What Are Air Scrubbers and How Do They Work?
November 29, 2022
Indoor air pollution is a serious problem that many people are unaware of. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that indoor environments are around 2–5 times as polluted as outdoor air. Many sources of indoor air pollution are around, such as mold and dust. These pollutants are the reasons why you may need an air scrubber.
This short guide will look at what air scrubbers are, how they work, and why you need one.
What Are Air Scrubbers?
Air scrubbers are devices that clean the air in a room or building. The most common type of air scrubber uses HEPA filters, which are able to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger from the air.
Some air scrubbers also use activated carbon filters, effectively removing odors and VOCs from the air. Other models also use ultraviolet light or ozone generators. Air scrubbers must be the proper size for the space to be effective.
How Do Air Scrubbers Work?
Air scrubbers clean the air in your home by trapping pollutants and removing them from circulation. They work by drawing in air from the room and passing it through a series of filters that trap particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some air scrubbers also use ultraviolet light, providing additional protection against airborne illnesses.
Air scrubbers not only filter the air, but they also release ionized oxidizers to circulate throughout your home. The oxidizers in this product are negatively charged, attracting positively charged ions like odors or smoke. The ions act like those soap suds, effectively scrubbing your air. As a result, air scrubbers can not only remove allergens and other particles from the air but also help freshen the air and eliminate odors.
What Are Types of Air Scrubbers?
Three main types of air scrubbers exist, which are dry, wet, and integrated scrubbers. Dry scrubbers remove contaminants from the air by pulling it through a series of filters before pushing out clean air. The best dry air scrubbers use multiple filters.
Wet air scrubbers are a type of air treatment system that improves the quality of indoor air. These systems work by creating a mist that helps capture dust and other airborne particles. Some wet air scrubbers also include features that allow them to collect harmful gases.
Integrated air scrubbers are not portable devices and work as a part of an existing HVAC system.
Each type of air scrubber has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the right one for your needs.
What Are the Differences Between Air Scrubbers and Air Purifiers?
With clean air, you have a few different ways to go about it. Two of the most popular methods are air scrubbers and air purifiers. While they both have distinct advantages, they also have some key differences.
Air scrubbers are mostly suitable for commercial use in industrial settings, carpentry, water damage restoration, or construction. They remove contaminants from the air, including dust, pollen, smoke, and mold spores. On the other hand, air purifiers are most suitable for homes, schools, offices, and banks.
They remove allergens from the air, such as dust mites, pet dander, and cigarette smoke. Air scrubbers are more effective at removing airborne contaminants, while air purifiers are more effective at removing allergens. As such, choose the right type of system for your specific needs.
Do You Need an Air Scrubber?
If you live in an area with high levels of outdoor air pollution, an air scrubber can help to remove some of the contaminants from your home. It may also be useful to people who have asthma or allergies. An air scrubber can help reduce symptoms related to respiratory conditions.
If you're concerned about the air quality in your home, contact us today. We can help you choose the right air scrubber for your needs and ensure it’s installed properly.