When it comes to removing dust, and other airborne debris during the construction or remodeling process, remove strong odors and fumes from workplaces, or clean the air from a water damage restoration – a household air purifier is not enough. An ozone generator might help, but it is not suitable for occupied spaces. Here comes the HEPA air scrubbers, which are powerful, high performance, heavy-duty yet completely safe air purifying devices.
In this article, we will discuss HEPA Air Scrubbers, how they work, 7 best HEPA air scrubbers with pros and cons, and an in-depth buying guide.
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Table could not be displayed.HEPA Air Scrubber
An air scrubber is an indoor portable air filtration device that allows you to remove any particles, odors, and some gases from the air in a given area. They work by drawing air from the surrounding environment and passing it through several filters that remove the contaminants and thus return the clean air into the atmosphere. They improve the air quality in the homes, construction sites, industrial workplaces, hospitals, and many other areas.
How a HEPA Air Scrubber Works
To understand how this device works, you must understand its interior design and what it is made of. While different manufacturers may make these devices, they have similar working mechanisms.
Pre-filters are part of the essential elements of the air scrubber. These are put there to capture the larger particles within the air. It allows the system to continue working optimally without clogging.
Carbon filters are also common in air scrubbers. These often capture the VOCs, vapor molecules, and gases within the air. Its main goal is to eliminate any odor from the air. These work through a process called absorption, where the molecules are attracted to the surface of the activated carbon materials.
The primary HEPA filter removes the smallest particles from the air. Some of the particles can be as small as 0.03 microns in diameter. These types of filters ensure 99.97% removal of dust, mold spores, smoke particles, and other particulate matters (PM) from the air. Learn more about indoor air pollutants with their sources and health effects.
Air purifier vs. Air scrubber
The main difference between an air purifier and an air scrubber is the air scrubber, a heavy-duty air purifier. Unlike the household air purifiers, the air scrubbers are heavy, stackable, and have ducts to create negative or positive air pressure in a closed space.
Also, you can use different types of single or multiple pre-filters combinations based on air purification jobs with an air scrubber, which is not possible for an air purifier.
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List of The 7 Best HEPA Air Scrubber:
1. BlueDri BD-AS-550-BL HEPA Air Scrubber
This air purifier is ideal for people who spend most of their day in dusty environments. It is designed uniquely to ensure that it captures air particles for healthy breathing. The unit is ideal for use in construction sites, home repairs, fire damage restoration, and janitorial, among others.
Its 550 shield features a 3-stage filtration, carbon filter (optional), and the main HEPA filter, which gives you effective purification for better health. The three filters have different functionalities, and they all work together to ensure the released air is pure and clean.
It has variable speed control, which allows you to adjust the speed and power of the filters as per your expectations. Additionally, it has a stackable design, which makes it convenient for both home and business use. The lightweight construction also makes it versatile and easy to transport to places where you need the most air cleaning.
Air Flow Rate: 250 – 500 cfm
Coverage: 1000 sq ft with 10 ft. ceiling with 3 air exchanges/hr (ACH)
Power: 2.5A 115V 60Hz
Power Cord Length: 25 ft.
Weight: 39 lbs
Replacement filter price:
- Pre-filter: ~ $62 – pack of 5 (check availability & filter price)
- Optional Carbon Filter: ~ $94 – pack of 3 (check availability & filter price)
- HEPA filter: ~ $213 – pack of 2 (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
2. B-Air RA-650 HEPA Air Scrubber
Having trouble dealing with airborne particles and other miscellaneous debris on restoration jobs, B-Air RA-650 is all you need. The unit is ideal for commercial use and can be convenient for scrubbing air in any environment. It has a unique design, which guarantees that it makes a significant improvement in a given room.
The RA-650 has 3-stages of filtration, with the second stage being optional. However, the pre-filter stage and HEPA filter are super active, assuring you that it only releases clean and healthy air. The first and second stage filters are convenient for capturing large particles and keeping the third filter safe, while the third one captures the smallest particles.
It features an ergonomic design and has a one-handed handle for easy mobility. It also has a variable speed control switch, filter change light indicator, and hour meter built-in. This gives you full control of the Air Scrubber.
Air Flow Rate: 250 – 500 cfm
Coverage: 1000 sq ft with 10 ft. ceiling with 3 air exchanges/hr (ACH)
Power: 2.5A 115V 60Hz
Power Cord Length: 25 ft.
