Does it actually work?

Of course it does. The CT500 has the right combination of power and filter technology to handle the difficult air pollution caused by tobacco smoke. Just look at all our customer feedback as proof of it's performance.

The great news is that it handles both the smoke particles as well as the odors.

How does it work?

The CT500 Home Smoke Eater uses a patented filtering process to remove the smoke particles as well as the gases, fumes and odors from tobacco smoke. The filter is a poly fiber filter which is activated by a low voltage charge. This essentially turns the entire filter into a big magnet so it can capture the ultra fine particles.

The carbon sheet in the center of each filter is designed to absorb the various chemical fumes, gases and yes - ODORS from the air.

Check out a video where I describe how it actually gets the job done.

 

Is the CT500 Home Smoke Eater Noisy?

No, on high speed, you get 500 CFM of fan power at just 52 decibels of noise level. To put this in perspective, competing machines are 65 and 71 decibels. If you do your research on noise levels, 10 db of noise is perceived to be 10 times louder. This means that competing models will seem 10X to 15X times louder than ours.

Bottom line is that if you buy a competing machine that is 65 - 71 db, you won't want to be in the same room with it when it's turned on high. You'll end up turning it down to a low fan speed and that defeats the purpose since the lower fan speeds will take considerably longer to clean the air.

Some of the competing machines are very capable. But you just won't use them if they are too loud. To me, this is a HUGE reason why I love the CT500 Home Smoke Eater. Quiet operation matters for home use. I even created a video that demonstrates just how loud some of the competing brands really are. Check it out below.

Watch the Noise Level Comparison Video

It's the quietest home smoke eater that actually does it's job.

 

How often do I change the filters?

Filters will need to be changed depending on the amount of smoking going on in the home. Light smokers may be able to get 2 months out of each filter before they have to change it. Heavy smokers will likely be changing the filter every month. Extreme environments with multiple smokers and many packs a day will require a filter change every 2-3 weeks.

It all depends on the amount of smoke you throw at this machine.

How will I know it's time to change the filter?
Does a light go on?

There is no "filter change" light that goes on. Usually these lights are based on airflow pressure switches. They are designed to sense when the airflow has been restricted to a certain level and turn a light on when it believes the filter is full.

In my experience, these pressure switches are less than accurate. They turn on too early, or they don't turn on soon enough. Bottom line is that they aren't accurate enough to provide you a benefit.

Knowing when to change the filter is a matter of two things:

1. Visual inspection of the filter. If it is gray or black and layered with smoke particles - it's time to change it.
2. Use your nose. You may notice after a certain period of time that the odors begin to linger longer than when you had a new filter in. This is because the carbon filters get saturated and can no longer absorb any more gases, fumes and odors.

How hard is it to change the filters?

Simple. On the back of the machine, there is a little latch that you slide to the side. The back screen which holds the filter in place folds out. Simply grab the filter, slide it into a plastic garbage bag and insert a new filter and close the back screen.

Warning: Since the machine uses a low voltage charge to activate the filter, be sure you turn it OFF before changing the filter. There is an "L" shaped probe which sticks into the filter. Do not touch that probe with the machine turned on. You'll get a jolt that will shock you, but not seriously injure you.

Also, If you waited too long to change the filter, you may notice dust and smoke particles accumulating on the outside of the screen. A damp cloth can be used, but do not spray with cleaning detergents. Let the machine dry before turning it back on.

Click to watch how easy it is to change the filter.

How much do the filters cost?

Filters range from $15.83 to $23 per filter depending on the quantity you purchase. These prices include FREE Shipping within the continental USA. While this may seem a lot, they aren't any more expensive than a quality furnace filter by 3M or Filtrete.

And since each filter lasts 1-2 months, your cost of filters will be somewhere between $0.26 cents to $0.75 cents a day depending on your smoke levels and number of filters you buy.

Check out the filter prices here.

Can I buy filters at the local hardware store?

Unfortunately no. They don't carry this line of patented filters. You can purchase your filters through us or any number of online retailers carrying Dynamic Air Cleaner replacement filters.

Of course, we encourage you to purchase through us here.

Why wouldn’t I want to use an electronic purifier where I don’t have to replace filters?

