How to choose air scrubbers

You will need to choose an air scrubber or air filtration system that fits your needs.Air pollution, in general, is a top environmental concern in the world today.Indoor air pollution is part of that concern.According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution levels can be up to five times higher than pollution levels outside. Most Americans only spend about 10% of their time outside.

Indoor air pollution commonly consists of the following allergens and pollutants:

Second-hand tobacco smoke is one of the smallest allergen particles and is linked to many health problems including asthma.

Animal dander is created from dander flakes shed by pets. It can cause asthmatic and allergic reactions in people who are allergic to cats and dogs. Sometimes removing the pet from the home isn't enough. Dander usually remains in the home long after the pet has left.

Pollen is created by trees, flowers and grass. Each time a door or window is opened, millions of pollen particles enter the home. Most allergy sufferers are allergic to one or more types of pollen.

Mold and mildew can be found where there is a supply of water or where it is warm and humid. The shower, kitchen and basement are perfect places for these plant spores to grow.

These are in addition to what ever industry you are in.You may be in a large commercial building that deals with sawdust or chemicals on a regular basis.If you have these concerns then you will need to seek a professional for advice on the best air scrubbers to fit your needs.

The most important thing to look for when you buy an air scrubber is the correct size for your room or building.

You can determine the size of the scrubber needed by determining the cubic feet of air needed scrubbed per minute or Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR).The higher the CADR number the faster the unit cleans the room's air.

Square footage x .75=CADR

Example: If your room is 16'x17', which equals 272 sq. ft., you'll need an air scrubber that has a CADR of at least 204.

272 x .75=204

If an air purifier isn't available with the exact CADR you calculate, round up. For instance, if your room size requires a CADR of 204, purchase one with a CADR of 220.

Also, multiple air scrubber units will clean the air faster than one big unit.A big unit will have to cycle through the entire room's air.The circulation in the room may be poor and this could take time.Two smaller units on each side of the room will be able to cycle through the air much quicker.

You will find that air scrubbers will have several different features available.Air scrubbers today commonly use the High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of air pollutants .3 microns or larger from the air. HEPA filters also remove tobacco smoke, household dust, mold spores, animal dander and pollen.

The best air scrubber for the commercial industry will be collocated with the HVAC system.HVAC will be running year round whether it is cold or hot.This means you will be filtering the air year round also.The HVAC system will be calibrated for the size of your building so your air scrubbing becomes automatic and all you need is maintenance service in place.If your entire work area does not have an HVAC system then you will have to evaluate the portable air scrubbers also.

In summary, you need to evaluate your needs of air quality and quantity.Then choose the scrubber that best fits your requirements.