Although air purifiers and air scrubbers are similar in that they both improve indoor air quality, they have some distinct and important differences. It’s important to understand what each piece of equipment does and which machine works best for specific air pollutants so you can select the right equipment for your particular needs.
In a nutshell, the difference between an air scrubber and an air purifier has to do with what particles they clean. Air purifiers are typically designed to pull airborne particles through the equipment and filter them out within the purifier itself. It does not help remove particles that may be attached to surfaces such as walls, floors, or other equipment. Air scrubbers, on the other hand, send out negative ions that attach to both airborne and surface particles, making them heavier and easier to clean up or filter.
Not only will air scrubbers and air purifiers help improve the air that your employees and customers breathe, but they can also help your organization pass regulatory air quality inspections and tests.
Air Purifier: What Does It Do?
Air purifiers use one or more filtration and air treatment methods to remove pollutants from the air. Air purifiers that use HEPA filtration can filter air particles down to 0.3 microns in size with a 99.97% efficiency rating. As a result, air purifiers can help businesses, construction sites, or other project areas maintain a “safe breathing” zone. They work in tandem with negative air pressure machines that help contain air particulates within a designated zone.
HEPA technology was created by the U.S. Army Chemical Corps to remove bacteria, dust, chemicals, allergens, and radioactive toxins from the air. Air purifiers using this technology are powerful air-cleaning machines.
What is an Air Scrubber Used For?
Like air purifiers, air scrubbers are also available with HEPA filtration, allowing you to filter air particles down to 0.3 microns in size at a 99.97% efficiency rating. In addition, they can work alongside a variety of three-stage HEPA negative air machines, which feature replaceable first, second, and third filters. Air scrubbers are excellent for construction and healthcare organizations, doing an effective job of removing both airborne and settled dust and bacteria.
Air scrubbers often use negative ions that attach themselves to both airborne and surface particles, making them heavier and easier to clean up. In some cases, air scrubbers can take these heavier particles and filter them through an internal system.
Air Purifier vs. Air Scrubber: Which is Best for You?
The main difference between an air purifier and an air scrubber is where they take indoor air pollutants from. Air purifiers are designed to clean only airborne particles, while an air scrubber can remove particles from the air and surrounding surfaces.
Both pieces of equipment do a fine job and improving indoor air quality and can work together along with other air cleaning technologies such as large fans and dehumidifiers to ensure that your work area has healthier indoor air for your customers and employees.
At Herc Rentals, you can find air purifiers and air scrubber rentals to suit your air quality needs. Contact us today, and we’ll help you decide what air filtration system is right for you.