While this may seem tempting, they just don't work. Often these electronic air cleaners have NO mechanism for dealing with odors. Plus, when they get dirty they just stop working altogether.

See, the way they work is to attract the smoke to a metal collection plate which you then need to clean. Once these collection plates get a layer of smoke on them, the magnetic capability of the collection plate is minimized greatly. What happens? The new smoke just flies right through the machine and won't get picked up. Sure, you save on filters. But you won't have a machine that actually works.

Will the Home Smoke Eater remove the odors?

Yes, the CT500 Home Smoke Eater uses activated carbon as part of it's filtering process. This carbon will absorb odors, gases and fumes released by tobacco smoke.

Does it work on Cigars?

Yes, cigar smoke is a little more agressive than cigarette smoke in that the particles are larger and there is more odor. However, the technology used in the CT500 Home Smoke Eater has proven very effective for both my cigarette and cigar smoking customers. You'll find many of their testomonials here.

Cigar Afficionado also wrote a review on the CT500 a few years back. You can find their writeup below.

See what Cigar Afficionado Magazine had to say... "If you simply want to filter a room from a single cigar, open a window. If you've got a house full of avid aficionados, puffing on stogies, consult a nuclear engineer. At the least, that's the logic of the R&D boys at Environmental Dynamics Group, which also makes industrial air-filtration systems to clear casinos and auto plants and stave off bioterrorist attacks. Its CT 500 Room Console is a small purifer that uses the same air-filtration technology that has blocked radioactive dust from escaping nuclear weapons plants and, as it turns out, has the power to clean the smoke that billows in the tasting offices of Cigar Aficionado. An unassuming box, the Console stands about two feet high and wide and eleven inches deep. But don't go by size. This potent pal to indoor smokers can refresh a 560-square-foot room six times in one hour. It can eliminate odors, bacteria and nearly any airborne particle that your cigar or Mother Nature can dish up. According to EDG, the Console's patented technology will remove 99 percent of all air pollutants without using ozone, a chemical typically used for air purification, which can be harmful to nasal and lung tissue and emits an unpleasant odor. The Console acts as a smoke magnet. A two-speed fan sucks smoke through an electronically polarized "media pad" consisting of fiberglass filament. As the particles in the air pass through the air cleaner an electrostatic field polarizes them and they bind together. These pollutant chunks then stick to the media pad. The pad is located behind a wire screen and has to be replaced every two to four months, depending on the degree of use. The Room Console comes equipped with wheels and can easily be rolled from one room to the next." Read some Customer Feedback too...

Also, check out our video testimonial from a very happy cigar smoking customer.

 

Would the Home Smoke Eater work in a garage?

Yes, there's no reason it won't work in a garage.

I have guys over for poker parties sometimes and everyone smokes cigars. How well will it work for these poker parties?

When it comes to smoke removal - it all gets down to a few factors. Airflow of the Smoke Eater versus the size of the space and the amount of smoke.The more smoke you have and the larger the space, the more work the machine has to do in order to keep up with the smoke being produced.

With a 500 CFM fan - the CT500 will definitely clean up the air. It's a matter of time. The bigger the space, the longer it will take. With 4-6 guys all smoking cigars at once in a big basement or garage area. You will likely overwhelm a single CT500. However, once the smoking stops, the CT500 will do a great job in cleaning up the air in the room.

If you want better performance than one CT500 will give you, consider adding a second machine for distributed processing. Or, give us a call. We offer commercial grade smoke eaters that we sell for bars and restaurants. The big caution is noise level. The commercial machines are quite a bit louder and have some installation considerations. (size, mounting, etc) We can address any questions you have when you call. Toll Free 888-472-8736.

Will the Home Smoke Eater work in a big finished basement?

Read through the response given above for poker parties. When smoking in a large basement area, there is still a chance that the smoke may escape upstairs. Smoke rises by nature. And despite having a great air cleaner like the CT500 Home Smoke Eater - the reality is that it does not create a barrier to prevent smoke from getting upstairs.

The CT500 will dramatically minimize the smoke that gets upstairs - but may not eliminate it 100%. That's just the reality. You cannot stop smoke from rising. Plus in a home with central heating and cooling - it is possible the airflow created by your heating and cooling system may still distribute the smoke.

Why am I telling you this? I'd rather be completely truthful and lose a sale than not disclose information we know to be true.

