Indoor air quality is now a growing concern. People are becoming more aware of the need to control it. As a result, they are increasingly looking for ways to combat pollutants and airborne contaminants.
Thankfully, there are several options for you to pick from. Clean air is easily accessible. You can achieve this through air purifiers, houseplants, and natural ventilation.
Safeguarding our indoor air as well as outdoor air is very necessary, and this brings us to an important question: do you need an air scrubber? This article explores the different ways to address air quality issues. It also looks at the different things you must consider before investing in an air scrubber.
Basic principles of air scrubbers
What is an air scrubber?
Simply put, an air scrubber is a device that helps to clean contaminated air. The best way to look at it is as a modern-day magic device that turns your indoor air from murky and particle-laden into crisp and refreshing as a mountain breeze.
Air scrubbers come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. We have potable air scrubbers and larger air scrubbers but they all perform the same function of providing you with better air quality.
Working principle: filtering and purifying air
If you are going to get an air scrubber, you should know how it works. Every air scrubber has a filtration system. This is what sets them apart from the average air purifier. The air scrubber is designed to actively suck in polluted air. It uses HEPA filters to clean the air instead of just pushing it around.
The filters capture all sorts of airborne particles like dust, smoke, pet dander, and even microscopic organisms. When the air passes through these HEPA filters, it comes out on the other side cleaner and safer to breathe. Some advanced air scrubbers go one step further by neutralizing pollutants with chemical processes or UV light.
Types of pollutants
Air scrubbers are effective in cleaning the air. They eliminate pollutants, which makes the air clean. Let's take a look at some of the pollutants that air scrubbers remove.
First are PM2.5 Particles. Fine particles of 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter are often emitted by vehicles and industrial processes. These microscopic pollutants pose a significant threat to air quality and human health. PM2.5 particles can penetrate our lungs, leading to various health issues.
We also have pollens, which you really don't want in your air if seasonal allergies are your nemesis. Pollen grains are usually released by plants and can be pretty dangerous for people with allergies.
Of course, there are the usual culprits: bacteria and viruses. We also have mold spores that thrive in damp and poorly ventilated areas. These poorly ventilated areas release spores into the air.
Lastly, we have pet allergens. Pet owners have grown accustomed to the challenge of pet dander. Some people react to pet dander and get symptoms like itchy and watery eyes. Thankfully, air scrubbers work diligently to capture these allergenic particles.
Where to Use Air Scrubbers
Air scrubbers like the HEPA PRO UVIG and the HEPA 600 UVIG from Purisystems are versatile tools. They can be used in family homes, where they help keep the air clean and healthy. This is quite important if you have kids, older people, and people with respiratory sensitivities in your home. They can also be used in offices since they are basically our second home.
Air scrubbers are often used in public spaces such as businesses, restaurants, and retail stores. This helps to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Schools and hospitals also make use of air scrubbers.
The health and well-being of numerous individuals are at stake in schools and hospitals. Therefore, these institutions are morally expected to maintain a healthy environment. One of many ways to do this is to have an air scrubber installed
Air scrubbers are frequently used in industrial and construction environments. This is because these settings often produce a significant amount of air pollution.
The Difference Between Air Scrubber and Air Purifier
Air scrubbers and air purifiers are common names you tend to hear when the topic of indoor air quality is raised. However, it is necessary to learn the differences between the two.
Although both the air scrubber and air purifier share a common goal, they are quite different in the way they achieve it. Let's break down the disparities in terms of efficiency, cost, and maintenance:
Efficiency
Hepa air purifiers are highly effective. They can remove tiny particles, especially those with HEPA filtration technology. To achieve optimal results, place multiple portable air purifiers placed throughout the home.
Air purifiers are very effective in dealing with common household pollutants. These pollutants include dust, pet dander, pollen, bacteria, viruses, cigarette smoke, tobacco smoke, and even some lingering odors.
Air scrubbers are designed to work in environments with severe air pollution concerns. They are highly efficient at quickly cleaning the air in large, public spaces. An air scrubber is capable of removing dust, mold spores, gases, chemicals, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Purisystems' HEPA 600 UVIG Air Scrubber with UV-C Light destroys airborne microorganisms. Anion generator helps enhance air purification.
Cost
Air purifiers have lower airflow rates. This is why they are usually less expensive than air scrubbers. Air purifiers are best for indoor and residential use. They are available in various models and price ranges.
An air scrubber is designed to function in more demanding environments. This is why they are usually more expensive. They cost more due to the efficiency that they bring to these demanding environments. Portable air scrubbers usually cost between $500 and $1000. The price increases as the filtration efficiency and air volume increase. This may seem like a huge sum at first, but it is necessary to consider the maintenance cost. Most air purifiers have pre-filters that need to be replaced after each use. Air scrubber filters, on the other hand, only require replacement every three months. In the long run, it is a wise investment.
Airflow
Residential air purifiers generally have an airflow range of 100 to 300 CFM. On the other hand, commercial air scrubbers usually have a higher airflow range of 500 to 2000 CFM. The manufacturers usually label the room size that the machine is suitable for. We often see 150CFM air purifiers can be suitable for 1000sq.ft area. The air scrubber with 500CFM airflow is labeled for 800 square feet. That's because they have different numbers of times of circulating the air in one hour, within the area. Air purification in industrial and commercial environments requires specialized equipment. The equipment must circulate the air frequently to effectively purify the air. Air purifiers circulate air once an hour which is up to standard.
Whether you choose an air purifier or an air scrubber, ensure it has an airflow range suitable for your room. This way, it effectively removes pollutants and achieves the desired air purification effect.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, air scrubbers are your safer choice for clean air in various environments. When choosing an air scrubber, focus on the factors that are most important to you such as;
·your place
·the type of contaminants and,
·your budget.
Purchasing an air scrubber can be an important step in improving your indoor air quality. Clean air increases your quality of life and protects your health. Creating a cleaner and healthier indoor environment for you and your family is possible. This can be achieved by choosing the right unit for your specific needs.