes
• Swiss-made precision; each device undergoes rigorous testing and includes a certificate with results
• Ionizer-free operation ensures zero chemical byproducts like ozone
• Convenient remote control functionality for seamless operation
• Backed by a reassuring 10-year warranty, offering peace of mind and long-term reliability

Areas for Improvement:

• Initial price tag of $899 may deter budget-conscious buyers, but the unparalleled air-cleaning prowess justifies the investment
• Filter replacement costs can amount to up to $200 annually
• Operates at a relatively high sound level on its highest speed
• Lacks smart functions or app support and is relatively large in size

While the IQAir Healthpro Plus may not fit everyone’s budget, its exceptional performance in combating both gases and odors solidifies its position as the top choice for addressing weed smoke in 2024.

In our comprehensive performance assessment, it swiftly reduced the PM1 level to zero in just 25 minutes, a testament to its efficacy, especially when coupled with one of the market’s largest activated charcoal filters.

Amidst a sea of air purifier brands, IQAir stands as a beacon of reliability, with a legacy dating back to 1963. For those serious about addressing weed smoke odors and particles, the IQAir Healthpro Plus is a worthy investment.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES:

• Our Rating: ★★★★★
• Time to clean our test room: 25 minutes
• Air purifier technology: Utilizing HyperHEPA filtration alongside V50-CELL gas and odor filter.
• Recommended room size: 450 to 1125 sq. ft.
• Clean air delivery rate (CADR): 300 CFM (510 m³/h)
• Dimensions: 28H x 18W x 16D inches (71H x 38W x 41D cm)
• Weight: 35 lbs (16 kg)
• Noise level (low – high): 25 – 69dB
• Filter life: 4 years
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 10 years
• Estimated energy consumption: $165.04 per year
• Country of manufacture: Switzerland

2: Austin Air Healthmate

Featuring the largest carbon filter on the market, boasting over 15 lbs of activated charcoal, the Austin Air Healthmate sets a new standard for combating the harmful VOCs and odors associated with weed smoke.

With its substantial 15 lbs of activated carbon, the Austin Air Healthmate offers unparalleled protection against heavy plumes of smoke, making it ideal for spaces with intense smoke concentrations. What’s more, this robust filter boasts an impressive lifespan of five years, minimizing the hassle of frequent replacements.

What we like:

• Austin Air offers the largest activated carbon filter on the market, containing 15 lbs of odor-eliminating substrate.
• Incorporates Zeolite in the carbon filter, enhancing the absorption of harmful gases present in weed smoke.
• Simple installation and operation with a user-friendly single-dial design, catering to those seeking effortless pollutant capture.
• Equipped with castor wheels for easy maneuverability despite its hefty size.

Areas for Improvement:

• The large carbon filter limits airflow, resulting in a CADR of approximately 150 CFM, lower than other units in its price range.
• At $700, lacks smart features, app support, or air quality feedback.
• Heavy and cumbersome to move despite the castor wheels.

In addition to its colossal carbon filter, the Austin Air Healthmate features a True HEPA filter and two separate pre-filters to address particulate matter and other household pollutants, ensuring comprehensive air purification. Its intuitive one-dial control panel simplifies operation, allowing users to adjust fan speed effortlessly.

While it falls short of securing the top spot due to inferior particle removal performance compared to the IQAir Healthpro Plus, the Austin Air Healthmate excels in tackling serious odor issues stemming from weed smoke, making it a reliable choice for odor control.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES:

• Our Rating: ★★★★☆
• Time to clean our test room: 36 minutes
• Air purifier technology: Carbon Filter, HEPA Filter, Pre-Filter, Large Particle Pre-Filter
• Recommended room size: 750 to 1500 sq. ft.
• Clean air delivery rate (CADR): 150 CFM (estimated based on HouseFresh tests)
• Dimensions: 23H x 14.5W x 14.5D inches (58.4H x 36.8W x 36.8D cm)
• Weight: 47 lbs (21.3 kg)
• Noise level (low – high): 40dB – 62dB
• Filter life: 5 years
• Warranty: 5 years
• Estimated energy consumption: $138.76 per year
• Country of manufacture: US – Buffalo, New York

3: Levoit EverestAir

The Levoit EverestAir emerges as a top-tier smart air purifier, boasting formidable capabilities to combat weed smoke.

