6 Air Scrubber Benefits For Commercial Crews

Most people think an air scrubber simply keeps dust under control so you can breathe better. But the air scrubber benefits for businesses are more far-reaching. This equipment protects your team and other people around a job site, keeps you compliant, and ensures jobs are done on time. You quite literally can’t afford to go without one in many cases.

We’ll cover all the benefits of an air scrubber below and introduce you to the #1 selection here at US Cleaning Tools. Our air scrubbers for sale include every major brand in the restoration space, and we can help you weigh your options if you want a personalized recommendation!

Key Takeaways

• Air scrubbers trap particles down to 0.3 microns at 99.97% efficiency, such as mold spores, lead dust, asbestos fibers, and construction particulate. 
• You can set up a negative pressure containment zone so contaminated air doesn’t escape the work zone.
• HEPA air scrubbers are required for any jobs involving mold, lead, and asbestos jobs (per IICRC S520 and OSHA standards).
• You can find anything from a portable air scrubber to a massive commercial unit here at US Cleaning Tools.

Products in this guide

XPOWER X-2480A Mini$541

XPOWER X-3580$1,048

Abatement HEPA-AIRE H2KMA$1,401

What is an Air Scrubber?

These portable filtration units pull contaminated air through a series of filters:

• A pre-filter for large debris
• A secondary or carbon filter (in some cases)
• A HEPA stage

That final stage is where most of the air scrubber benefits come from. These units capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. They’re essential for any sort of work involving mold spores, lead dust, asbestos fibers, silica from cutting concrete, drywall particulate, and smoke residue. 

But their primary purpose isn’t merely filtering contaminated air. An air scrubber also controls the direction in which contaminated air moves. You can set up negative pressure within a space so that contaminated air cannot flow backward into other parts of a building.

6 Air Scrubber Benefits You Need to Know

You probably know you need an air scrubber if you’re a contractor that regularly engages in restoration/remediation work. There are 6 benefits of an air scrubber you need to know about.

1. Efficiently Capturing Hazardous Particles

This is the case for buying a HEPA air scrubber in a nutshell. It captures a myriad of contaminants at 99.97% efficiency, down to 0.3 microns in size. The stuff you can’t even see, but you know is dangerous to breathe in. Whether it’s a mold remediation job or asbestos abatement, you can breathe easy knowing the space is clean.

2. Meets Regulatory Compliance Requirements

IICRC S520 mandates a minimum of 4 air changes per hour (ACH) within a mold containment zone. 6 is the industry standard just to be safe. OSHA requires HEPA filtration for lead (29 CFR 1926.62) and asbestos (29 CFR 1926.1101) work. The EPA’s RRP Rule brings its own requirements for renovations in pre-1978 buildings.

In this sense, perhaps the most compelling of all air scrubber benefits is helping you stay compliant, avoid fines, and keep job sites running smoothly.

3. Creates Negative Pressure to Contain Contamination

The last thing you want is contamination to move from one room to another, and then you’re doing the job twice. One of the often overlooked benefits of an air scrubber is how it allows you to create negative air pressure within a space. 

A negative air scrubber pulls air out of the containment zone and exhausts it through ducting, creating lower pressure inside the work area than outside. This way, contamination cannot work backwards into other rooms. It’s unable to sneak through gaps in poly sheeting, around doorframes, or through unsealed penetrations. 

This is also a matter of compliance for certain jobs.

4. Protects Worker Health and Minimizes Liability

On a human level, air scrubbers keep your crew and other people safe. Airborne mold spores, lead particles, asbestos fibers, and silica dust are all well-documented respiratory hazards. You can keep exposure down inside the work zone during active remediation or demolition.

You’ll be forced to answer some difficult questions as a contractor if a worker or building occupants complains about health issues after a job where no air scrubber was running. You can cover your assets by having documentation showing an air scrubber was running during the work.

5. Allows Other Trades to Work Simultaneously

There’s a lot going on during renovation and construction projects. Everyone on site can enjoy the air scrubber benefits because it keeps things running smoothly. Electricians, plumbers, and finish carpenters can work in adjacent areas without stressing about exposure. Otherwise, the building would need to be vacant during certain work phases. 

6. Handles Multiple Job Types

The same air scrubber for mold remediation handles construction dust on a renovation, smoke particulate after a fire, and lead paint removal in an older building. This is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you’ll have in your arsenal as a contractor. 

Do I NEED an Air Scrubber?

The air scrubber benefits are clear - but there’s a good chance you quite literally cannot go without one. They’re non-negotiable for the following types of work:

• Mold remediation (IICRC S520 requires HEPA filtration and minimum ACH)
• Lead paint removal (EPA RRP Rule, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62)
• Asbestos abatement (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101)
• Construction dust control in occupied or semi-occupied buildings
• Fire and smoke damage restoration
• Any work requiring negative pressure containment

An air scrubber may not be required but is still heavily recommended for general construction dust on unoccupied sites. Cleaner air for your crew, faster cleanup when the job is finished, and fewer complaints from neighboring tenants!

Bring the Benefits of an Air Scrubber into Your Space

US Cleaning Tools is proud to present the best air scrubber selection online from some of the most well-regarded brands the industry has to offer. 

Whether you’re looking for a mini air scrubber for single rooms and tight spaces or 4,000 CFM machines for large commercial spaces, we have the equipment you need to protect your reputation and finish jobs on time. 

Most importantly, though, you gain access to world-class customer service when you work with us. Connect with our experts today for personalized support, and we’ll help you find the right unit for your needs. Bring the benefits of an air scrubber into your arsenal today!

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