Weight: 36 lbs
Replacement filter price:
- Pre-filter: ~ $62 – pack of 5 (check availability & filter price)
- Optional Carbon Filter: ~ $94 – pack of 3 (check availability & filter price)
- HEPA filter: ~ $213 – pack of 2 (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
3. Mounto AF500 HEPA Air Scrubber
While on a construction site, you are bound to experience a lot of dust from the construction materials, among other things. Therefore, it is essential to have an air scrubber that will ensure to capture dust and other particles in the air for quality and healthy breathing. This is why Mounto HEPA 500 is here for you as a versatile contractor’s tool.
It has 3-filter stages, but the second filter is optional, depending on your working environment. The second filter helps in prolonging the HEPA filter lifetime by trapping any large and medium particles that might not be caught by the pre-filter.
This unit is suitable for use at any construction site or the attic. It has different speed levels to ensure it provides you with sufficient clean air as you work. Therefore, you are guaranteed that at any given time, there is a fresh circulation of quality air.
Air Flow Rate: 250 – 500 cfm
Coverage: 1000 sq ft with 10 ft. ceiling with 3 air exchanges/hr (ACH)
Power: 2A 115V 60Hz
Power Cord Length: 25 ft.
Weight: 40 lbs
Replacement filter price:
- Pre-filter: ~ $158 – pack of 12 (check availability & filter price)
- True HEPA filter: ~ $90 (check availability & filter price)
- Optional activated carbon filter F397: ~ $177 – pack of 4 (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
4. Dri-Eaz F284 DefendAir HEPA 500 Air Scrubber
Dri-Eaz F284 operates on a 115V power supply and provides you with exceptional air all the time. You can also connect it with up to 3 units to achieve high-speed airflow of up to 1500 CFM. It uses a two-stage three filter slots air filtration with a variable filter option. On stage one, you can put up to two pre-filters with customizable options depend on the types of cleaning and dusty condition. The primary filter is a true HEPA filter that comes with a filter replacement indicator.
It has a power cord of at least 25 feet, making it flexible and easy to move from one location to the other depending on the air quality. Additionally, the long cord ensures that you don’t necessarily have to use it at a place closest to electricity sockets.
The unit has a stackable, lightweight design, which makes it easy to transport. It also has an ergonomic handle allowing you to easily and conveniently carry it without any possible risks. Additionally, its filters are replaceable, ensuring that you continue to enjoy quality air flow without having to spend as much on buying another unit.
Air Flow Rate: 250 – 500 cfm
Coverage: 1000 sq ft with 10 ft. ceiling with 3 air exchanges/hr (ACH)
Power: 3A 115V 60Hz
Power Cord Length: 25 ft.
Weight: 44 lbs
Replacement filter price:
- Pre-filter F270 (stage 1): ~ $158 – pack of 12 (check availability & filter price)
- Pre-filter F271 (stage 2): ~ $110 – pack of 12 (check availability & filter price)
- True HEPA filter (stage 3): ~ $90 (check availability & filter price)
- Optional activated carbon filter F397: ~ $177 – pack of 4 (check availability & filter price)
- Optional DOP filter F415: ~ $287 – pack of 4 (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
5. Costway Commercial HEPA Air Scrubber
While renovating your home, the quality of air will gradually decrease. However, if you have a commercial purifier on-site, you are guaranteed that you will not experience any hardships with air quality. The unit has two filter stages, with one assimilating large particles while the other assimilating small particles up to 0.3 microns.
It guarantees to remove all harmful airborne particles allowing your healthy and comfortable breathing. The unit is suitable for use in rooms measuring 500 – 2000 square feet. Making it convenient for use at both commercial and residential facilities.
Its unique design makes it convenient for decorating your home or commercial premises. With this unit, you will enjoy its variable speed while operational. It has a timer switch where you can set different speeds depending on the air quality at a given time. In other words, if you sense the quality of air has decreased due to the nature of your work.
Air Flow Rate: 150 – 500 cfm
Coverage: 1000 sq ft with 10 ft. ceiling with 3 air exchanges/hr (ACH)
Power: 250W 115V 60Hz
Power Cord Length: 25 ft.
Weight: 39 lbs
Replacement filter price:
- Pre-filter: ~ $99 – pack of 10 – 16 x 16 x 1 size (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
6. OdorStop OS500 HEPA Air Scrubber
This heavy-duty portable filtration system is designed to eliminate all airborne particles for healthy living. Pet dander, mold, drywall, dust, and other debris can be a challenge for people with allergic reactions and other medical conditions. However, with this unit, it guarantees to remove all the above particles, including the smallest of about 0.3 microns for clean air.
