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About Air Scrubbers

An air scrubber is a filter put into place in an air conditioned building, where there could be contaminants or odors such as smoke, spores, bacteria or mold. This is especially needed for areas after a disaster. Air scrubbers were used extensively when people returned to some offices after Hurricane Katrina. Much of the mold that occurred was very harmful to breathe in.

  1. Carbon Filter Air Scrubbers

    • Carbon is a natural filter, when it comes to purifying oxygen. When used in an air scrubber, it prevents certain molds and spores as well as bacteria and other air pollutants. If you have fish, you probably have seen carbon-based filters used for fish tanks. These are fairly inexpensive filters and therefore make for excellent air scrubbers.

    HEPA Filter Air Scrubbers

    • HEPA filters are very high-quality filters made out of tiny fibers, as opposed to the carbon-based filters which differ in material and function. With HEPA filers used as air scrubbers, it is normal to have several layers in use, to eradicate heavier air particles, such as sawdust, drywall or concrete dust as well as ash. Layers collect mold and fungal spores as well as bacteria. These filters can cost a bit more.

    Portable Air Scrubbers

    • Besides filters put into place in large air conditioning systems, portable air-cleaning units are available. These devices can be placed in any room, where they suck up impurities from the air. They come in models for carbon or HEPA filters.

    Pricing for Air Scrubbers

    • The cost of a filter used in an air conditioning duct can be about $22.00. One needs to be used in every room of an office building, so if there are 10 rooms on a floor, for example, it will cost $220.00 to place filters in all of the rooms. Portable units cost between $800 to $3,500, depending on the brand name, size and model type.

    Precautions for Air Scrubbers

    • Air scrubbers aren't dangerous by design, however due to the fact that they trap airborne particles, both visible and microscopic, disposal of the filter should be handled with care. According to Abatement Technologies, the person who switches out an old air scrubber filter with a new one should wear a mask, gloves and have a plastic bag in which to place the old filter, so that it can be properly disposed off. This precaution can prevent accidental inhalation of captured air particles.

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