The Air Scrubber by Aerus is one of the most technologically advanced air purification systems on the market right now. It is designed to remove contaminants from your home and improve the air quality. But is it worth the investment? Read on to learn all you need to know about the Air Scrubber
What is the Air Scrubber by Aerus?
The Air Scrubber by Aerus is an air purification system that fits onto your existing HVAC system. It cleans the air before it is circulated around your home, reducing the levels of bacteria and viruses in the air. You can easily fit it yourself or a HVAC technician can fit it for you. Using the Air Scrubber will drastically improve the overall air quality in your home and get rid of microbes. After just 2 hours of operation, you can see an 80% reduction in microbes on the surface of your home.
The Air Scrubber is not simply a filter that sucks in air and then traps the bacteria and viruses, it is more advanced than that. The device releases negatively and positively charged particles into the air and these attract and bond to the positively and negatively charged contaminants in the air. They react and the contaminants are completely destroyed.
Many similar products only use negatively charged ions, so the Air Scrubber is better at purifying the air. This technology also allows it to clean contaminants that are sitting on surfaces as well as the ones floating around in the air.
Using the Aerus Air Scrubber in your home could prevent you from getting sick and help you manage bacteria without using a lot of strong cleaning products, which can cause air quality problems too. It is also excellent for people with allergies because it takes a lot of allergens out of the air.
Air Scrubber by Aerus Specs:
- Dimensions – 8.5″ high x 8.5″ wide x 11″ deep
- Weight – 3 lbs
- Operating Temperature – 34°F – 200°F
- Input Voltage – 24 Volts; 1 Amp; 50/60 Hz
- Current – 17 Watts
- Recommended Maximum Coverage Area – Up to 2,000 square feet (do not exceed 500 square feet in high density commercial settings).
- Warranty – 5 years
Does the Air Scrubber Have a Filter?
No, a lot of traditional air purification systems use a filter but the air scrubber works differently. Instead of filtering out contaminants, it eliminates them with positively and negatively charged ions. However, it does contain a UV lamp around the coil to kill bacteria as it moves through the system. This improves the air purifying capability of the Air Scrubber and also stops mold from building up inside your HVAC system.
How Often Does the Air Scrubber UV Lamp Need to be Replaced?
UV lights lose their effectiveness if not changed often enough. This means that your Air Scrubber is not working at full capacity and mold can build up inside. Some people assume that you can just leave it until the bulb burns out like you would any other bulb, but that isn’t the case. If you want the Air Scrubber to work to its full potential, change the bulb around once a year as this is how long it takes for them to lose their germ killing effectiveness.
How Do You Install the Air Scrubber by Aerus?
The Air Scrubber is an integrated air purification unit that is installed in your existing HVAC unit. To do this, you will insert the Air Scrubber into the metal ducting, so it can release disinfecting particles into the air that is being circulated by the HVAC system.
You will need the following tools:
- 5 inch hole saw for metal
- Drill
- Phillips screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Dust mask
The Air Scrubber needs to be installed after the air handler and you must ensure all ducting is clean before you start. You need to cut a 3.5 inch opening into the metal ducting to install the Air Scrubber. Start by cutting away the insulation around the ducting with the utility and then use the mounting plate to mark the circular opening. Cut the opening with your 3.5 inch hole saw and drill. Make sure to wear your dust mask while doing this so you don’t breathe in metal particles.
Now, remove the adhesive backing from the mounting plate and stick it onto the outside of the ducting, making sure that the openings line up. Secure the mounting plate with the screws provided. Place the Air Scrubber unit into the opening and then secure it to the mounting plate with the screws and you are done.
Pros and Cons of the Air Scrubber by Aerus:
Pros
Strong Cleaning Power
The Air Scrubber by Aerus does exactly what you want it to do, it cleans the air incredibly well. The patented ActivePure technology is very effective at killing bacteria and other contaminants, especially when compared with a traditional filter. It gets to work immediately and after 24 hours, almost 100% of the microbes on surfaces and in the air will be destroyed. It also removes odors from the air too, so it will keep your home nice and fresh.
Easy installation
You can get a HVAC specialist to install your Air Scrubber if you don’t want to do it yourself. However, it’s a relatively simple job that doesn’t require that many tools. At most, you may have to invest in a circular cutting tool. As long as you take your time to mark the openings properly, you can’t go far wrong.
Easy to use
The manual that comes with the Air Scrubber has clear instructions about installation and operation, so it’s very easy to use. Once it’s installed, you just need to operate your HVAC unit as normal. Changing the UV bulb is simple too, you just need to unscrew the unit and remove it, swap the bulb, and screw it back in.
Cons
Cost
One of the only downsides of the Air Scrubber is the cost. Compared with a simple filter system, it will be more expensive. However, you get what you pay for. In my opinion, the slightly higher price is worth it because it is so effective.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay to Have it Installed?
It can cost anywhere from $1000 to $2000 to have an Air Scrubber installed by a professional HVAC technician. This seems quite expensive but an Air Scrubber will reduce maintenance issues with your HVAC system so it can save you money in the long-term. That said, you can save even more if you are confident installing it yourself.
How Long Can You Expect an Air Scrubber by Aerus to Last?
The Aerus Air Scrubber is well-built and designed with longevity in mind. On average, it will last 10-20 years before it needs to be replaced. Looking after it properly and changing the UV bulbs regularly will help you increase the lifespan.
Does the Air Scrubber Really Reduce Bacteria and Viruses?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the Air Scrubber is designed for use in spaces like office buildings where it reduces illness by removing bacteria and viruses in the air. It has been tested for effectiveness against 13 different airborne contaminants. Studies into flu cases in workplaces where the Air Scrubber is used show 80% reduction in absences.
Do You Need to Worry About Ozone?
Some air purifying units use ozone to help them clean the air, and this can be potentially harmful. Breathing in ozone in high levels can cause a range of respiratory issues and irritation to the eyes. It is particularly dangerous for people with asthma. So, is this something you need to worry about with the Air Scrubber?
The short answer is, no, you will be fine. The EPA guidelines on ozone specify that anything under 0.5 parts per million (ppm) is safe. The Air Scrubber only puts out 0.05ppm, so it’s far below the safe limit and you don’t need to worry about it.
How is Customer Support with Aerus?
The customer support from Aerus is excellent and they offer a great 5 year warranty on their Air Scrubbers. If anything goes wrong, you can get a quick replacement. They are reachable by the phone and via email to answer any questions that you have about how the Air Scrubber works and how to install it.
Final Thoughts
If you are concerned about air quality in your home and you want to protect your HVAC system from mold buildup, the Air Scrubber by Aerus is excellent. Although it may be slightly more expensive than other filter systems, the purification technology is far more advanced and it can clean surfaces as well as purifying the air. It’s simple to install and once it’s in, it will start cleaning your home immediately.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.