It has an enormous power cord, ensuring you have high flexibility even when you have power source limitations. Additionally, the unit can utilize 3-filters, the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and the charcoal filter. However, the third filter is optional, depending on the quality of air and personal preference. Another benefit of this unit, its heavy-duty construction makes it super durable, and the heavy-duty design guarantees that it will withstand years of vigorous use.
Air Flow Rate: 250 – 500 cfm
Coverage: 1000 sq ft with 10 ft. ceiling with 3 air exchanges/hr (ACH)
Power: 3A 115V 60Hz
Power Cord Length: 25 ft.
Weight: 40 lbs
Replacement filter price:
- Pre-filter OdorStop OS500PF: ~ $99 – pack of 10 (check availability & filter price)
- HEPA filter OdorStop OS500HF: ~ $99 (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
7. Colzer 500 HEPA Air Scrubber
What makes Colzer 500 stand out from the rest is that it has an air quality indicator. This helps to monitor and measure the quality of air in a given room and communicate how to set the speed. Therefore, it gives you the freedom to regulate air quality in a room regardless of what activities take place.
With this unit, you are guaranteed that it will eliminate pet dander and other airborne particles of any size from largest to the smallest. It can also be used on business premises as well as construction and renovation sites.
It can be used with three levels of filtration depending on the air quality. The pre-filter helps in eliminating large particles, while HEPA removes small particles. Therefore, it guarantees to clean and purify your air at any given room completely. Additionally, it has a 30-inch power cord for flexibility, and it weighs 37 lbs making it super portable from one spot to the other.
Air Flow Rate: 250 – 500 cfm
Coverage: 1000 sq ft with 10 ft. ceiling with 3 air exchanges/hr (ACH)
Power: 2.5A 115V 60Hz
Power Cord Length: 30 ft.
Weight: 40 lbs
Replacement filter price:
- Colzer 500 Pre-Filter: ~ $105 – pack of 8 (check availability & filter price)
- Colzer 500 HEPA Filter: ~ $190 – pack of 2 (check availability & filter price)
- Colzer 500 Activated Carbon Filter: ~ $99 – pack of 4 (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
HEPA Air Scrubber Buying & Operating Guide:
Several factors ensure that the HEPA air scrubber you get is the best. The performance and quality are crucial to ensuring that you get efficiency and excellent air quality.
Filtration choosing
The first thing you need is to ensure that the air scrubber is the filter system. It plays a crucial role in reducing the odor and filtration process. The quality of the filters will dictate the efficiency of the scrubber and the costs of maintenance.
- Heavy-Duty air purification: Use 2 pre-filters
- Odor and VOC elimination: Use activated carbon filters
Filter Replacement
Most of the HEPA air scrubber comes with a filter replace indicator for the primary HEPA filter. For, pre-filters, you have to check the conditions for replacing manually. None of the filters are washable by any means.
Almost all of the HEPA air scrubber manufacturers use a universal filter dimension. The size for a pre-filter is 16 x 16 X 1, and for HEPA filter is 16 x 19 x 2.5 in inch. If you select this type of design, you can easily find replacement filters.
Energy Usage
Most of the HEPA air scrubber incorporates a 1/3 HP motor, which is equivalent to 250w power usage. A 12-hour usage on maximum speed will use 3.0kWh of energy. Check our Energy Consumption Calculator to find out your approximate energy bills based on the usage and the local energy rate.
All of the HEPA Air Scrubbers comes with a minimum of 25 feet long power cord and a built-in GFCI outlet to power multiple air scrubbers. Always check the amperage ratings before using the power outlet. Do not use a cord extender.
Airflow options
You must choose the size of the device wisely. If you want to use it in areas that have a significant amount of space, you need to ensure that they can offer a higher airflow. The HEPA Air Scrubber provides a 500 CFM of clean air at top speed on average. Check our ACH Calculator to find out how much time needed to clean a specific sized room.
Air Quality Monitor, Timer
A built-in air quality monitor will save some electrical energy, but this is not a standard feature on HEPA air scrubbers. A timer would help you to run it for a predefined time.
Conclusion
With the above air scrubbers, it is now easy for you to stay safe while at a construction site with the assurance that you will enjoy quality air all the time. Additionally, the guide also gives you an easy way to choose between commercial air purifiers for better planning.
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