Despite the above disclosure, we have plenty of customers who are VERY pleased with the CT500 used in their basement. I'm sure you will be too.

Give a call if you have questions about your particular situation. Again, we are at Toll Free 888-472-8736.

Will my family smell any smoke?

Nothing is 100% and immediate. If your spouse is sitting on the couch with you as you smoke a cigar, yes they will smell it. Again, a central heating or cooling system may circulate the smoke throughout parts of the home. You cannot stop that completely - especially if you smoke in an open area without doors.

At the same time, the CT500 Home Smoke Eater will make a dramatic difference in the air quality in your home.

What do you recommend for best performance?

Whenever possible, don't smoke in multiple places throughout your home. Here is what I suggest:

1. Dedicate a smoking room with a door on it.
2. Keep the door closed during smoking.
3. Use a CT500 Home Smoke Eater in the room with you.
4. Use weatherstripping to seal the crack under the door. Or use a rolled up towel or a "draft dodger" sold in houseware stores. While this isn't required, it will minimize the smoke that can escape under the door and into the hallway.
5. If there is a return air duct in the room (where air is sucked back into a central heating system) close it off. If you don't, you will have smoke sucked into your ductwork and redistributed throughout your home. And again, despite having a great Home Smoke Eater in the room with you, it's not instant and some smoke may still get into the ductwork.
6. Lastly - open a window a crack. This will eliminate what I call positive pressure and give the smoke an avenue of escape. That will minimize the gust of smoke that occurs when you open the door to leave the room.

Click to watch a video where I walk you through this setup.

What does the CT500 Home Smoke Eater cost?

The price is $947 with 4 filters included. (This is a 4-8 month supply depending on smoke levels). We also offer a special deal where you can add 9 more filters for a total of 13 (1-2 year supply) for just $100 more. 9 filters typically costs $169, so you save $69 by stocking up at the time you buy your Home Smoke Eater.

Why does the Home Smoke Eater cost so much?

Truth is, quality isn't cheap. This is the best product I can find on the market - period. As mentioned throughout the site, the CT500 Home Smoke Eater has the best combination of performance, ease of maintenance, appealing design, power and quiet operation. Each of these benefits come at a cost. Here's what I mean:

Because the machine is built with a real wooden cabinet, it looks great. Plus the wood cabinet provides noise dampening capabilities not available with metal or plastic cabinets.

The motor is specially designed for whisper quiet operation. The fan blade is metal, not plastic which means it will not wobble and flutter like cheap plastic fan blades. It is a large fan blade with a shallow pitch. This means it is quiet!

Plus, add in the filtering technology that is capable of removing the smoke and odors while still being simple to maintain - it's a great piece of equipment.

I've done the homework for you. Nothing cheap will come anywhere close to this in performance and quiet operation. The fact that it looks great is a bonus.

I wish we could sell something for $300 bucks that actually worked. Unfortunately, nothing cheap that works exists.

Are you saying this is the only product that works?

No, there are a few other decent products on the market. But unfortunately they don't pass my test for quiet operation, appealing design, high airflow and ease of maintenance. But if you want to do some checking for yourself, do some research on the following machines:

IQAir GC MultiGas - Price $1149.

Based on moderate to heavy smoking - you can expect to spend over $400 a year on filters. Max fan speed on high is 260 CFM and is a LOUD 71.9 decibels. Almost 20 db louder than our CT500 Home Smoke Eater. I'll leave it to you which machine would look nicer in your den or living room. Plus, even if you can stand the noise - it will take almost twice as long for the IQAir to clean the air in your smoking room.

AllerAir 6000 DS Exec - Price $799.98

With Moderate to heavy smoking, you can expect to replace the carbon filters once a year at $299, pre-filters every couple months. 8-Pack is $99 so assume that's once a year - and a HEPA filter at $60 every two years or so. Total it up and it's about $400 a year or more. Combine that with a weak 129 CFM fan - it will take four times longer for this machine to clean the air compared to the CT500 Home Smoke Eater. Plus, the design is such that it would look awful in a nicely furnished room. 65 decibels on high is also considerably louder than our machine.

Be careful and be sure to check the the noise level. If you want to see why it's such a big concern, watch this video:

Watch the Noise Level Comparison Video

Where do I put my CT500 Home Smoke Eater?

