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What Is a HEPA Air Scrubber?
A HEPA air scrubber is a portable filtration unit that pulls room air through a sequence of filters and exhausts cleaned air. It is the core piece of equipment in mould remediation, asbestos abatement and any cleanup work where airborne contaminants matter. The "HEPA" specifically refers to the primary filter rated to capture 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns.
How an Air Scrubber Works
Inside the housing, a fan motor draws air through:
- Pre filter. Catches large debris (dust, lint, hair). Replace weekly to monthly.
- Carbon filter (optional). Adsorbs odours from smoke, decay, sewage. Replace every 30 to 90 days.
- HEPA filter. The certified primary. Captures fine particles. Replace annually or when pressure drop indicates saturation.
The cleaned air exits through a back vent or, in negative air mode, through a flexible duct that exhausts outside the contained area.
Where HEPA Air Scrubbers Are Required
- Mould remediation. IICRC S520 standard requires 4 to 12 ACH during active work.
- Asbestos abatement. OSHA 1926.1101 requires negative pressure containment.
- Lead paint removal. EPA RRP rule requires HEPA filtered cleanup.
- Healthcare facility maintenance. Especially during construction and renovation.
- Sewage backup cleanup. Category 3 water work per IICRC S500.
- Post fire smoke cleanup. Reduces airborne soot and odour.
Browse HEPA air scrubbers.
Sizing by Room Volume
Calculate room cubic feet (length x width x ceiling height). Divide by 60 to get the airflow per minute needed for 1 ACH. Multiply by your target ACH:
| Room Volume | 4 ACH | 8 ACH | 12 ACH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 cu ft (small bedroom) | 67 CFM | 133 CFM | 200 CFM |
| 2,000 cu ft (large bedroom) | 133 CFM | 267 CFM | 400 CFM |
| 5,000 cu ft (basement) | 333 CFM | 667 CFM | 1000 CFM |
| 10,000 cu ft (large basement) | 667 CFM | 1333 CFM | 2000 CFM |
HEPA Air Scrubber vs Consumer Air Purifier
| Feature | HEPA Air Scrubber | Consumer Air Purifier |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | 500 to 2000 CFM | 100 to 300 CFM |
| Build | Rugged industrial housing | Plastic residential housing |
| Filter Stack | Pre + carbon + HEPA | Single combination filter |
| Ducting | Yes, for negative air | No |
| Use Case | Restoration, remediation, abatement | Home allergy, daily air quality |
Negative Air Mode
When the scrubber's exhaust is ducted OUTSIDE the contained work area through a window or vent, it creates negative pressure. Air can only enter the work area through controlled paths and can only leave through the HEPA filter. This setup is required for asbestos and most mould remediation projects.
Maintenance
- Inspect pre filter daily on active jobs
- Replace pre filter when visibly dirty (typically weekly)
- Replace carbon filter when odours start passing through (30 to 90 days)
- Replace HEPA when pressure drop alarm triggers (annually)
- Vacuum the housing exterior weekly
Cost Range
- 500 CFM portable: 800 to 1500 dollars
- 1000 CFM mid range: 1500 to 2500 dollars
- 2000 CFM industrial: 2500 to 5000 dollars
- HEPA replacement filters: 100 to 250 dollars per filter
For any contractor doing remediation, restoration or cleanup work that involves airborne contaminants, a HEPA air scrubber is the difference between a job that meets the standard and one that does not. Sized correctly and maintained on schedule, a single unit pays for itself in 2 to 5 jobs.