What Are the Benefits of an Air Scrubber and Should You Get One in 2024?
The environment is filled with various pollutants that are harmful to your health. The air you breathe can contain airborne contaminants that contribute to indoor air pollution and cause serious health problems for you and your family. So, it’s important to keep the air around us clean and healthy, and that’s where air scrubbers come in!
Air scrubbers provide several health benefits by keeping the air we breathe clean and free from harmful contaminants. Individuals and families who are wary of indoor air pollution and concerned with poor air quality should consider getting one.
How Does an Air Scrubber Work?
Before you decide whether to buy one or not, you should first learn what an air scrubber is, what it does, and how it works.
An air scrubber is a device that’s specially designed to clean and purify the surrounding air by removing harmful contaminants, such as dust, smoke particles, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses. It works by drawing in contaminated air from the surrounding environment and releasing the cleaned air after passing through the device’s filtration system.
Air Scrubber Filtration Process
Different types of air scrubbers use different kinds of technology in the air filtration process. The exact filtration mechanisms involved depend on the type of air scrubber, but the general process of filtering the air is mostly the same for all air scrubbers.
An air scrubber cleans the surrounding air through the following process:
- The air scrubber sucks in dirty air from the surroundings by releasing negative ions that latch onto harmful airborne particles with the help of a fan or suction mechanism.
An air scrubber can also pull in small particles from nearby surfaces and walls because these negative ions also attach to small particles on surfaces.
- Most types of air scrubbers have a pre-filtering system that captures large particles in the air, such as hair and dust. This allows the air scrubber to remove the large particles first and prevent them from potentially clogging the device’s main filtration system.
- Next, the air passes through the device’s main filtration system equipped with specialized purification filters to remove small contaminants and particles. This is where most tiny particles are captured, such as dust, mold spores, pollen, allergens, and other airborne particles.
Most air scrubber filtration systems use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to capture these contaminants effectively, and some units are equipped with more layers of filters for improved effectiveness.
- Some air scrubbers also include additional filtration systems to provide additional features and protection. Some systems utilize activated carbon or activated alumina with potassium permanganate to remove odors, and some systems also feature germicidal ultraviolet-C (UVC) light to kill microorganisms and pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria.
- Lastly, after passing through the air scrubber's intricate filtering system, the cleaned air is released back into the environment.
Does an Air Scrubber Kill Molds, Viruses & Bacteria?
Although air scrubbers are effective at removing contaminants in the air, not all air scrubbers are capable of directly killing molds, viruses, and bacteria. The capability of an air scrubber to do so depends on the features and systems included in that specific unit.
If an air scrubber is equipped with a germicidal ultraviolet-C (UVC) light, it can kill molds, viruses, and bacteria, along with other pathogens and microorganisms. Air scrubbers with UVC light technology prevent germs and pathogens from reproducing and causing harm by disrupting their DNA.
However, not all air scrubbers are created equal. Some units do not have a germicidal ultraviolet-C (UVC) light installed, so they won’t be able to directly kill harmful viruses, bacteria, and molds.
These types of air scrubbers are still useful since they can prevent harmful contaminants from spreading further by removing them from the air, but they won’t be able to kill off the germs and pathogens completely.
5 Benefits of Using an Air Scrubber
Now that you have an idea of how an air scrubber works, let’s discuss next the several benefits of using an air scrubber at your home.
1. Maintains Healthier Indoor Air Quality
An air scrubber is excellent in helping maintain a healthier indoor air quality. It can remove a wide range of air contaminants and airborne particles, such as dust, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, allergens, pet dander, smoke, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s also more effective and efficient when used in smaller spaces.
Having an air scrubber at home can contribute to cleaner and healthier indoor air. It may also help reduce the risk of developing health problems associated with poor indoor air quality, such as allergies and respiratory issues.
Using an air scrubber can help keep your family healthier.
2. Helps Control Odor
As I’ve mentioned, many air scrubbers are equipped with activated carbon or activated alumina with potassium permanganate, which are useful for removing odors from the air.