Proximity matters. Placing it near the smoker will work better than putting it on the other side of the room. The only thing to consider is that you don't want to restrict airflow by tucking it too far in a corner or up against a wall. The back of the machine is where it draws the smoke in. Please leave 8-10 inches between the back of the machine and the wall or nearby furniture.

Can I put it on a shelf or table?

You can place it on a shelf or table, but there are two concerns. In either case, you will want to remove the wheels from the bottom so it doesn't roll off the shelf or table and fall to the floor.

If you want to place it on a shelf, be sure that the shelf can support the 45 lbs of weight.

Lastly, if you place it on a shelf, you will need to have it with the filter side facing outwards. If not, the filter will be tight against a wall and it will get no air circulation. This would cause the performance to suffer greatly.

Can I hang it from the ceiling?

No, this model is designed as a floor console and is not moutable to a ceiling. If you need more of a commercial ceiling mounted application, we do have access to the same technology which is ceiling mountable. These commercial grade ceiling mounted units are approximately $1,800 plus filter costs. We also have a number of other commercial grade smoke eaters which have been used in certain home situations. Basments, garages, etc.

Call us to discuss your specific situation: Toll Free 1-888-472-8736.

How big is it?

The dimensions are: 24" Tall x 24" Wide x 11" Deep.
Weight is approximately 45 lbs.

Is it heavy? Can I move it from room to room?

The weight and size are noted above. The machine is also on wheels so it is simple to unplug it and roll it from room to room. However, if stairs are involved, an able bodied person would be needed to carry it up or down stairs.

What can I do if smoke drifts to other parts of the home?

You can experiment with different placements of the CT500 Home Smoke Eater in the room where you are smoking. Sometimes moving it a little makes a difference in how much smoke is grabbed quickly.

If you cannot get the results you seek, consider setting up a dedicated smoking room within your home. See my recommendations here.

Lastly, if you are using a CT500 Home Smoke Eater and still want the best results for your entire home, give us a call. We have some whole house equipment available that can be added to your CT500 to provide the ultimate in whole house coverage. Call us to discuss your specific situation: Toll Free 1-888-472-8736.

Why don’t you sell other makes and models?

I could carry pretty much any brand I want. With my industry experience, the manufacturers would love to have me offer their lineup. But I don't want to do like my competitors do. See, when you go to other "air purifier" websites, you find dozens of products of all different price ranges. And they let YOU decide what is best.

I don't know about you, but I get confused looking at all of the options. And I'm a certified air quality guy.

I've done the homework for you. I've done the research. I've tested and checked things out and have come to the conclusion that despite a higher than desired price point - this CT500 Home Smoke Eater is the product I would buy for my own home. I'm not going to confuse you by offering you ten different cheaper machines that give lousy results.

Plus it's the only machine I feel comfortable backing with my 90 day no questions asked satisfaction guarantee. I used to offer other products for home smoke removal. I got way too many back from unhappy customers. I almost never get returns on the CT500 Home Smoke Eater and that's good for my customers and good for my business.

I liked this machine so much that I negotiated an exclusive right to sell these machines.

What is the warranty?

The CT500 Home Smoke Eater is warrantied by Dynamic Air Cleaners - the company that makes the machines for me. The warranty period is 1 year from the factory. But I am willing to back the product for another 2 full years. Meaning - if you need parts anytime within 3 years of the purchase, I'll pay for Dynamic to provide the necessary parts. That's a full 3 years coverage.

How long is the guarantee / trial period?

All purchases are covered by my "No Hassle" 90 Day Guarantee

"If you are not absolutely thrilled with your new home smoke eater, I'll take it back and refund 100% of your money. Absolutely NO Hassle, No Restocking fee and no charge for used or dirty filters.

You'll be able to tell for yourself how great it works within 1-2 days. But I'm going to give you a full 90 Days to check things out and make sure you are completely satisfied with the performance. With a full 90 days, you'll be able to see how easy it is to maintain it and make sure you are comfortable with how often you will need to change the filters based on your specific smoking levels.

Check out competing websites for air purifiers. Most will have restocking fees or charge you for dirty filters. My take is that if the machine doesn't work as promised, why should YOU have to eat the cost of the dirty filters. I'll take that risk for you.

