Air Scrubbers

How to Choose an Air Scrubber

An air scrubber pulls contaminated air through a sequence of filters (typically a pre filter, a carbon filter and a true HEPA filter) and discharges clean air. The right model is sized to the room volume, the air change rate you need and whether the work is mold, asbestos, lead or general construction dust.

CFM and Air Changes Per Hour

Calculate room volume in cubic feet (length x width x ceiling height). For 4 air changes per hour, divide volume by 15. Divide by 10 for 6 ACH. Multiply by 8 for the IICRC S520 mold remediation target. A 1000 cubic foot bedroom needs 67 CFM at 4 ACH or 150 CFM at 9 ACH. Most professional air scrubbers move 500 to 2000 CFM.

HEPA Filtration

• Pre filter. Captures large debris and protects the HEPA element. Replace weekly to monthly.
• Carbon filter. Traps odors from smoke, sewage and decay. Optional but useful in restoration.
• True HEPA filter. Captures 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns. Replace annually or when pressure drop signals saturation.

Negative Air Machine vs Air Scrubber

The same machine functions as either depending on how it is set up. A negative air machine vents through ducting to outside, creating negative pressure inside a contained work area. An air scrubber returns the filtered air to the room.

Pair an air scrubber with a commercial dehumidifier on water damage jobs, and mobile containment when isolating a contaminated area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an air scrubber and an air purifier?

Air scrubbers are commercial grade machines built for restoration and abatement work. They move 500 to 2000 CFM with true HEPA filtration and stackable filter trains. Consumer air purifiers move 100 to 300 CFM and are designed for ongoing residential use.

How long should I run an air scrubber after mold remediation?

The IICRC S520 standard recommends running a HEPA air scrubber continuously throughout active remediation and for an additional 24 to 48 hours after completion to capture any aerosolised spores stirred up during cleanup.

Do I need a HEPA filter for construction dust?

For drywall sanding, concrete grinding, lead and asbestos work, true HEPA filtration is required to protect occupants and meet OSHA standards. For general construction dust without hazardous materials, a high efficiency MERV 13 pre filter may be enough.

How often should HEPA filters be replaced?

Replace pre filters weekly during active jobs, carbon filters every 30 to 90 days, and HEPA filters annually or when pressure drop indicates saturation. Many machines have a filter status indicator on the front panel.