We are non smokers here. But many of my neighbors do smoke, and the one only does it outside. We live in a regular single family home in the suburbs. Does anyone else have problems with smoke odor seeping in? I do my best to keep my kids away from people that are smoking, what am I supposed to do in my own home when it gets in? We never open the windows and don't leave the doors open.
Ooooh...that is a tough one...while we're on it. Here's another question...How do you deal with neighbors who drop the F-bomb as well as other nasty words when you're impressionable little ones are outside? This particular gentelman seems to have some anger issues and I've never felt quite comfortable asking him to watch his mouth. Any suggestions?
I'm in the same situation, the neighbors on either side of our house smoke outside and we don't smoke. Consider opening the windows every so often when the neighbors are not smoking. Also, consider buying a portable HEPA air filter (not an ionizing filter). We have one, and it works great for getting a little smoke out of the air. Also, check your furnace filter. It should be changed every 3 months when the furnace is turned on. You can buy HEPA filters for furnaces, too, although they are a bit more expensive. Good luck!
Good question, I don't smoke, neither does my hubby. It is there property so you can't tell them what to do. If you get along with them good, maybe you could say something but I really don't think it will help. MAN that really sucks!
i have never heard of smoke coming into the house from one person smoking outside. how close do you live to the smoker?
i grew up with three smokers and not fond of the smoke smell either. let alone just what it does physically to your lungs.
maybe you do need to open windows/doors to air out the smoke instead of keeping things shut all the time. just a thought.
i'm not sure talking to this one neighbor would get you anywhere. if they are outside, i'm gonna guess they are gonna feel it is their right to be outside smoking.
our neighbor right next door smokes meat for his side catering buisness. but i tend to love that smell..lol lol
but it does make me hungry..lol lol
Personally, as a smoker, if my neighbors are uncomfortable, all they have to do is tell me. I only smoke outside, and never in front of the kids when they're playing (I'll take a walk down the block). We have ashtrays next to every door outside, but I'm the only one on this end of the building who smokes. I have no problem walking out to the parking lot to keep the smoke away from people's windows. As long as it's in a polite manner, I have no problem with it.
It seems odd to me that the smell is seeping into your house from so far away. A single cigarette from that distance isn't going to hold enough odor to make it through the air (let alone closed doors/windows) to your home. (unless this is a townhome where your doors are right next to each other?) I would check your insulation, ventilation and window/door seals to make sure something isn't out of sorts. Also, what age is your home? There could be something haywire somewhere that needs attention.
As far as air quality, I went through a company and bought a great air purifier for our house. Even though I don't smoke inside, my clothes still hold the odor and an hour in front of the purifier gets rid of it. (it's also great for pet odors, dirty dishes and poopy diapers) :D
In the end, your neighbor has every right to smoke anywhere on his/her property, but I'm confident that if you're honest and polite about it they won't have a problem smoking in a different spot.
I've never heard of this either. I'd get your house inspected, maybe there is a problem with ventilation os something like that.
I do feel your neighbor has a right to smoke on his property.
GL:)
I know you asked for non-smokers opinions, I am a smoker, I will say on a personal level if you came to me and explained that it was seeping into the house I would be willing to work something out, I don't know what, but something. If it's approached in a way that isn't accusitory I would listen. I smoke in my house, I have smokeless ashtrays and use a HEPA filter in my home, I ask parents of visiting children if it is a problem, I have found for me it ususally isn't an issue, but if it is I go far outside. I say approach them and see if they are willing to help out, the worst that might happen is they get offended, and that is thier problem. Get some good filters for your house and air it out when they aren't outside smoking.
I have no advice, just sympathy because I have the same problem. I don't think it has anything to do with the condition of your house. My house is in fine shape but I can still smell the smoke from my neighbor come in if I open my back door at the wrong time. I can never enjoy my back yard and garden like I'd like to when they are out. I just don't think they realize how far their smell travels and how annoying it is to everyone else. Good luck. I'd love to know what you do about this because I need a solution too.
I have NO idea how to handle it! If you know your neighbor well, I'd tell them that it seeps into your house and that your child is highly allergic to cig smoke. Perhaps they can smoke in the front or back yard or on the other side of the house or in their garage instead? Tough one!
