Upgrading HVAC systems with a MERV 13 filter can reduce the rate of COVID in the air. Prices for the air scrubber start at around $500 and go up to $2,000, but some large industrial-grade models can cost way much more than this. Air scrubbers and air purifiers effectively improve a homes air quality. Schools can stay safe beyond the pandemic and improve student productivity and performance. Consult with the professionals at Comfort Experts, Inc. to discuss the benefits of installing one versus maintaining a traditional air filter. As air flows through the air scrubber, the small metal tubes produce negative ions that attach to both airborne and surface particles. For asthmatic people, they eliminate the compounds that aggravate symptoms or those that trigger respiratory infections. , its vital to maintain a high standard of indoor air quality (IAQ). The most popular choice to clean the air in your home or business is an air purifier. That is because air scrubbers take a more active approach towards cleaning the air by releasing negative ions that go out and trap pollutants, making them much easier to catch in air filters. Well break down the differences between them and help you decide which is suitable for your building. The biggest difference between air purifiers and air scrubbers is that air scrubbers can clean air and surfaces. So, when it comes to purifying air, what should you use for your home or commercial space: an air scrubber or an air purifier? Those ions then make it easier to remove trapped pollutants, either in the filter or by wiping the surfaces. Well break down the differences between them and help you decide which is suitable for your building. Achieving net zero energy in schools is a great way to save money and the environment. With people increasingly spending more time indoors, its becoming vital to put purification technologiesair purifiers and air scrubbersto good use. Air purifiers might not remove or reduce as much as air scrubbers, but they are still highly effective at keeping the air in your home clean and fresh. HVAC Experts Answer the Question: Air Scrubbers Vs. Air Purifiers? 704-595-2661. One cleans the air of fumes, construction dust, and removes odors; the other can kill the COVID-19 virus and keep occupants safe. Our industry expertise, engineering and design, innovation and client focus is recognized around the world, demonstrated by our ever-expanding international network of industry partners and clients. Besides sucking air through the filters, the air scrubbers will also release negative ions that cling to contaminants in the air and surfaces, making them heavier and easier to clean. That means any pollutants attached to household surfaces like floors and walls will not find their way into the air purifier or its many filters. With COVID-19 beginning to subside, workplace operations and cleaning procedures look to provide their workers with safe indoor environments continuously. For these kinds of air scrubbers, there are no replaceable parts like filters that need to be replaced regularly. There are hundreds to choose from, each with varying airflow rates (how many square feet they cover), filtration processes, and other features. The air in your home is not as clean as you think it is. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A wellness solutions brand offering advanced, indoor air quality & UV-C disinfection solutions to schools, businesses & organizations across the United States. The device affects ions and electrically charges the air molecules to remove contaminants, including volatile compounds (VOCs), viruses, bacteria, harmful gases, and bothersome odors.An ionizer is a unit that uses electricity (ions) to break down the particles that move through the ionization chamber. A professional HVAC contractor will be able to assess your situation and help you make an educated decision. For instance, some have filters that trap particles as air flows through them, while others neutralize compounds without filtering the air. The best one for you will depend on your needs. Mint Hill, North Carolina However, unlike air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers often do not provide the same level of air filtration. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Following The ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality Recommendations To Reduce Aerosol Transmission Of The Omicron COVID-19 Variant. Do You Need a Fan in a Bathroom With a Window. Unlike air purifiers, air scrubbers can catch more than just airborne particles. That also makes pricing much more competitive, allowing consumers to purchase whichever model fits their budgets and their household needs. An air scrubber is professionally installed directly into your existing HVAC system ductwork to remove harmful pollution from your home using ActivePure technology, which uses light waves and a catalytic process that produces ions that continuously remove allergens like dust particles from the air as well as on surfaces, protecting your homes air and its occupants from sick building syndrome. Every day, whether at home or the workplace, people are exposed to health hazards such as: using various mechanical filters suited for the particular application they are needed for. Firstly, air purifiers are very affordable these days. Air scrubbers use a dry or wet scrubbing technique to suck the air, which is then passed through dry or damp filters. Also referred to as air cleaners, air purifiers plug into the wall and clean a given volume of space. They are ideal for removing typical contaminants in most homes such as dust, smoke, allergens, mold spores and dander. To clarify further, below are a few significant differences between the two. Air scrubbers are a type of air cleaner. With a cost-effective and advanced air filtration system, you and your loved ones can count on clean, healthy indoor air all year long. Air scrubbers are different from air filters in that they are much more effective in removing allergens from the home than traditional filters. Learn why UV-C and UVGI are effective and comprehensive methods for disinfecting schools, businesses, and workplace facilities. Typically air purifiers are HEPA Filter-based with additional Pre-Filters or Activated Carbon Filters. Others have a combination of two or three filters. They do not get rid of on-surface particles. If youre looking to purify the air in your space, both air purifiers and air scrubbers will get the job done. Here are four steps businesses can take to combat COVID-19. However, as demonstrated by studies, MERV 13 filters often cause HVAC systems to decrease performance and efficiency, hindering their ability to perform their purpose of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. While air purifiers filter air that passes through the filtration system, scrubbers suck the air into the filters and also remove contaminants from surfaces. The small units clean around 100 square feet of space while the standard ones clean up to 700 square feet. