Air Scrubber vs Air Purifier

We get asked all the time, is an air scrubber the same as an air purifier? Not at all, although the terms are used interchangeably. We’re going to clear the air with a detailed air scrubber vs air purifier comparison below to help you choose the right equipment.

So, what’s the difference between an air scrubber and air purifier, really? What they’re intended to be used for. An air scrubber is a commercial-grade machine designed to keep contractors compliant and safe. An air purifier is more of a household or office filtration system that keeps air cleaner too, but it filters allergens and impurities rather than harmful contaminants.

Learn more about the differences between an air purifier vs air scrubber below.  

Key Takeaways

• A HEPA air scrubber can capture up to 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns from silica dust to asbestos. It can be rated as high as 4,000 CFM.
• An air purifier cleans your home’s air of allergens, pet dander, and stuff like that. It maxes out at around 300 CFM.
• Air scrubbers can help create negative pressure inside sealed containment zones. Air purifiers don’t.
• US Cleaning Tools is your one-stop shop for air scrubbers online. Shop the best brands backed by world-class customer service. 

Air Scrubber vs Air Purifier (Quick Comparison)

What Does an Air Scrubber Do?

Air scrubbers suck contaminated air through a multi-stage filter stack. First is the pre-filter, which traps larger debris like drywall dust and insulation fibers. Then the HEPA filter does the heavy lifting, capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns - including silica and asbestos fibers.

The system can work in one of two ways. It can recirculate filtered air back into the room. OR, it can exhaust that air outside a sealed containment barrier using ducting (AKA negative air mode). 

A negative air scrubber is specifically mandated for quite a few applications, and this capability is part of what separates air scrubbers from every other air filtration system on the market. Otherwise, contaminated air inside a work zone could leak into other spaces through gaps in the containment area. The negative pressure only lets air flow inward through the scrubber’s filters.

Contractors of all sorts rely on air scrubbers for both safety and compliance. But, they’re especially common in mold treatment and asbestos abatement. We also see them frequently used at construction sites with silica exposure, or in fire/flood damage restoration.

For all intents and purposes, think of this as the commercial side of the air scrubber vs air purifier debate. Let’s introduce the more residential side below. 

What Does an Air Purifier Do?

Air purifiers do exactly what they sound like - purify dirty air. They circulate the air in a space through a filter to cut down on allergens and odors, be it in a bedroom or office space. They work at a much lower CFM than the other side of the air purifier vs air scrubber comparison.

These systems can be powered by quite a few different filters. There are HEPA air purifiers that use the same 99.97% standard as a commercial air scrubber. They just filter a fraction of the airflow. There are also carbon filters specifically for capturing gases and VOCs. Some units even add UV-C filtration to fight off airborne microorganisms.

At any rate, these are a great way to keep the air in your home or office cleaner. They are not meant to be used in job sites where the worry involves hazardous particulates. They are totally incapable of creating negative pressure, too, so you can’t use them in containment settings.

What’s the Difference Between an Air Scrubber and an Air Purifier?

You’re probably starting to see the difference between an air scrubber and an air purifier already. One is used in commercial job sites; the other helps protect your home or office air quality. They are not interchangeable. 

Here’s a closer look at the air scrubber vs air purifier side by side. 

Filtration 

There is a bit of overlap in looking at how air purifiers and scrubbers filter air. They can both rely on HEPA filters to trap up to 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. But that’s where the similarities end and the differences begin.

The big distinction is air scrubbers suck the air through a pre-filter before the HEPA filter. This catches the bigger stuff so the HEPA filter not only works more efficiently but lasts a lot longer. Some air scrubbers even have a carbon stage for controlling smoke odor in fire restoration jobs.

On the other hand, air purifiers can be hit or miss on filtration efficacy - because they can use very different filters. Like we said earlier, some still use HEPA. Others might just rely on activated carbon for VOCs. Then there are air purifiers with ionizers or UV-C.

It’s not that air purifiers don’t filter as well. Just that they’re optimized for different contaminants than an air scrubber is. We’re talking dust mites and pet dander vs asbestos and silica dust. 

Airflow Capacity

The other major difference between an air scrubber and air purifier comes down to power - or more specifically, CFM ratings. This speaks to how much air the machine can filter.

Professional-grade air scrubbers range quite a bit, from just 550 CFM for a mini air scrubber all the way up to 4,000+ CFM for commercial air scrubbers. In contrast, air purifiers top out around 200-300 CFM.

But why does CFM matter, you ask? Air changes per hour - or ACH for short. This is important in commercial settings where there are compliance standards to meet. IICRC S520 requires at least 4 ACH during mold remediation. Most contractors go with 6 just to be safe.

