What are the Benefits and Uses of HEPA Air Scrubbers?
Summary: HEPA air scrubbers excel in eliminating airborne particles, allergens, and pollutants, improving indoor air quality in various settings. They are also valuable for removing odors and assisting in water damage restoration by purifying the air and minimizing the spread of contaminants.
Clean indoor air is a health benefit for a home’s occupants. Improving air quality starts with running a HEPA air scrubber. This piece of equipment removes pollutants from the air, leading to cleaner air and several additional benefits, such as the ones that follow.
Indoor air is not always clean. Microscopic pollutants can be present and reduce the quality of breathable air. For instance, a home or commercial building may be filled with dust, bacteria, or pollen. Some properties are infested with mold, and the airborne spores contaminate the air.
What does an air scrubber do?
A portable air scrubber is the solution to contaminated indoor air. Fitted with a HEPA filter, the air scrubber works by scrubbing pollutants from the air. The HEPA filter removes an impressive 99.7 percent of airborne particles, including lead and asbestos.
Air circulates through the machine on a continual basis. As the blower suctions in the air, the HEPA filter captures contaminants and particles 0.3 microns in size, thereby removing them from the room. Newly cleaned air is released. As the process continues, the air in the vicinity is gradually cleaned.
What are the benefits of a HEPA air scrubber?
- Preserves Health: Breathing clean air is an important part of good health maintenance. A mold-infested property, for instance, can cause severe health repercussions, especially in people sensitive to mold or who experience mold allergies. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and dry skin are symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The HEPA air scrubber prevents symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergies by removing airborne mold particles and purifying the air. The building’s occupants who then breathe the clean indoor air experience fewer, if any, associated health symptoms and enjoy better health. In addition to mold allergies, a home’s occupants may be vulnerable to pollutants, such as pet dander or pollen. Individuals who prioritize their health and take steps to prevent unwanted symptoms run a HEPA air scrubber to clean the air in their home.
- Reduces Odors: Unpleasant odors can linger in a home after cooking, in the aftermath of a house fire, or when sewer gas leaks into the property. Odor control is essential to improving air quality. The HEPA air scrubber absorbs smoke and odors as well as petrochemical odors from turpentine and paint thinners.
- Extends HVAC Lifespan: Homeowners who attach an air scrubber onto an HVAC promote the system’s longevity. The HEPA air scrubber traps dirt, dust, and debris before they have a chance to damage the coils and blower on the HVAC system. Preventing damage to the HVAC system lengthens its lifespan.
- Cleans Surfaces: A HEPA air scrubber not only cleans the indoor air but reduces up to 99 percent of surface contaminants. Viruses and bacteria can linger on doorknobs or countertops in common areas of the home, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Running an air scrubber helps keep surfaces clean.
- Prevents Mold Growth: HEPA air scrubbers are effective at capturing mold spores, preventing them from spreading and contributing to mold growth in indoor environments. This is particularly important in areas prone to moisture or water damage, where mold growth can pose health risks and cause property damage.
What are the uses of a HEPA air scrubber?
Air scrubbers are used in a variety of residential and commercial settings to improve the indoor air quality. A portable version can be placed in any area that is at risk for contaminated air. Standalone air scrubber units are useful in properties that lack ductwork.
Water Damage Restoration
In the aftermath of water damage, a restoration company is likely to use a HEPA air scrubber to help clean the air. Water damage is a precursor to mold, which can develop within 24 to 48 hours. Running an air scrubber after a water damage incident ensures better air quality.
Medical Facilities
HEPA air scrubbers are commonplace in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings. The machines are helpful in environments where air quality is critical. HEPA air scrubber units remove large amounts of contaminated particles from the air, allowing patients to breathe clean air.
Construction Sites
Running a HEPA air scrubber in commercial settings, like construction sites, keeps workers healthy. Active construction sites teem with chemicals, dust, and fumes that can be hazardous to construction workers. Purifying the air with an air scrubber is necessary onsite.
Indoor Air Quality Improvement
HEPA air scrubbers are essential for residential and commercial use when indoor air quality is paramount. By continuously filtering the air and removing airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and allergens, they create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Home and business owners can opt for a portable version. Ideally, the portable air scrubber is placed in the room with the greatest number of potential contaminants.
Alternatively, an air scrubber can be installed in the home’s existing air ducts. The machine is mounted inside the return air ducts. When the heat or air conditioning is turned on, the air scrubber cleans the air that passes through them. Renting an air scrubber is also a viable option.
Smoke Removal
HEPA air scrubbers are effective in removing smoke particles and odors from indoor spaces. They can capture smoke particles from cigarettes, wildfires, or cooking, as well as eliminate unpleasant odors caused by pets, food, or other sources, creating a fresher and more pleasant indoor environment.
Mold Remediation
Mold spores typically range in size from one to five microns, which is pertinent information when considering mold contamination. HEPA filters have been certified and proven to successfully remove all airborne mold spores. This underscores the crucial role of HEPA filtration in preserving indoor air quality cleanliness and reducing the hazards linked to mold infestation. When dealing with dangerous green mold, it’s essential to use HEPA filtration for safe cleaning.
RestorationMaster for Water Removal and Deodorization Services
RestorationMaster is well-known for its expertise in thorough water removal and deodorization services, ensuring complete property restoration. When faced with water damage, our skilled team uses HEPA air scrubbers to efficiently eliminate airborne contaminants and odors, improving indoor air quality after floods. We are dedicated to excellence, focusing on minimizing disruptions and ensuring a smooth restoration journey for our clients, helping them regain confidence and comfort in their homes or businesses.
Is your property affected by flood, mold or sewage backup? call our water damage restoration experts for immediate help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Air Scrubbers Reduce Dust?
Air scrubbers are great for reducing dust in indoor spaces. They function by filtering the air, capturing dust particles as it circulates through the device. This process results in cleaner and healthier indoor air by removing airborne dust particles.
How Long to Run HEPA Air Scrubber for Mold Remediation?
For mold remediation, it’s best to run a HEPA air scrubber continuously for 24 to 48 hours to capture all airborne mold spores effectively.
Do HEPA Filters Remove Water?
HEPA filters don’t directly remove water, but they can help by capturing moisture particles in the air, which can otherwise contribute to mold growth. For water-related issues, you’ll still need equipment such as dehumidifiers or water extractors.