EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Activated Carbon Filters

What Activated Carbon Filters Actually Do for Your Air Purifier

HEPA filtration helps reduce airborne particles. Activated carbon helps address the odors¹ and gases that traditional particle filters are not designed to remove. PuroAir air purifiers include HEPA and activated carbon filtration for a complete indoor air cleaning system.

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PuroAir purifier in a home with a cat and dog
Phase 01

Household Odors¹

Rapidly adsorbs volatile cooking vapors, trash emissions, and persistent ambient odors.

Phase 02

Pet Odors¹

Filters localized high-intensity pet dander gases and ammonia compounds.

Phase 03

Smoke & Smoky Odors

Reduces microscopic wildfire smoke components and lingering candle combustion products.

Discover how PuroAir air purifiers combine HEPA filtration with an activated carbon layer to help create fresher, more comfortable indoor air.

Why Activated Carbon Matters Indoors

Clean Air Isn't Just About What You Can See

Many indoor air concerns are invisible. While dust³ and particles may be noticeable, odors¹ and gases from everyday activities can also affect how your home feels.

Cooking

Strong kitchen odors¹ from frying, grilling, and everyday meals can linger throughout your home.

Pets

Pets bring companionship, and sometimes unwanted odors¹ from fur, bedding, and everyday messes.

Household Products

Paints, cleaners, furniture, and building materials can release VOCs⁵ into indoor air.

Smoke¹ & Lingering Odors¹

Smoke¹ odors¹ can attach to fabrics, furniture, and surfaces, creating persistent smells.

What Is an Activated Carbon Filter?

A Smarter Way to Help Reduce Household Odors¹

Activated carbon is a highly porous material designed to adsorb certain gases and odor¹-causing molecules.

Unlike HEPA filters, which are designed to reduce airborne particles, activated carbon works differently by filtering certain gases and compounds within its porous surface.

Together in your PuroAir air purifier, the three layers provide a more complete approach to indoor air filtration.

Exploded view of the PuroAir three-layer filter
Simple Explanation of the 3 Filter Layers

Activated Carbon Filter

Helps reduce odors¹ and certain gaseous pollutants.

HEPA Filter

Reduces airborne particles like dust³, pollen⁴, and fine particles.

Pre-Filter

Filters larger particles, such as dust³ and pet hair, helping to extend the life of the additional filters.

THE POWER WITHIN

What Is CarbonTech™?

CarbonTech™ is PuroAir’s proprietary blend of activated carbon, engineered to filter and reduce household odors¹, smoke¹, and certain gases from the air.

Unlike particle filters that are designed to filter airborne particles, activated carbon works differently. Its highly porous structure provides a large surface area where certain odor¹-causing compounds and gases can be filtered as air passes through the filter.

CarbonTech™ combines the odor¹-fighting benefits of activated carbon with PuroAir air purifier filtration technology to help create cleaner, fresher-smelling indoor air.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

#1 Air Purifier With HEPA + CarbonTech™ Technology

The ONLY Air Purifier with HEPA & CarbonTech™ technology for 1000 sq ft¹ of coverage.

Designed for homeowners who want more than basic particle filtration, the PuroAir 240 HEPA Air Purifier combines high-efficiency filtration with an activated carbon layer to help tackle everyday household odors¹.

  • Multi-stage filtration system
  • HEPA plus activated carbon combination
  • Helps reduce household odors¹
  • Automatic air quality monitoring
  • 2-year warranty
  • Try risk-free with our 100-day guarantee
  • Trusted by 1 million+ families
PuroAir 240 purifier in a sunlit living room
TESTED & TRUSTED

Filtration Backed by Engineering

Engineered with a multi-stage filtration system to address both airborne particles and household odors¹.
High quality activated carbon blend (CarbonTech™)
Independent laboratory testing¹
Performance certifications for quality and safety
PuroAir purifier beside a sofa with a corgi
CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Real Homes.Real Odor¹ Challenges.

A LITTLE MORE CLARITY

Frequently Asked Questions

What does activated carbon do in an air purifier?

Activated carbon helps reduce odors¹ and certain gaseous pollutants by adsorbing odor¹-causing molecules and gases as air passes through the filter.

Is activated carbon better than HEPA?

Activated carbon and HEPA filters serve different purposes. HEPA filters are designed for airborne particles, while activated carbon helps address odors and gases. Many advanced air purifiers, like PuroAir, combine both technologies.

Does activated carbon filter smoke odors?

Activated carbon can help reduce many smoke¹-related odors¹ by filtering certain odor¹-causing molecules. For wildfire smoke¹ concerns, HEPA filtration is also important because smoke¹ contains fine particles.

How often should I replace my PuroAir filter?

We recommend replacing your HEPA filter with activated carbon every 3–4 months, or when the filter life indicator alert is enabled. Regular replacement helps maintain filtration performance.

Breathe Fresher. Live Better.

Multi-stage filtration for cleaner air and a more comfortable home.