You’d need at least 1,200 CFM to meet 6 ACH in a 12,000-cubic-foot space. That’s one air scrubber or six+ air purifiers. The purifier doesn’t have the proper ducting to create negative air pressure, either, so it’s not even a viable option in the first place.

Speaking of negative air pressure…

Negative Pressure

Air scrubbers can help contain the air in a space with negative pressure. Air purifiers cannot. That’s perhaps the simplest difference between an air scrubber and an air purifier. 

The way it works is pretty simple. The air scrubber pulls air from within the sealed containment zone, filters it, and then exhausts it outside through ducting. The end result is lower pressure inside the barrier than outside. So, contaminated air cannot escape into clean areas.

This matters because OSHA mandates negative pressure on asbestos abatement projects. IICRC requires it during mold remediation. You have to use an air scrubber for these applications. 

Cost Considerations

It should come as no surprise that there’s a big gap between the air scrubber vs air purifier in terms of price. But you get what you pay for - and this investment pays for itself in peace of mind alone.

Air scrubbers can cost between $500 at the low end to well over $6,000 for massive, sophisticated commercial-grade machines. Most fall somewhere around $1,000-$2,500, though. A consumer-grade air purifier won’t run you more than $500 most of the time.

Think about it this way, though. OSHA citations for silica/asbestos violations can cost you thousands. Failed clearance testing cuts into your timeline and delays projects. A good air scrubber is worth every penny for contractors. 

When to Use Each

The simplest way to distinguish between an air scrubber vs air purifier is by use case. They’re not meant to be used in similar settings. Here’s the long and short of it:

• Use an air scrubber for: Any commercial application. Mold remediation, construction dust, asbestos abatement, flood/fire restoration, etc.
• Use an air purifier for: Keeping the air in your home or office clean. It’s great for managing pollen, pet dander, dust mites, odors, etc. 

The key takeaway is that air purifiers are not to be used when code or compliance is involved. That’s when it’s time to bring an air scrubber into your arsenal. Look no further than US Cleaning Tools.

Choosing the Right Air Scrubber For Your Application

No matter the size or use case, your search for HEPA air filters ends here in our online storefront. We’ve curated a collection featuring the industry’s best brands and models, backed by world-class customer service from A to Z.

Start by figuring out the sizing side of things. Calculate your work zone’s cubic footage and multiply by the ACH you’re targeting (4-6). That number is the CFM you need. You might find that a single unit doesn’t cover it, or it’s impractical to move around one massive unit. It’s normal to have multiple air scrubbers in one containment zone.

From there, you just have to think about voltage and budget. But there’s no need to navigate this decision on your own. Our team here at US Cleaning Tools can deliver a tailored recommendation if you get in touch with us today. 

Wrapping Up Our Air Purifier vs Air Scrubber Comparison

There you have it, everything you need to know about the air scrubber vs air purifier debate. They’re similar in how they work, but they serve very different use cases. One is made for keeping contractors compliant in hazardous job sites. The other keeps your household air fresh.

Hopefully you feel confident in the difference between an air scrubber and air purifier at this point. All that’s left to do now if you’ve decided you need an air scrubber is pick the optimal solution from US Cleaning Tools. Take the next step today!

Frequently asked questions

Is an air scrubber the same as an air purifier?

Not at all. The only similarity is that some air purifiers use a HEPA filter (not all, though). Air scrubbers are commercial-grade equipment for keeping you safe and compliant. Air purifiers make your air cleaner so you can breathe better and smell fewer odors.

When do I need an air scrubber over a purifier?

Any time the work generates airborne hazards that fall under OSHA or IICRC standards. Mold remediation, asbestos abatement, fire/water restoration, construction dust - the list goes on and on.

Can I have an air scrubber in my home? 

Yes - but not if you’re using it for air purification purposes. They’re essential in home restoration projects to contain dust and protect your family if you’re in the other room. Stick with an air purifier for everyday home air quality afterward, though. 

Do air scrubbers create negative air? 

Yes - this is one of the biggest differences between an air scrubber vs air purifier. It’s how air scrubbers help create containment zones so that contaminants cannot escape into clean areas of a home/building. 

How much are air scrubbers for commercial settings? 

Anywhere from $500ish to well over $5,000 depending on the size, brand, and feature set. Most contractors end up paying somewhere between $1,000-$2,500 for a good air scrubber. We have the best deals online backed by free shipping. 

Can I rent an air scrubber for my job site? 

You can, but it’s usually more cost-effective to purchase one outright. The investment pays for itself fast in rental bill savings. Our team can help you run the numbers and determine if it makes sense to invest in your own air scrubber or not. Give us a call today!