Are Air Scrubbers Worth It? Understanding the Workings and Effectiveness of Air Scrubbers

air scrubber

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outside air.

Our indoor spaces are enclosed and have a lot of pollutants such as dust, odors, chemicals and microscopic living organisms like bacteria. It’s easy to get sick from all these pollutants, especially if you suffer from allergies or if your immune system is weak.

This is why many people search for air purifying solutions to keep their environments healthy.

Several methods can be used to clean air but scrubbers are one of the most popular. Keep reading for more information about getting an air scrubber and how effective they are.

What Are Air Scrubbers?

Air scrubbers are a type of negative air fan or air purifier and filtration system. Manufacturers claim that scrubbers can get rid of 99.9% of pollutants from the air. Not only do they purify the air but they can help to disinfect home surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs.

The air scrubber machine is fixed within HVAC systems and uses a series of processes to clean air. When you turn on the AC system the surrounding air is passed through the air scrubber’s titanium dioxide-coated honeycomb matrix. As the air passes through it is exposed to UV lights that kill airborne germs.

Unlike air filters which only trap germs and pathogens, scrubbers kill them. Advanced air scrubbers also convert the killed pathogens into powerful oxidizers. These scrubbers get sent back to the air to kill any germs they come across.

This is how they can disinfect surfaces within the home. The scrubbers are very active in getting rid of most types of pollutants including gases, fungi, mold, and bacteria. The charged ions or scrubbers can even go into carpets and cushions and kill any germs found there.

Some scrubbers also come with ozone technology that can actively combat unpleasant odors in the air. Air scrubbers are used by renovation professionals to get rid of mold, dust and to improve the general quality of air within buildings. They were even helpful in getting rid of dust and other pollutants in the Pentagon during September 11 cleanup.

Benefits of Owning an Air Scrubber

According to the manufacturers, air scrubber systems are about 50 times more powerful than normal HVAC filtration systems at eliminating airborne pathogens. They can eliminate about 90% of pollutants in the air within half an hour.

HVAC systems also capture dirt and dust from the air. Meanwhile, scrubbers can get rid of minute living organisms such as bacteria. Air scrubber systems also remove mold and odors.

Spraying air fresheners adds chemicals and pollutants to the air. Scrubbers naturally freshen the air by removing pollutants. The charged ions that the scrubber system creates kills odor-causing bacteria that come from pets or spoiled food. They also naturally combat any smells caused by cooking.

Scrubbers are a great option for those with allergies or asthma as they get rid of most irritants from indoor air. When the air is freshened and lighter, people in the household will sleep better. Good health and wellbeing is another benefit of scrubber systems.

Air scrubbers also extend the lifespan of HVAC systems. Rather than storing air pollutants, scrubbers detonate them. This gives the HVAC system less work to do. This helps to extend its useful life while saving energy.

Installing a home air scrubber could help to reduce your electricity bills as well as HVAC maintenance costs.

Do Air Scrubbers Really Work?

Indoor environments have three kinds of pollutants─ particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microscopic living organisms. Particulates include items such as dirt, pollen, chemicals and pet dander. VOCs include odor, vapor, and smoke.

Microscopic living organisms include bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew. Air scrubbers have been proven by peer-reviewed studies to get rid of 99% of these air pollutants.

Air scrubbers have been shown to get rid of pollutants like dirt, dust, bacteria, and mold leading to fresh-smelling air, fewer diseases and fewer allergies. Overall, using a scrubber will create a healthier environment and reduce the likelihood of getting sick from viruses.

How Much Do They Cost?

Air scrubber system installations can cost anywhere from $1000 to $2000.

The final amount that you would pay would depend on the size of your home and the complexity of your HVAC system. However, add up the costs of not having air scrubber and you may end up deciding to get the installation done.

Although this might seem like a large investment, it can actually save you money in the long run. An air scrubber can be helpful in decreasing things that can cost you later on down the line. Scrubbers can help reduce your HVAC maintenance costs, your electricity bills and your medical bills. 

An Air Scrubber Are a Great Investment

We spend a good amount of our time indoors. So, we should focus on getting the best quality of air in our homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces. Being cooped up in an indoor space for too long with poor air quality can have detrimental effects on our health.

Investing in air scrubber installation could help to save you money in the long run. Air scrubbers are an effective way of cleaning pollutants from the air. This can make a big difference for your family or workspace. 

It’s important that you find a trusted company with proper training and experience to install air scrubbers. Within over 30 years of experience, the Connell team is knowledgable and professional. Our consultants can give you expert advice on installing an air scrubber system and general HVAC system installation and maintenance.

For more information or to schedule an installation, feel free to contact us today.