Air Scrubbers for Cleaner Air
There are different types of air scrubbers available, including portable and integrated systems. The latter type integrates into the HVAC system. We’ll generally install it on the return side where it won’t hurt static pressure. There are dry scrubbers that pull air through a series of filters. Available as both integrated and portable systems, they’re the most common for homes and businesses. Wet scrubbers use water vapor to trap pollutants and are most common in manufacturing facilities.
An important concept in air scrubbing is air changes per hour (ACH). It factors the blower cubic feet per minute and airflow resistance of the filters within the context of the treatment volume. The treatment volume is often the square or cubic footage of the home. The recommended minimum for an air scrubber is four ACH. Many systems for the home provide at least five. Six or more may be preferable if someone in the home has asthma or severe allergies.
A typical air scrubber installation will have several air filtration stages. There’s often a prefilter to trap the largest particles and preserve the other filter media. Many systems use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for the primary mechanical filtration. A HEPA filter traps over 99% of the particles that pass through the system.
Many systems have activated carbon as a filter. Activated carbon is an adsorptive material that neutralizes gases and chemicals. In doing so, it provides excellent odor control. Some systems also have a molecular filter to neutralize germs, mold, and viruses.
An air scrubber can provide many potential health benefits.
- Fewer headaches and body aches
- More energy and higher cognitive function
- Allergy relief and asthma management
- Less respiratory irritation and inflammation
- Reduced risk of infections and other illnesses