Cigar Lounge Filtration and Ventilation Calculator
Air Purification and Ventilation equipment for a cigar lounge is a sizeable investment. Finding the right amount and type of equipment is complex. This calculator was developed to help visitors explore filtration and ventilation options. This is a robust tool that takes into account far more than calculators on other websites.
Ventilation practices are changing. If you choose to skip the ventilation section, the calculator will still provide you with Air Purification quantities and cost. The replacement filter cost is also presented. Detailed instructions are listed after the calculator. If you have questions, please call our professional help line at 800-558-9436.
What This Calculator Is Designed to Do
This calculator serves several purposes, depending on who is using it and where they are in the process.
It functions as a budgeting tool, helping lounge owners and entrepreneurs understand the realistic cost range for addressing smoke control in a space. It is also a cost comparison tool, allowing side-by-side evaluation of air purification systems versus ventilation-only or HVAC-based approaches.
For contractors and engineers, the calculator acts as a unit specification and sizing tool, translating room dimensions, airflow targets, noise preferences, and filtration choices into practical equipment requirements. The same logic is used internally as a quoting tool, both by LakeAir and by professionals working with our equipment.
More broadly, this calculator is the framework we use to explore and refine the best system for a specific application. By adjusting assumptions and inputs, it becomes possible to see how different design choices affect performance, noise, operating cost, and overall system approach.
Who This Calculator Is For
This tool is designed for:
Cigar lounge owners, both existing and future
Cannabis lounge operators and entrepreneurs
Mechanical contractors and HVAC professionals
Engineers and designers evaluating smoke-control strategies
Each group uses the calculator slightly differently, but the goal is the same: to arrive at a realistic, defensible solution that fits the space and how it will be used.
Getting Help Using the Calculator
Many customers work through this calculator on their own. Others prefer to walk through it together.
If you’d like help exploring different options, understanding the results, or translating this information into a working system or quote, we’re happy to help. A short conversation often saves time and helps ensure the approach matches both the space and local requirements. You can contact an expert to aid you in using and understanding this calculation tool by calling 800-558-9436.
Calculator Instructions
Determine Amount Air Filtration / Ventilation Needed for Your Location.
This calculator was designed as a budgeting tool and a planning aid for any new or existing business where smoking is an important part of what the business is.
To accomplish this, we will perform 5 different tasks
- Specify the size of your smoking area.
- Choose an air quality level for your location
- Explore air purifier noise reduction, if any.
- Choose the amount and type of ventilation (optional)
- Select the filtration type for your cigar Lounge
This calculator lets you enter the most important details about your shop. Below is a list of the information you’ll provide, with clear explanations so it’s easy to follow. Taking a few minutes to experiment with the Cigar Shop Ventilation Calculator will help you better understand your options.
Smoking Area Size (dimensions)
(1) Enter the length, width, and ceiling height of your space. For sloped ceilings, just use the average height. The calculator will automatically calculate the square footage. If your shop includes offices, storage rooms, or other areas that don’t require air purification, subtract those from the total. This doesn’t need to be perfect—the goal is to get you close, and we can dial it in later if needed..
Level of Cleanliness
(2) You’ll see four options based on Air Changes per Hour (ACH).
10–13 ACH is the minimum, and you should expect a light haze when the room has multiple smokers .
14–16 ACH will keep the air fairly clean, but smoke takes a little longer to clear
17–20 ACH is the level we recommend for most lounges because it keeps the air clean during regular business and only gets hazy at peak times.
A 21–25 ACH rating provides extremely clean air and typically makes your lounge the cleanest in your area.
Background Noise
(3) The background noise tolerance of lounge owners differs. Some don’t mind if the equipment is noticeable, while others want the room to be as quiet as possible. That’s why the calculator includes a noise option. This setting does not change your target air quality—it only affects how hard the equipment has to work to achieve that air quality.
The first option, “No Noise Reduction,” assumes the equipment will run at full speed. This delivers the required cleaning performance at the highest noise level and is the least expensive option because it uses the least total air volume.
The most popular setting among shop owners is “15% Background Noise Reduction.” At this level, the calculator increases the required airflow by approximately 46%. That added capacity allows the system to maintain the same air-cleaning performance while operating at a noticeably lower noise level.
Selecting the third noise setting causes the calculator to size the system with approximately 75% additional airflow. By spreading the workload across greater capacity, the system can achieve the same air-cleaning performance with a reduction in background noise of around 30%.
For maximum noise control, the calculator includes a setting that targets a 45% reduction in background noise. Achieving this requires roughly 150% more total cleaning volume. It is the quietest option available, and a practical example is shown to help you visualize how that noise level translates in a working lounge.
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Ventilation
(4) Ventilation and Makeup Air
Most municipalities require some amount of ventilation, and in many cases, that air must be treated—heated or cooled—before it enters the space. Ventilation requirements vary widely and are often among the most misunderstood aspects of designing a cigar lounge. The calculator lets you explore several common ventilation approaches to see how each affects the overall system.