Rapid and efficient, the EverestAir swiftly eliminates smoke and odors, achieving remarkable air purification results in just 13 minutes during our rigorous testing. Fueled by robust fans, this purifier effectively circulates air in spaces spanning up to 2790 sq. ft., making it an ideal choice for expansive open-plan residences or for swift air turnover in smaller areas to prevent smoke dispersion.

Utilizing a highly efficient primary filter and an activated carbon filter featuring ARC Formula™, the EverestAir excels in removing particulate matter and VOC pollutants present in weed smoke. While its activated charcoal quantity of 0.88 lbs may not match our top choices for odor removal, it remains highly effective.

What we like:

• Onboard air quality sensor displaying PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 readings offers comprehensive air quality monitoring.
• Adjustable vents ensure customizable airflow, setting it apart as the only air purifier with this feature.
• Fair energy consumption rate relative to its power and performance.
• Integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enables voice control.
• Consistently high performance, even at lower speed settings.

Areas for Improvement:

• High upfront cost at $499.99.
• Absence of generic filter replacements on Amazon.
• Independent testing of the primary filter to HEPA standards would be beneficial.

Distinguished by its array of features, from rapid auto-mode activation upon detecting weed smoke to full app support providing real-time air quality monitoring via smartphone, the EverestAir delivers unparalleled convenience. With the VeSync app, users can remotely control the purifier, adjust settings, receive filter life reminders, schedule operations, set timers, and fine-tune vent angles.

Notably, the EverestAir achieves swift smoke clearance in our testing lab, whether operating at its maximum fan speed (13 minutes) or lowest speed (25 minutes), emitting a near-silent 24 dBA. This versatility ensures continuous protection against weed smoke odors with minimal energy consumption and negligible noise levels.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES:

• Our Rating: ★★★★★
• Time to clean our test room: 13 minutes
• Air purifier technology: 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gases)
• Recommended room size: 558 sq. ft.
• Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): 360 cubic feet per minute (612 cubic meters per hour)
• Dimensions: 18.9L x 8.5W x 23.2H inches (48L x 21.6W x 58.9H cm)
• Weight: 20.7 lbs (9.38 kg)
• Noise level (low – high): 24 – 56 dB
• Filter life: 12-15 months
• Warranty: 2 years
• Estimated energy consumption: $87.25 per year
• Country of manufacture: China

4: Winix 5500-2

The Winix 5500-2 stands as a robust air purification solution crafted by a reputable brand.

Equipped with top-tier filters and powerful fans, the Winix 5500-2 effortlessly eliminates even the minutest particles while efficiently addressing weed odors. Its air filtration prowess is enhanced by a combination of a granular activated carbon filter, which swiftly neutralizes weed odors, and a HEPA-certified primary filter.

One notable feature of the 5500-2 is its ionizer function, augmenting its air cleaning capabilities beyond HEPA filtration alone. Users have the flexibility to deactivate the ionizer if concerned about potential byproducts like ozone.

What we like:

• Independently verified CADR of 232 CFM against smoke ensures potent performance without a hefty price tag.
• Convenience features include Auto mode, adjustable timers, and a remote control, streamlining the air purification process.
• Filters boast a lifespan of up to a year and are reasonably priced, with options available for less than $50 on platforms like Amazon.
• Consistent air cleaning performance is maintained even without utilizing PlasmaWave, requiring only slightly more time to clear the test space.

Areas for Improvement:

• Lack of a memory setting necessitates manually checking the ionizer status after power disconnection for users opting to avoid this feature.
• Absence of app support limits remote operation and air quality feedback, relying solely on the control panel’s color indicator.

