What’s the Difference Between an Air Scrubber & a Negative Air Machine?

At first glance, the air scrubber and negative air machine seem to perform the same function. While they both eliminate harmful air pollutants, they each have their own unique differences.

What is an Air Scrubber? 

Air scrubbers are used to get rid of contaminants in an enclosed space. The primary function of the air scrubber is to remove gases, chemicals, or particles from a particular space. If you’re looking to improve air quality indoors, an air scrubber is the best bet. Air scrubbers work to trap airborne particles through a series of filters.

What is a Negative Air Machine? 

The negative air machine uses ducting to eliminate contaminated air from a sealed space.

It’s easy to confuse a portable air scrubber with a negative air machine. Though they serve a similar function, the ducting of the absorbed air is a major difference. Negative air machines function by releasing the air they suck in outside. This means that the space is constantly at a negative pressure and restricts the spread of air pollutants to other parts of the building.

Air Scrubbers vs. Negative Air Machines

Although they’re very similar, the differences between air scrubbers and negative air machines lie in what they can and cannot do.

Air Scrubbers

Several advantages come with the use of air scrubbers:

  • Air scrubbers are very effective in eliminating smoke, either from a house that recently suffered from a fire or from indoor smokers.
  • With air scrubbers, you can eliminate toxic gases in industrial areas like factories.
  • They can remove mold spores from buildings damaged by water. 
  • They can remove dust and debris from within a space to avoid clogging the vents. 
  • Their function reduces the risk of health-related difficulties.

Negative Air Machine

Though air scrubbers and negative air machines are similar in how they perform, negative air machines have their own specific functions: 

  • Mold remediation.
  • They remove contaminated air from a confined space.
  • They reduce the air pressure in a particular area.

Do you need an Air Scrubber or a Negative Air Machine? 

Since both of these devices can perform each other’s functions, you need to decide which is best for you. 

  • Air Scrubbers: This device is easily portable, has high rpm motors, and efficiently removes 99.97% of airborne particles. With its presence, the risks of falling sick are low since it filters pollutants while helping to get rid of odors like smoke, cigarettes, paint, etc. It also makes breathing easier and the air around you healthier. If you’re looking to get rid of any of these contaminants, the air scrubber is your best choice.
  • Negative Air Machine: These devices were first used in the asbestos industry in the 1980s. They provided spaces with adequate airflow through working hours. Consider a negative air machine if the space is large since they’re best suited for large-scale commercial use, unlike air scrubbers which are suited for small-scale commercial use.  

At Herc Rentals, you can find a great selection of HEPA Air Scrubbers and Negative Air Machines rentals to improve indoor air quality. 

Not sure which one you need? Call us at 1-833-967-6026 and we can help.

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