Untreated Makeup Air (LAC-MUA)
Untreated makeup air brings outside air directly into the space without heating or cooling it first. This approach is sometimes used in mild climates or where local codes allow it. While it can satisfy basic makeup-air requirements, untreated air can introduce comfort issues, especially during hot summers or cold winters. This option is often paired with air purification to handle smoke, while accepting some temperature variation as a tradeoff.
ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)
An ERV is one of the most common ventilation choices for cigar lounges. It brings in outside air while transferring heat and, in some cases, moisture from the exhaust air stream. This helps reduce the heating and cooling load on the space while still meeting ventilation requirements. ERVs add cost and complexity, but they are often a good balance between comfort, efficiency, and code compliance.
Economizer-Based Ventilation
An economizer uses outdoor air as part of the HVAC system when conditions are favorable. When the outdoor temperature and humidity are within an acceptable range, the system increases outside-air intake to provide ventilation and cooling simultaneously. Economizers can reduce energy use under the right conditions, but their effectiveness depends heavily on climate and building configuration.
Other Makeup Air Systems
Some spaces use dedicated makeup air units, DOAS systems, or custom HVAC solutions to meet ventilation requirements. These systems can be effective but are often expensive and highly dependent on local code interpretation. While not widely accepted, open doors and attic vent fans are used in some cases. The calculator includes this category to acknowledge that not all ventilation approaches fit neatly into a single box.
If ventilation is unfamiliar or confusing, you’re not alone. Many lounge owners focus first on air purification, then address ventilation as required by local code. You can explore these options in the calculator, or skip this section entirely—the calculator will still provide air purification recommendations based on your space.
System Volume
Below the ventilation section, the calculator provides the basic airflow in CFM (cubic feet per minute). As you adjust the calculator, the section updates. The section outputs the Total CFM, Air Purification, and Ventilation required, based on the information you enter in the calculator.
Choosing a Filtration Type
(5) Filtration Type
This section lets you select the type of filtration used in the system. As you switch between filtration options, you’ll notice the total system cost change. That’s expected. Each filtration method has its own strengths and tradeoffs, and there is no single “best” choice for every lounge.
MERV 15 Filtration
MERV 15 filtration is the lowest-cost option to operate over time. Replacement filters typically cost about 10% less than higher-efficiency options. However, MERV 15 filters remove roughly 95% of smoke particulate, which means some residual smoke remains in the air. Choosing this option saves money, but it does so by accepting a lower level of air cleanliness. Very few of our customers choose MERV 15 as their filtration choice.
HEPA Filtration
HEPA filtration provides the highest level of air cleanliness available in the calculator. It captures the smallest smoke particles and delivers the cleanest possible air. The tradeoff is cost—HEPA filters are slightly more expensive to replace than MERV 15 filters. Many lounge owners choose HEPA when air quality is the top priority and operating cost is a secondary concern.
Electrostatic Filtration
Electrostatic filtration reduces filter replacement costs, but it requires regular hands-on maintenance. When freshly cleaned, electrostatic filters perform at approximately 97% efficiency. Over time, however, their effectiveness declines as they collect residue. We estimate efficiency drops by 1–3% per week between cleanings. This option can save money, but only if the filters are cleaned frequently and consistently.
Each filtration type represents a different balance between air quality, maintenance effort, and ongoing cost. The calculator allows you to explore these tradeoffs so you can decide which approach best fits how your lounge is operated.
Air Flow Breakdown and Calculator Summary
The Summary section provides a snapshot of the information the calculator uses to generate the cost estimates in the column to the right.
Costs:
Cost of Air Purification: This is the cost of smoke eaters alone, based on 2026 MSRP Pricing. Multiple Units may be eligible for special pricing.
Cost of Ventilation Units: This cost represents the number of ventilation units and their price. There are many options here, and this is a budgetary number.
Combining Air Purification and Ventilation gives us the Full System Cost.
The Estimated Annual Filter Replacement Cost is based on the recommended filter replacement intervals and filter subscription prices. This is the most affordable way to purchase filters.
Calculator Takeaways
We strongly suggest you play with the settings. Look at how performance and cost is affected by changing the different variables. If you would like help or more information about using the calculator, please call 800-558-9436 for personal help.
This calculator is intended to educate consumers. Whether you buy your air purification system from LakeAir or another company, the results will be similar. We use sound and power statistics provided by the blower manufacturer. These air volumes and resulting noise levels are documented and reliable.
Lastly, if you would like to have us contact you with more information, add your email address and phone number in the last fields and hit submit. One of our Air Purification specialists will contact you.
How this Calculator is Used in Practice
Smoke Eaters in Nevada
Tommy, the owner of the Sunset Cigar Lounge in Henderson, Nevada, worked with us using the data from the Cigar Lounge Filtration and Ventilation Calculator to design his lounge. We were able to fit both private and public sections into one plan. The calculator helped Tommy to come in under budget and provide quiet and clean air to both sides of his lounge.
Air Purification Upgrade
When the Owner of Mr. C’s Cigar Lounge wanted to upgrade his air purification, he used the Cigar Lounge Filtration and Ventilation Calculator to better understand his needs and the differences in cost and performance between different types of filtration.
