What are VOCs and formaldehyde?
VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. Common indoor sources include new furniture, paint, flooring, adhesives, cleaning products, air fresheners, and pressed-wood products — the latter being a major source of formaldehyde. “New furniture smell” and “fresh paint smell” are largely VOCs off-gassing.How does the AirPro reduce VOCs?
The AirPro includes an activated carbon stage that adsorbs many VOCs and odors, including formaldehyde, as air passes through. Carbon works by trapping gas molecules on its huge internal surface area — a different mechanism from the HEPA 14 stage, which captures particles. Together they address both particulate and many gaseous pollutants.What are carbon filtration’s limits?
Carbon is effective but not unlimited. It gradually saturates and needs replacing on schedule, and it does not capture every gas — notably radon and carbon monoxide, which require dedicated detectors. Heavy or continuous VOC sources can also outpace any purifier, so reducing the source and ventilating are essential partners to filtration.How do I cut VOCs at the source?
- Air out new furniture, rugs, and mattresses before bringing them into bedrooms.
- Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and finishes.
- Ventilate well during and after painting, installing flooring, or assembling furniture.
- Store solvents, glues, and cleaners in a garage or sealed away from living areas.
When does off-gassing matter most?
Off-gassing is highest when materials are new and tapers over weeks to months. During that window, run the AirPro continuously near the source and ventilate with fresh air. See our air quality guide and cleaner indoor air page.An air purifier with carbon helps reduce VOCs and odors, but it works best alongside source control and ventilation. It is not a substitute for fresh air, and it cannot remove carbon monoxide — install a CO detector for safety.