Air purifiers available from the market vary from model to model by the specific purposes for which they are designed. What air purifier is best for you will be determined by the kind of indoor air impurities you want eliminated.

Ionizing Air Purifiers

If removing smells is your priority, an ionizing air purifier is worth considering. Ionizing air purifiers are said to be the most effective systems available for clearing the air inside a smoke-filled room or for banishing unpleasant odors.

One popular brand, priced at $300, is the Ionic Breeze. This air purifying system works by emitting negatively charged ions that bond with positively charged particles, including those that make up smoke and bad smells. The bonded ions become extremely heavy to float, and drop to the purifier's collection plate. These fallen particles may be wiped away by a cloth. Ionizing purifier systems don't remove dust in the air, and Consumer Reports has issued a statement to this effect.

Low Ozone Air Purifiers

Low ozone air purifiers oxidize pollutants, resulting in purer indoor air for us to breathe. If you're concerned about odors, a low ozone air purifier is probably not what you need as it tends to give off a metallic smell. Be cautioned also that these purifiers emit ozone, which may be harmful to the health, especially when inhaled in high concentrations. Low ozone air purifiers cost about $500, and are best when combined with ozone air purifiers.

Air Purifiers With Air Filters

A purifier outfitted with an air filter like the 3M Filtrete may be what you need if the smells you are trying to eliminate have to do with pet dander and dust. Costing around $70, air purifiers with air filters are best for confined spaces, so having a few air filter purifiers for your home might be a good idea. The filters require replacing every quarter.

HEPA Air Purifiers

The popular high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers are good at removing airborne allergens, dirt and dust, but they don't do as well on smoke and smells. HEP air purifiers are also higher-priced than most air purifiers.

UV Air Purifiers

Air purifiers based on ultra-violet (UV) light technology kill viruses and bacteria, but are not particularly effective against odors. UV air purifiers are the most complex of the air purifiers, and are often installed in air ducts where airborne microorganisms pass through. Because of their sterilizing effect, these systems are ideal for hospitals and government buildings.