Are you looking for a way to improve your home’s air quality? If so, you should consider using an air scrubber. There are several types to choose from, each of which serves specific purposes in improving indoor air quality. Understanding how air scrubbers work can help you choose the best type for your Beckley, WV, home.
What Exactly Is an Air Scrubber?
The purpose of an air scrubber is to reduce indoor air pollution, thereby increasing indoor air quality. Air scrubbers usually use a variety of filters and purification technologies to collect and remove harmful airborne contaminants. These contaminants include everything from dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, viruses and more.
How Do Air Scrubbers Improve Indoor Air Quality?
All air scrubbers come with a pre-filter to trap airborne pollution, including dust, pollen and other types of large particulate matter. Some come with molecular filtration technologies, such as oxidation processes, to target and neutralize airborne pollutants, including viruses. Some work by using filters with copper and silver ions. Copper and silver ions have antimicrobial properties, effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. To capture very fine particles and almost all microorganisms in the air, air scrubbers use HEPA filters.
What Are the Different Types of Air Scrubbers?
There are three main types of air scrubbers: dry, wet and integrated. Each type has different filtering capabilities. Speaking with an indoor air quality specialist is the best way to determine which type is best for your home.
Dry
Dry scrubbers remove contaminants from the air by circulating it through a network of filters. The most effective dry air scrubbers have more than one filter: at least one pre-filter and at least one high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This way, the different filters can target different types of particulate matter. Dry air scrubbers and air purifiers share many of the same properties and both work great in residential settings.
Wet
Wet air scrubbers work exceptionally well at reducing industrial exhaust emissions of particulate matter and gases. Their primary operation is to expose polluted air to a liquid solution, which then reacts with or absorbs the contaminants. As the liquid draws in the pollutants, it filters them and then releases clean air. Because of their versatility and efficiency in eliminating various pollutants, wet air scrubbers are indispensable in sectors where pollution management is of the utmost importance for regulatory compliance. This makes them ideal for industrial settings.
Integrated
Integrated air scrubbers are state-of-the-art devices specifically designed to purify air without disrupting the operation of preexisting HVAC systems. Incorporating these devices into the ducting allows for continuous indoor air filtering. They work particularly well at collecting and eliminating pollutants, including dust and smells. Rather than relying on individual units, they provide a streamlined and effective way to improve indoor air quality in both residential and business settings.
Are Air Scrubbers Better Than Air Purifiers?
Air scrubbers and air purifiers are both effective at improving indoor air quality. Many homes combine scrubbers with purifiers to create a comprehensive indoor air quality solution. Scrubbers excel at removing larger particles and chemicals in broader spaces, making them suitable for events like renovations. Air purifiers, on the other hand, focus on allergens and microbes in targeted areas like bedrooms and living spaces.
When to Consider an Air Scrubber
You may need an air scrubber if you notice strange smells in the home. Persistent odors, especially those from mold or animals, are a strong indicator of air pollution. It’s also wise to use an air scrubber during remodeling projects if the amount of dust and particulate matter significantly increases. In cases of water damage or mold growth, air scrubbers are essential for removing mold spores. Air scrubbers also work well for reducing allergy and asthma symptoms.
How to Maintain an Air Scrubber
For air scrubbers to work at their best, they need regular maintenance of several kinds. To properly catch impurities, it is vital to change filters regularly. Cleaning of the unit, including its fans and ducts, is necessary to keep them clean and free of debris. This maintenance is best left to professional experts who have the necessary experience to handle delicate components and solve complex issues. Plus, a competent inspector can spot problems during routine checks before they escalate.
What Odors Can Air Scrubbers Get Rid Of?
Air scrubbers are great for getting rid of a variety of smells, including pet scents, cooking odors and tobacco smoke. They can even get rid of more stubborn smells caused by mold or water damage, like musty or damp odors. Completely removing airborne particles and odor-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is their specialty. Many homeowners use them to get rid of chemical, garbage and body odors.
Will an Air Scrubber Improve Allergies?
Because they trap and remove airborne allergens, air scrubbers are an essential tool in the fight against allergies. These gadgets collect and remove allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores using innovative filtering technology. This helps alleviate some of the respiratory discomfort, sneezing and coughing that come with allergies. The thorough cleansing process also helps people with allergies breathe easier. Generally speaking, the improved indoor air quality creates a more comfortable living space.
Will an Air Scrubber Increase Electricity Bills?
In most cases, an air scrubber will have little impact on monthly power costs. While these gadgets do use power, newer ones have more efficient designs. Their variable-speed settings and low-wattage motors make it easy to tailor energy usage to individual demands. The long-term benefits typically outweigh any slight increase in power costs. These benefits include better indoor air quality, less pressure on HVAC systems and fewer health-related costs.
Do Air Scrubbers Make a Lot of Noise?
Modern air scrubbers place an emphasis on whisper-quiet operation, expanding their focus on user comfort. The noise they make is usually on par with that of background appliances, so they won’t be too disruptive. Some modern air scrubbers even come with specific soundproofing measures. Depending on personal preference, users can manage the noise level by selecting models with adjustable fan speeds. For homes and businesses that value a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, air scrubbers are a good choice because of their moderate noise output.
Should You Use an Air Scrubber Year-Round?
West Virginia’s diverse local weather patterns and environmental factors contribute to indoor air pollution. High humidity levels, which are common in the region, can foster mold growth, releasing spores into indoor air. This is why an air scrubber can be useful year-round in the state. Air scrubbers are useful in the spring and summer for warding off seasonal problems like allergies and pollen. They help with mold spore removal in the autumn and interior air pollution from closed windows and heating systems in the winter.
Are you ready to improve your home’s indoor air quality with an air scrubber? If so, Childers Air Plumbing & Electric is here to help. We also help Beckley homeowners with all of their HVAC, electrical and plumbing needs. To choose the right air scrubber for your home, give Childers Air Plumbing & Electric a call now.
