Of course, your air scrubber is only as good as its filters. So today, we’ll look at everything you need to know about air scrubber replacement filters – from how they work to how often you should replace them.
For many people, allergy season is a time to stock up on air fresheners and dust the house from top to bottom. Unfortunately, 24.4 million Americans – 19.2 million adults and 5.2 million children – suffer from hay fever, making it one of the most common chronic conditions in the country.
But the stakes are higher for those with more severe allergies or asthma. Airborne allergens and irritants can trigger asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening. That’s where air scrubbers come into play.
Best Replacement Filters
After testing these air scrubber replacement filters for both in-home air scrubbers and industrial settings we have found the best replacement options on the market. If you are still looking to take the leap into purchasing an air scrubber, we have some great options for improving air quality and removing mold.
Here are a few filters to consider:
What Are Air Scrubbers?
While it may seem silly to bother discussing what air scrubbers are, it’s essential for this discussion.
In short, an air scrubber is a device that cleans the air in your home or office by removing harmful particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, and smoke. The device allows air to go through, catching all contaminants in the process.
The air that comes in may be contaminated with, let’s say, dust, but the air that comes out of the machine contains far less contamination. That trapping action is one of the most important distinctions of air scrubbers.
While some air-purifying technologies use filters, many don’t. For instance, ionizers charge particles, so they adhere to surfaces. Ozone generators disinfect the air but also create harmful byproducts, so they’re not ideal for use around people or pets.
UV germicidal irradiation can kill mold and bacteria but doesn’t remove particles from the air. Air scrubbers are different because they physically trap contaminants before recirculating the air.
How Do Air Scrubbers and Filters Work?
Now that we know what air scrubbers are, let’s look at how they work.
As we mentioned, air scrubbers use filters to clean the air. The most common filters used in these devices are high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and activated carbon filters.
These air filters help to collect air contaminants and create ozone in cars, homes, and industrial spaces.
HEPA filters are made of a dense mat of randomly arranged fibers. The spaces between the fibers are small enough that only particles smaller than 0.3 microns can pass through. They’re capable of capturing the droplets viruses travel in.
To give you some perspective, a strand of human hair is about 70 microns wide. So, HEPA filters can remove tiny particles from the air.
Activated carbon filters are charcoal treated with oxygen to create a network of pores. These pores help trap contaminants like smoke, chemicals, and odors.
How effective are these filters? Multiple studies of air purifiers have shown that using HEPA and activated carbon filters can significantly reduce the levels of airborne contaminants.
In one study, using an air purifier with a HEPA and activated carbon filter removed 50% of the particles in a room, including those that are small enough to cause allergies and asthma.
How to Get the Most Out of Air Scrubbers
An air scrubber can be highly effective if you or anyone occupying your home or office are sensitive to airborne contaminants. But if you fail to use it correctly, it can be a waste of money.
Here are three tips for getting the most out of your air scrubber:
Place It Wisely
If you only have a single air scrubber in your home/office, place it in the room you spend the most time in. For most, this place is the bedroom, but it could also be the living room or kitchen.
If you have multiple air scrubbers, ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout your home/office. Also, ensure that you place it where the air circulates well.
For instance, don’t put it in a corner or behind furniture. Doing so would significantly reduce its effectiveness.
Adjust the Speed
Most air scrubbers have multiple speed settings. Depending on the model, there may be as many as four or five.
In general, you should use the highest setting when you first turn it on and then lower it as the air in the room gets cleaner. That will also allow you to avoid noise disruptions.
If you have multiple speed settings, start at the highest stage and experiment until you find the one that gives you the best results without being too loud.
Replace Air Scrubber Filters Regularly
The filters in air scrubbers need to be replaced regularly to ensure they continue working effectively.
How often you need to replace the air scrubber filter depends on the air scrubber you have and the air quality in your home/office.
As a general rule of thumb, you should replace the filter every six months to a year. If you live in an area with poor air quality or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, you may need to replace the filter more often.
How to Choose Air Scrubber Replacement Filters
When it comes time to replace the filter in your air scrubber, you must choose the right one.
Below, you can find a few pointers that should take you in the right direction:
Model Number
The first thing you need to do is check the model number of your air scrubber. Make sure it’s compatible with your air scrubber. Not all filters are created equal, and some may not fit your particular model.
Rating System
You also need to know about the rating system for air scrubbers. The two most common ratings are MERV and CADR.
The MERV rating measures how good a filter is at removing particles from the air. The higher the rating, the better the filter is at removing particles.
On the other hand, the CADR rating measures how many cubic feet of air an air scrubber can clean in an hour. It rates the speed of the air scrubber on a scale of 10 to 400.
Price
Lastly, you should consider the cost of the filter. Some filters can be expensive, so you’ll want to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Searching for replacement filters on Amazon and buying filters in bulk will often help with the price. Air scrubber filters do not have a shelf life so you can store them for years if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an air scrubber filter last?
The average air scrubber lasts between 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. So, check the filter regularly and clean the machine as needed.
When should I change my air scrubber filter?
While different models have different requirements, most air scrubber filters should be replaced every six months to a year.
How often do you replace air scrubbers?
It depends on the model that you have. Some models need to be replaced more frequently than others. With proper upkeep, it should last you at least an entire decade.
How long does an air scrubber bulb last?
The bulb should be replaced every two to three years if you want it to continue working correctly.
In Conclusion
Air scrubbers are a great way to remove contaminants from your home or office air. But you need the right air filters to ensure they work properly.
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When choosing air scrubber replacement filters, consider the model of your air scrubber, the ratings, and the cost. Doing so will help you find the right filter for your needs.
How often do you change your air scrubber filters?
Let us know in the comments below.
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