What Is an Air Scrubber and What Is It Used For?

What is an air scrubber? Air scrubbers are air filtration machines that trap and neutralize airborne contaminants such as dust, mold spores, virus particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They use pressure differentials to draw in air and filter it through multiple filters. A blower sends the purified air back into the space.

Air scrubbers create cleaner, safer environments for workers and building occupants and are commonly used in construction, healthcare and industrial settings. Portable air scrubbers can be used anywhere, while residential air scrubbers are integrated with the home’s HVAC system.

Here’s a closer look at portable air scrubbers, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What are air scrubbers used for?

Portable air scrubbers improve indoor air quality in a range of environments and help companies meet EPA, OSHA and state and local regulations. Common uses include the ones below.

• Construction and demolition: Air scrubbers can help to control dust from construction activities such as drywall work, sawing, sanding and grinding. They can also help to reduce silica dust, a cause of lung cancer, during concrete, brick and tile work and during demolition work.
• Renovation: Scrubbing the air can make it safer for building occupants during renovation projects in occupied buildings.
• Healthcare: Healthcare facilities often use these air filtration systems to help remove airborne bacteria and viruses and meet infection control protocols.
• Manufacturing: Factories use air scrubbers to help remove contaminants generated by manufacturing processes.
• Remediation and restoration: Air scrubbers are commonly used to help clear the air of mold spores from flood damage, clear smoke and fire-related contaminants after a fire, and reduce contaminants released during sewage and biohazard spills.
• Abatement: These machines can help to capture harmful substances such as asbestos, lead and mold during abatement and mitigation projects.
• Wildfire smoke removal: Wildfire smoke contains small particles and VOCs that can pose health dangers when inhaled. Air scrubbers can help clear them.
• Odor reduction: When odors linger after paint or adhesives are applied in confined or enclosed spaces, air scrubbers can help minimize them.

How effective are air scrubbers?

Air scrubbers can provide a strong defense against airborne health threats and irritants. Units with HEPA filters can be extremely effective. HEPA filters can capture up to 99.7% of particles as small as .03 microns.

Industry standards recommend running an air scrubber continuously for at least 24 to 48 hours assuming the air scrubber can achieve four air changes per hour (ACH). Large air scrubbers that offer more cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow produce more ACH. All air scrubbers achieve more ACH in smaller spaces compared to larger spaces.

Are air scrubbers dangerous?

When used properly and in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines, air scrubbers are considered safe. Unlike certain types of air purifiers, they do not emit ozone, a gas linked to coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and decreased lung function.

Do air scrubbers remove mold?

Air scrubbers with HEPA filters can capture airborne mold spores, which can cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma when inhaled. During mold remediation projects, air scrubbers and plastic barriers can also help prevent spores from spreading to other areas of a building. Air scrubbers won’t remove mold on surfaces.

Do air scrubbers remove odors?

Two types of filters help air scrubbers minimize strong odors and fumes. Activated carbon filters, optional in many units, can help eliminate strong smells from paints, solvents, adhesives, smoke, mold, pets and food. HEPA filters can help remove odors associated with smoke and dust.

How many air scrubbers do I need?

The number of air scrubbers you need will typically depend on the pollutants you want to remove, the CFM rating of the air scrubber you choose and the size, layout and air patterns of the space.

This formula provides a general guide, but it’s best to work with a knowledgeable HVAC professional when renting or purchasing an air scrubber to determine the ideal size and number.

1. Calculate the room’s volume. Multiply length x width x height. For example, a 40 x 30-foot room with 10 ft. ceilings = 12,000 cubic feet.
2. Determine your target air changes per hour. General construction projects may require 4 to 6 ACH. Mold, fire and water remediation projects may require 6 to 12 ACH. Hospitals and clean rooms will need 12 or more ACH.
3. Multiply the room volume by the desired ACH. Then divide that number by 60 to find the required cubic feet per minute (CFM).
4. Divide the total CFM by the unit’s CFM rating.

Here’s how that breaks down:

• Room size: 12,000 cu. ft.
• Target ACH: 6
• CFM needed: (12,000 x 6) / 60 = 12,00 CFM
• Scrubber CFM rating: 600 CFM
• Scrubbers needed: 1,200 CFM / 600 CFM = 2

Can you rent air scrubbers?

Yes, you can rent an air scrubber by the day, week or month from companies such as United Rentals that specialize in HVAC products or have dedicated HVAC specialists. Renting an air scrubber can be a cost-effective solution for short-term projects and other situations where buying is not realistic or worth the investment.

Renting removes the burden of equipment maintenance and allows you to choose an air scrubber that has the optimal capacity to handle the job at hand.

Are air scrubbers worth it?

When there’s a need to remove airborne pollutants or odors from commercial or industrial spaces or buildings under construction or renovation, a portable air scrubber can get the job done, filtering and destroying or neutralizing contaminants so the air is safe to breathe. Air scrubbers are often critical for companies that need to meet clean air requirements. They may cost more than air purifiers but can be much more effective for industrial-level air purification and removing contaminants that air purifiers don’t.

Renting an air scrubber

United Rentals portable air scrubbers are available in multiple sizes, including 500 CFM and 750 CFM scrubbers for construction and renovation jobsites and heavy-duty scrubbers that can reach an airflow of 2,400 CFM, ideal for large commercial spaces.

The knowledgeable HVAC team at United Rentals can help you choose the best air scrubber for your needs, guide you to the optimal size and number, and recommend the best filter. United Rentals can also supply climate control equipment often used together with air scrubbers, such as dehumidifiers and fans.

View our online marketplace today to browse our selection of air scrubbers.