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. To truly achieve IAQ improvements, adding HEPA Filter-based air purifier units alongside HVAC upgrades is the best method. We created this website in order to help our visitors to find proper information about HVAC troubleshooting, repair and most frequent questions about it, how an air purifier and an air scrubber works, 3 Simple Ways How To Keep Apartment Smelling Fresh, Why Your Bathroom Fan Is Squeaking? While you might assume air purifiers and air scrubbers are similar, there are very distinct differences between the two. With this comes an even higher risk of allergies, asthma, pulmonary diseases, and lung cancer (in extreme cases). The fansometimes a system of internal fanssucks in air, which then passes through the filters. Those negative ions attach to particulates and pollutants in the air and surfaces like doors, walls, mirrors, and so on. These devices are usually installed wherever indoor humidity needs to be reduced to acceptable levels. Wet scrubbers are generally for highly contaminated areas, like wastewater treatment plants. Learn the differences today! In addition to that, scrubbers can trap high-level pollutants, such as harmful gases, chemicals, and airborne particles. The filters trap the airborne particles and contaminants floating in the air. The main difference between the air cleaner and air purifier is how and where they capture particles. These systems allow facilities to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) without making a considerable dent in budgets or grant funding. Yet, thats not always the case. Dust, smoke, pollen, and other pollutants combine to make this an ever-challenging issue, forcing people to consider what appliances and equipment can help them filter their indoor air. Hence, this air cleaning equipment is more popular with home remodelers, contractors and mold remediation companies. Thats especially true with brands and models that are eventually discontinued, forcing users to search for third-party replacements or buy brand new air purifiers entirely. Here are the most common HVAC air purifiers: As you can see, to get the best of purifiers, you need to combine filters. For instance, to get an air purifier that captures minute pathogens and eliminates odor, try purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters. Hence, no matter how large an air purifier you have, it will still be inadequate for a typical commercial setting unless you use several of them. Here are some of them. Among them, air purifiers and air scrubbers top the list. Improving indoor air quality starts with discipline, regular building and HVAC maintenance. Yet, thats not always the case. Learn more about using your school district's ESSER funds for your needed infrastructure updates to improve indoor air quality in your schools. HEPA vs. Application: Domestic vs. Commercial Use. Air scrubbers are a step higher than air purifiers when it comes to the kinds of contaminants they can remove. The type of air purifier you choose determines the exact particles removed from the air. Though both devices are designed to clean the air in your building, there are significant differences in their purpose, design, and operation. Generally, however, an air scrubber works more actively to clean the air, rather than passively cleaning whatever airborne particles its filters can catch. These negatively charged molecules then stick to the positively charged pollutants and form a heavy molecule that will sink to the floor instead of being breathed in by occupants. This is a powerful disinfectant that reduces the growth of microbiological organisms fast and effectively and is typically used to fight infectious microorganisms found in the open air. Those that use the HEPA filter can trap up to 99.97% of air contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. Reduce energy costs & improve air quality. Viruses adapt and changeover time, and COVID-19 is no exception. Air scrubbers also have their fair share of pros and cons. Chances are, you should be purchasing an air purifier before a higher-rated MERV filter. Whether youre concerned about the level of dust, smoke, odors, pathogens, or carbon monoxide in your home, our certified experts can find the right combination of air cleaning equipment and filtration to provide you with the cleanest air possible. Indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements can be achieved by implementing air filtration and air purifier controls. As such, if both air and surfaces are of importance to you, an air scrubber is a sure bet. Removes toxic particles, gases & chemicals, Cleans air using ionization or HEPA filter, Removes dust, smoke, mold spores & allergens. Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing all help kill germs to prevent infectious diseases but they are not the same. In the air, the negative ions have one goal: to attach with the positively-charged particles such as pollen, bacteria, mold, and other allergies. They can also include HEPA filters, keeping the air free of harmful bacteria and viruses. However, they have some distinct differences that make them ideal for different situations and dealing with varying air pollutants. In the end, the size, brand and model you choose are what determine what you pay for either. They also provide a compound unit for gas and dust collection, and they can also cool hot gases. On residential and commercial sites, being used to remove construction dust, severe mold infiltration, and noxious fumes. The critical differences between them make each one ideal for specific situations. When the fan is turned on, it pulls the larger compounds from the floor or surfaces to filter in the system. Air purifiers typically have one or more of these filters, each with a specific role: They are said to be 99.97% at removing these particulates, which may include water droplets carrying bacteria and viruses. to discuss your requirements and get prices. These filters are often supported by UV-C Lights/PCO Technology and Negative Ionization to increase the system's effectiveness. Air sanitizers are devices that can use chemical sprays that treat air, surfaces, and water by acting on microorganisms. Sure, that cost is justified given that its much more effective at improving indoor air quality. In their unique functionality, they deep-clean the air eliminating up to 99 percent of particles. Instead, they release negative ions to make it easier for pollutants to get caught by the home or buildings other filters in the ventilation systems. Not only are higher-rated MERV filters less effective at filtering out airborne contaminants, but they also can negatively impact HVAC system performance.On the other hand, there are only benefits to implementing air purifiers into any space. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The way different purifiers function also varies. Homeowners also need to take several other factors into account, namely: As you can see, an air scrubber is undoubtedly more effective at increasing indoor air quality. Youll learn the pros and cons that each option offers and learn what we think is the better solution between them.