Despite its budget-friendly price often below $160, the 5500-2 impresses with its swift air cleaning performance, clearing pollutants from the testing lab in just 18 minutes. Remarkably, it outpaces pricier competitors like the $900 IQAir HealthPro Plus, which took 25 minutes to achieve the same feat.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES:

• Our Rating: ★★★★☆
• Time to clean our test room:
  • 18 minutes with PlasmaWave ionizer
  • 22 minutes without PlasmaWave enabled
• Air purifier tech: PlasmaWave, detachable pre-filter, reusable activated carbon filter, and genuine HEPA filter
• Recommended room size: 360 sq. ft. (4.8 ACH)
• Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
  • Smoke: 232 CFM
  • Dust: 243 CFM
  • Pollen: 246 CFM
• Dimensions: 15 inches wide, 8.2 inches deep, and 23.6 inches high (38 centimeters wide, 21 centimeters deep, and 60 centimeters high)
• Weight: 14.8 lbs (6.7kg)
• Noise level (low – high):
  • Low speed: 27 dB
  • Medium speed: 47 dB
  • Top speed: 59.5 dB
• Filter life: 12 months
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 2 years
• Estimated energy consumption: 53.2 watts ($42.05) per year
• Country of manufacture: South Korea

5: Alen BreatheSmart 45i

The BreatheSmart 45i delivers exceptional air purification performance, thanks to its top-tier air filtration system.

Featuring premium-grade filters, including a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter capable of eliminating 99.95% of particulates as small as 0.1 microns, the BreatheSmart 45i stands out as an effective solution for combating weed smoke. Alen offers users a choice of carbon filters, with options like Odor and Smoke filters containing ample charcoal substrate to effectively trap odors and harmful chemicals prevalent in smoke-laden air.

What we like:

• Alen provides a selection of activated carbon filters, with options like Odor and Smoke filters offering optimal protection against weed smoke.
• Equipped with a CARB-certified ionizer function to enhance smoke removal efficiency, giving users control over its usage.
• Operates at a noise level ranging between 23 and 49 dB, making it one of the quietest air purifiers available, ensuring peaceful sleep in a clean environment.
• Features a built-in air quality display for real-time monitoring of pollutant levels during smoking sessions.

Areas for Improvement:

• The standard (and most economical) filter lacks activated carbon, necessitating the purchase of the appropriate option for effective smoke protection.
• While suitable for average-sized spaces, users seeking to clear weed smoke from larger rooms may consider the more powerful BreatheSmart 75i model.
• Alen air purifiers are renowned for their reliability and durability, backed by a lifetime warranty, a rare offering in the industry.

In addition to its impressive performance, the BreatheSmart 45i boasts a sleek design and portability, featuring a lightweight build and a convenient handle for easy transportation between rooms. Furthermore, it includes an auto mode, allowing users to set it and forget it, simplifying operation for hassle-free air purification.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES:

• Our Rating: ★★★★☆
• Time to clean our test room: 33 minutes
• Air purifier technology: True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology
• Recommended room size: Up to 800 sq. ft.
• Clean air delivery rate (CADR): 245 cubic feet per minute (416 cubic meters per hour)
• Dimensions: 25 inches tall by 15 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep (63.5 centimeters tall by 38.1 centimeters wide by 21.6 centimeters deep)
• Weight: 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg)
• Noise level (low – high): 23 – 49 dB
• Filter life: 12 months
• Manufacturer’s warranty: Lifetime (with product registration and active filter subscription)
• Country of manufacture: China

Choosing the Best Air Purifier for Weed Smoke

In conclusion, using an air purifier is an effective way to remove weed smoke from the air and reduce exposure to its harmful effects. When choosing an air purifier for weed smoke, it’s important to consider factors such as room size, filter type, and noise level to ensure you select the right one for your needs.

Overall, it’s important to choose an air purifier that is effective at removing smoke particles and odors from the air and meets your specific needs. By doing so, you can create a healthier indoor environment and reduce exposure to the harmful effects of weed smoke.