Skip to content Simply put, an air purifier cannot remove carbon monoxide. Most air purifiers are designed to remove physically tangible particles; however, carbon monoxide’s molecular weight is way too low to be captured and removed from your home.
Most air purifiers use HEPA filters that target particles. Carbon monoxide is a gas. Even as a gas, the molecular weight of carbon monoxide is very low. Therefore, it cannot be trapped in an air purifier’s filters. Proper ventilation, a certified carbon monoxide detector, and ongoing repairs are needed to ensure safety. Even air purifiers with activated carbon, PCO, UV light, or ionization are not a substitute for a certified carbon monoxide alarm, proper ventilation, and immediate repair of the leak source.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that is a combination of carbon and oxygen molecules. This poisonous, odorless, colorless gas does not signal its presence to nearby people. It forms when fuel doesn’t burn completely. Because it produces no smell or other warning, it is especially hazardous indoors.
Some of the common sources that can cause carbon monoxide to be present in your indoor environment include the following:
No, an air purifier may not detect carbon monoxide in your room. The reason is simple! Even modern air purifiers can detect up to dust particles, PM2.5, or VOCs. CO is so light that air purifiers can’t detect it.
Some devices on the market have a built-in carbon monoxide sensor. They warn homeowners when they detect high levels of CO. So, choosing an air purifier with a CO alarm system can help keep your property safe and meet safety standards.
The following parts of an air purifier do not play a role in indicating carbon monoxide:
No, your regular air purifier cannot remove carbon monoxide. We advise against using an air purifier to remove carbon monoxide.
CO is a gas, not a particle. Depending on the device’s design, a normal air purifier can remove some particles, odors or specific VOCs, but it does not provide source control. The proper response to CO is to escape, identify the source, repair the fuel-burning appliance, fix the venting issue and properly place CO alarms.
In some cases, opening windows or using an air purifier can help to lower some indoor concentrations, but neither will make an active carbon monoxide leak safe. Avoid “waiting and seeing” if the air “clears up”.
Air-cleaning technology
Detects carbon monoxide?
Removes carbon monoxide?
What it can help with
HEPA filter
No
No
Captures airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and some smoke particles
Activated carbon filter
No
Not a reliable CO solution
Can help reduce certain odors and VOCs when it contains a substantial amount of carbon
PCO air purifier
No
Do not rely on it for CO removal
May be designed to address selected VOCs or odors, but portable-home performance varies
UV-C / UVGI purifier
No
No
Targets certain microorganisms under appropriate exposure conditions; does not remove CO
Ionizer / electrostatic purifier
No
No
May affect particles; does not remove gases such as CO
Ozone generator
No
No
Should not be used as a CO solution; intentionally adding ozone can create another indoor-air hazard
Dedicated CO alarm
Yes, if designed and certified for CO
No
Alerts occupants to dangerous CO levels so they can leave and seek help
HEPA is the acronym for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. As a true HEPA filter, it removes particles from the air, not gases. This is because HEPA is beneficial for typical indoor air issues like:
A HEPA filter cannot detect carbon monoxide or remove it from the air. They aren’t CO safety devices, but they can improve particle filtration. So, if you need fresh breathing air, you can definitely opt for an air purifier. But depending on it, CO detection isn’t recommended at all.
For particle removal, a higher CADR rating can help when comparing models. However, CADR doesn’t measure gas or CO removal.
Activated Carbon is a material that is used most frequently for gases and odors in an air purifier. It works by adsorbing gas molecules onto its surface. A good activated-carbon filter can decrease some indoor air issues such as:
But activated carbon cannot reliably remove carbon monoxide. Gas filters operate differently depending on the pollutant, the amount of carbon or other filter material, humidity, airflow and filter saturation.
A thin black carbon sheet in a standard purifier can help with mild odors, but it is not a CO-removal system.
PCO, also known as Photocatalytic Oxidation, uses a catalyst (usually titanium dioxide) and light to interact with some gaseous pollutants. Theoretically, PCO technology can reduce VOCs and odor-causing substances to some extent.
But PCO shouldn’t be sold or used for CO. Portable residential PCO air purifiers cannot reliably detect or clean up CO from an ongoing combustion issue.
The performance of the PC can be affected by:
Source control and ventilation are important for gases like VOCs. When choosing any PCO purifier, make sure the firm is transparent about its testing, has proper safety data, and makes realistic claims. Never use any PCO, ionization, plasma or ozone-generating unit as a replacement for a properly installed carbon monoxide alarm.
UV-C or UVGI air purifiers primarily target some microorganisms under proper exposure conditions. They are not intended to detect carbon monoxide and cannot remove carbon monoxide from indoor air.
Some multi-stage air purifiers have UV technology, but these are not CO detectors or CO-removal devices.
Ionizers and electrostatic air cleaners essentially charge particles in the air so they stick to plates, surfaces or internal collectors. They do not filter out CO or other gases.
Some air cleaners work with electricity to generate ozone. Ozone is a lung irritant and should not be deliberately added to occupied indoor areas. An ozone generator is an unproven method for tackling CO, mold, odors, smoke or other general indoor air issues.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly, silent threat you can prevent from entering your home with the right precautions.
A safe carbon monoxide plan focuses on detection, prevention and fixing the source. Select the type of CO Alarms for installation. Choose Dedicated CO Alarms.
Install CO alarms on all levels of your home and outside sleeping areas. Install according to the manufacturer’s instructions, test alarms periodically, change batteries as recommended and replace the unit when the manufacturer-specified service life is reached.
Have qualified people inspect and maintain furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, chimneys, vents and other fuel-burning equipment. CO can enter living areas via any blocked vents, cracked flues, or faulty appliances.
Do not use a portable generator inside a house, garage, basement, shed or enclosed porch. Locate generators a minimum of 20 feet away from the home; exhaust should be at least 2Use Generators Safely
0 feet away from doors, vents and windows.
Do not leave a car running in an attached garage—even if the garage door is open. Carbon monoxide can travel from the garage into the house.
Do not disregard a carbon monoxide detector. Don’t go looking for the source or wait for the alarm to fade out. Evacuate and call emergency services.
No, it removes particles. HEPA filters, but carbon monoxide is a gas.
Usually not. Most air purifier sensors are particle sensors, VOC sensors or air quality sensors. A special carbon monoxide alarm is made to warn you of the presence of carbon monoxide.
Never use PCO to remove carbon monoxide. PCOs are not intended to replace CO alarms, source repair or professional safety inspection, although they can be programmed for specific VOCs.
Most regular air purifiers also will not take away carbon dioxide. The solution to elevated CO₂ is usually appropriate ventilation, HVAC design or other building-specific solutions.
Leave, call 911 or local fire authorities right away and go back inside only when told to do so by the authorities.
