Do HEPA purifiers help with VOCs from new furniture off-gassing?
I just furnished my apartment with new furniture and the chemical smell is strong. I know VOCs are gases, not particles. Does a HEPA filter help at all, or do I specifically need activated carbon? How long does furniture off-gassing typically last?
3 Answers
HEPA filters do not remove VOCs — they capture particles only. Activated carbon is the filter type that adsorbs VOC gases. For new furniture off-gassing, you specifically need a purifier with a substantial carbon stage. Off-gassing typically diminishes significantly within 3–6 months.
Ventilation is actually more effective than carbon filtration for initial off-gassing. Open windows for the first 2–4 weeks when possible. Then use the purifier to handle residual VOCs. The combination is more effective than either alone.
Formaldehyde is the primary VOC from new furniture. Some purifiers have formaldehyde-specific filters, but a standard thick carbon filter handles it reasonably well. Avoid thin carbon mesh — it saturates too quickly with heavy off-gassing.