If you want to keep your house smelling fresh and clean and free from smoke, pet odor, and other unpleasant chemical smells, an air scrubber will certainly help.
3. Helps Prevent the Spread of Diseases
An air scrubber can help prevent the spread of diseases by removing airborne germs and pathogens from the air. Air scrubbers that are equipped with germicidal ultraviolet-C (UVC) light are even better at this job.
This is mostly important in healthcare settings and busy environments. But it’s also useful in a home setting, especially if you or a family member suffers from allergies and other respiratory issues.
4. Improves Comfort During Renovation or Construction
Have you ever felt uncomfortable breathing when there’s renovation or construction around? Well, you’re not alone.
Renovation and construction sites generate airborne particles since construction activities spread dust and debris into the air. These airborne particles significantly lower the quality of air, which can make most people feel uncomfortable or have difficulty breathing.
Fortunately, an air scrubber is great for reducing the spread of these airborne particles from construction sites. It can also remove dust from walls and other surfaces, which helps maintain a cleaner indoor environment.
An air scrubber can help you and your family feel more comfortable in the air you breathe while indoors.
5. Protects Furnishings and Sensitive Appliances
Airborne particles and contaminants can sometimes cause damage to your home’s furnishings and appliances. For example, dust and other air contaminants can reduce the lifespan of your home appliances due to corrosion, and airborne particles can cause the paint on your walls to fade faster.
If you have an air scrubber at home, you can prolong the lifespan of your appliances and furnishings by preventing the spread of dust and other airborne particles indoors.
6. Versatile Usage
Air scrubbers come in various sizes and configurations. Some air scrubbers are used for smaller indoor environments, while some are much better suited for larger spaces.
Regardless of the size of your home, you’re sure to find the right type of air scrubber that best suits your goals and preferences.
Air Scrubbers Versus Air Purifiers
Both air scrubbers and air purifiers are designed to improve the quality of indoor air. However, although their functions are very similar, there are some key differences in how they work, the mechanisms involved in their filtering processes, and their overall function and efficiency.
- Filtering Process: An air scrubber conducts the filtering process by releasing negative ions that attach to air pollutants. This process makes surrounding pollutants heavier and causes them to fall to the ground or be sucked into the air scrubber’s internal air filtering system.
Due to its filtering process involving negative ions, an air scrubber can also remove contaminants and particles from nearby walls and surfaces. This provides an additional layer of protection against harmful particles in your surroundings.
On the other hand, an air purifier works by cleaning the air that enters through the unit’s filtering system and can only clean the air that circulates within the coverage area.
Both units are effective in small spaces or rooms, but an air scrubber is more effective for larger areas, such as healthcare facilities, construction sites, industrial facilities, and educational institutions.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, since an air scrubber can remove contaminants and particles from nearby surfaces, it’s also more effective in cleaning your overall indoor environment.
Is It Worth It to Buy an Air Scrubber in 2024?
In general, it’s advisable to have a device that helps maintain the health and cleanliness of your home’s indoor air to ensure that you and your family stay healthy - and an air scrubber is perfect for that role!
However, you should also consider various factors like air quality, budget, and environmental conditions to help you decide whether buying an air scrubber in 2024 is worth it or not.
Below are some questions you should ask yourself before getting an air scrubber:
Are You Concerned About the Air Quality at Home?
If you think that the air quality at your home is poor, then you should consider getting an air scrubber ASAP. If odor from your pets or contaminants from indoor activities are issues for you, an air scrubber will be able to resolve them.
Does the Environment Affect the Quality of Your Air Indoors?
Sometimes, the problems you have in the air you breathe are not caused by people inside your home but by outside environmental factors.
For example, there may be an ongoing construction or renovation site within your street, or you have neighbors who love grilling in their yards. Air pollutants from passing cars may also contribute to poor indoor air quality.
All these things can cause airborne particles and contaminants to spread in the air and enter your home.
