Air Scrubber vs. Air Purifier: How Are They Different?

Air scrubbers and air purifiers both work to remove contaminants from your home’s air and improve its quality. However, they also differ when it comes to which air particles they clean. Keep reading to learn more about what each system does for your home and which one is best for your family. Our experts at Energy Pro Heating and Cooling broke down the basics below.

What is an Air Purifier?

Air purifiers improve your indoor air quality by removing pollen, pet dander, dirt, dust, and debris from the air in your home. These can be standalone units or be attached to your central heating and cooling system. Air purifiers are strengthened by the filters they use, with the strongest options removing nearly all dirty particles from your home. 

Who is it Good For?

Air purifiers are especially useful for families who have members with allergies or asthma issues, indoor pets, or smoky fireplaces in their homes. Air purifiers range from small models that cool the single room they’re placed in, to whole-home options. 

What is an Air Purifier’s Lifespan?

An air purifier’s lifespan depends on how often you use it and how often you maintain it. After all, your purifier’s filter will quickly fill with dirt and debris. If it isn’t changed regularly, your unit’s effectiveness will decline rapidly. Typically, an air purifier lasts from two to five years.

How Much Does an Air Purifier Cost?

Air purifier costs depend on how much of your home’s air you are trying to cycle and clean. If you are looking for a single-room model, it may cost you a couple of hundred dollars, while a whole-home option will likely cost you a few thousand dollars. Indoor air quality experts can help you determine which size is best for your home.

What is an Air Scrubber?

While air purifiers are useful for removing debris from your home’s air, air scrubbers take things a step further. Air scrubbers offer additional sanitization, protecting your home from airborne illnesses, bacteria, and viruses. In addition to its health benefits, it also rids your air of foul odors and increases the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Who is it Good For?

Air scrubber products are especially effective in areas that need to be kept extremely sterile, like a hospital or nursing home. It is useful in homes with newborn or elderly family members who may have weakened immune systems or other health concerns.

What is an Air Scrubber’s Lifespan?

Unlike air purifiers, air scrubbers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on how well they were installed and maintained. Like air purifiers, you should change your scrubber’s filter regularly, to avoid build-up and clogs. In addition, a professional should assess your ductwork, cords, and outlets to make sure they are functioning properly and not worn over time. 

How Much Does an Air Scrubber Cost?

Air scrubbers typically cost a few thousand dollars to install. They are often used in commercial settings, but can also improve the air quality in your home. Air scrubbers are best for more serious air quality issues like mold and disease prevention.

What Effect Do They Both Have on Your HVAC System?

Air purifiers and air scrubbers both work to increase the lifespan of your HVAC system. Air contaminants often harm your HVAC system, causing early wear or deteriorating its parts. With these extra systems in place, your home’s heating and cooling units don’t have to work as hard and can focus on circulating clean, temperature-controlled air throughout your home.

In addition to lowering repair and replacement costs, air purification or scrubbing systems help to lower your monthly utility bills. When your system is functioning correctly with ease, it also uses power more efficiently. This not only helps to keep your home smelling and feeling better, but it also keeps it under budget to run.

Trust Energy Pro Heating and Cooling With Your Indoor Air Quality Services in Portsmouth, VA

If you’re in the Portsmouth, VA area, Energy Pro Heating and Cooling is the industry leader in indoor air quality that you can trust. In addition to air purifiers and scrubbers, we offer other HVAC repair and installation services, mini-split ductless AC systems, and furnace services. Whether you need help with your central heating or cooling, we have solutions for you.

Are you searching for air conditioning or heating services in the Portsmouth, VA area? Energy Pro Heating and Cooling is here to help. Call us today!

June 28th, 2022 | Heating and Cooling