How do I return it?

Simply call us Toll Free: 1-888-472-8736 and tell us you want to return the machine. We'll give you the return address and authorization number. We recommend you keep the original box on hand until you are sure you are going to keep the machine.

It's a large air cleaner and not easy to box if you throw out the original carton.

Also, please insure the machine so you have some protection in the event that it gets damaged in transit on it's way back to us.

If I return it, how long will it take to get my refund?

You will be refunded within 24-48 hours after we receive the returned item.

How long have you been in business?

This site, HomeSmokeEater.com is a brand new website launched in August of 2008. However, we have been operating My-Air-Purifier.com since August of 2004 and a prior air purification website since November of 2003. So almost 5 years in the business.

That's nearly 5 years of backing our products with a 60-90 day return policy and having to deliver products that actually work. Believe me, when you have to stand behind your products, you learn quickly what works and what doesn't. The company Dynamic Air Cleaners (who makes the machine for us) has been in business for well over 20 years.

Who makes this machine?

Environmental Dynamics Group, also known as Dynamic Air Cleaners. Their corporate website is: http://www.dynamicaqs.com. Feel free to visit their site to learn more about them and the technology inside our CT500 Home Smoke Eater.

Why isn’t anyone else selling the CT500 home smoke eater?

When I first began selling this machine for smoke removal - I quickly became Dynamic Air Cleaners number one dealer for this machine. I was selling more of these air cleaners per month than all the other dealers were selling in a year combined.

As a result, I negotiated the exclusive right to sell these machines so nobody else is able to offer them for sale.

Can I open a window while this is running?

Yes, there is no reason why opening a window will negatively affect performance. As a matter of fact, opening a window will do two things. Allow some of the smoke to escape and allow fresh air into the home. Both of which will provide cleaner air.

Do I need to close the door?

As I mentioned here, closing the door will help to contain the smoke and allow the Home Smoke Eater more time to remove the smoke from the air. It will definitely help the performance and minimize the amount of smoke that escapes the room and drifts down the hall.

How long do I keep it running?

This is a matter of preference. Many of my customers keep the machine running 24 hours a day 7 days a week. At a minimum, I would suggest running the machine during smoking and for a period of time afterwards until the smoke has cleared to your satisfaction.

Clearly, the more you run it, the cleaner the air will be. I recommend you keep it on all the time for best results.

How much electricity does it use?

The CT500 will use 300 Watts Max. Based on recent electricity charges in my region, running it 24 hours a day might cost approximately $0.50 cents a day.

Your costs will vary depending on the electric costs in your region as well as usage.

Does it work on other things besides smoke?

Yes, the Home Smoke Eater uses filtering technology that is cabable way beyond just smoke. It can capture dust, pet dander, mold, pollen, bacteria, viruses and other airborne pollutants.

Will it help my allergies or asthma?

If your allergies or asthma are worsened by the smoke in your home, YES you should feel a noticeable difference as a result of the Home Smoke Eater pulling the smoke from the air.

In general, the CT500 will create an environment free from the smoke, gases, fumes, odors and other airborne pollutants. As a result, many allergies and asthma symptoms can be lessened.

Will it stop the walls and curtains from turning brown?

Yes, the Home Smoke Eater will remove the tar, nicotine, smoke particles and other related pollutants that turn your home yellow or brown. Customers reported that the brown film on the windows and TV doesn't build up nearly as quick.

While I would love to say it eliminates this completely, we get back to the same story. Nothing is immediate, so there will be some exposure to the pollutants.

Some people also notice that they dust less often in the rooms where the CT500 Home Smoke Eater is located.

Does the CT500 Home Smoke Eater use Ozone?

No, there is no Ozone produced by the Dynamic CT500 Home Smoke Eater. While there are certain applications where ozone makes sense, it is too difficult to control the amount of ozone - thereby risking too much exposure.

Too big of a machine that produces ozone in too small of a room can definitely expose you to hazardous levels of ozone. Because of this, I don't favor the use of ozone in a home.

Ozone typically only works on gases, fumes and odors and has no impact on particles of smoke. And since the Dynamic utilizes activated carbon to handle the gases, fumes and odors, there is no need for ozone to begin with.

Have More Questions?

Give us a call Toll Free 1-888-472-8736.