Do You or a Family Member Have Respiratory Problems or Health Vulnerabilities?
One of the main reasons why families consider getting a home air scrubber is to have healthy air to breathe. If you or a family member have health problems or vulnerabilities, it’s best to get an air scrubber to prevent any health complications.
Although an air scrubber is not a substitute for medications and a healthy lifestyle, it can be a useful supplementary health device.
Do You Have the Budget to Buy an Air Scrubber?
An air scrubber isn’t a necessary appliance to have at home. Yes, it certainly provides several benefits as I’ve mentioned earlier. But you’ll still survive without it, so you don’t technically need one.
So, if you’re kind of on a tight budget, getting an air scrubber shouldn’t be on your priority list since it can be quite costly given the technology involved in the filtering process. Units with additional functions like odor control and germicidal ultraviolet-C (UVC) are also more expensive because of these added features.
Also, you have to consider the cost of maintaining the unit, which involves regularly replacing the air filters and some possibly worn-out components.
But if you have some money to spare and want to improve your living conditions, then an air scrubber is a very worthwhile investment for your home.
6 Tips for Using a Home Air Scrubber
Commercial air scrubbers are complicated and require technical knowledge and expertise for installation. However, air scrubbers that are designed for home use shouldn’t pose any issues. In fact, home air scrubbers don’t require any installation at all!
If you want to maximize the use of your home air scrubber, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Location
Choose the right location for your air scrubber to maximize its efficiency. The coverage area of home air scrubbers is limited, so it’s best to place them in rooms where you spend the most time, such as the living room or bedroom, or in areas of your home that need air quality control like the kitchen or dining room.
2. Don’t Skip the User Manual
When we buy a new gadget or appliance, we rarely bother with the instructions and usually just throw away the user manual. But if you want to maximize your air scrubber, don’t skip the user manual!
Even though it may seem like a daunting task, reading your air scrubber’s user manual can provide you with valuable insights on how to use it to the fullest. Manufacturers usually include helpful tips and instructions in the user manual, such as optimal settings for certain environments and additional features included in the unit.
3. Experiment With the Settings
Simply placing your air scrubber in the right location and turning it on is not enough. If you want to maximize its use, you should also try to experiment with its settings.
Sometimes, you need to adjust the fan or activate certain available features depending on your personal preferences to ensure comfort. You also have to consider the room environment where you want to use it, such as the size of the room and the types of activities that happen in it.
4. Monitor Performance
Once you’re done setting up your air scrubber, monitor its performance for a while. You may need to make further adjustments to the settings if you’re still not satisfied with the unit’s performance.
You also need to regularly check the air scrubber and pay attention to any indicator lights or alarms that tell you when it’s time to maintain the unit or look at some of its components.
5. Ensure Proper Maintenance
Reading the user manual also comes in handy regarding the proper maintenance of your air scrubber. Manufacturers are often very specific when it comes to the correct maintenance of the unit.
Proper maintenance does not only mean cleaning your air scrubber regularly. It also involves periodically replacing the air filters and checking your unit for any signs of wear or damage.
6. Turn Off and Unplug Your Air Scrubber When Not in Use
This may seem like common sense, but we can sometimes become too busy or careless and accidentally forget to turn off and unplug our air scrubber when not using it.
Turning off and unplugging your unit can help prevent it from overheating. This can also help you save money by reducing your overall electricity consumption at home. Unplugging your air scrubber also allows you to store or place it in a safer place when not in use to prevent accidental damage caused by children or pets playing at home.
By following these 6 simple tips, you’ll be able to prolong the lifespan of your air scrubber and maximize its effectiveness in your home.
Final Thoughts
Overall, an air scrubber provides far too many great benefits for you to pass up on having one. It’s a very cost-effective device, so it’s definitely worth it to buy an air scrubber in 2024 if you have the budget.
Whether it’s for improving your well-being or maintaining a healthy environment, having one in your home is sure to help boost your and your family’s quality of life.