Air Scrubber
A portable HEPA-filtered air cleaning device used during restoration and remediation to remove airborne contaminants including mold spores, dust, and particulate matter from the work environment. Can also be configured for negative air operation.
What Is an Air Scrubber
An air scrubber is a portable air filtration device equipped with HEPA filters that removes mold spores, dust, smoke particles, and other airborne contaminants from the work environment during restoration and remediation, and it serves double duty as a negative air machine when configured to exhaust filtered air outside the containment zone. Air scrubbers are standard equipment on mold remediation, fire restoration, and any project that generates airborne particulate hazards.
How Air Scrubbers Work
Air enters the scrubber through a pre-filter that captures large particles. It then passes through the HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. Some units include an activated carbon filter for odor and volatile organic compound removal. In recirculation mode, the filtered air returns to the room. In negative air mode, the outlet is ducted through the containment barrier to the exterior, pulling contaminated air through the HEPA filter and exhausting clean air outside.
Air Scrubbers in Insurance Estimates
Air scrubber operation is billed as a daily equipment charge in Xactimate, separate from the labor to set up and maintain the unit. The estimate should include the number of units, the daily rate, and the total run days including post-remediation operation. On mold remediation projects, air scrubber operation is standard and expected. Adjusters may challenge the number of units or the run time. IICRC S520 guidelines specify air filtration requirements by containment size, which provides the documentation basis for the equipment scope.
Frequently asked questions
An air scrubber draws contaminated air through a series of filters, including a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. It can operate in recirculation mode (cleaning and returning air to the same space) or in negative air mode (exhausting filtered air outside the containment to maintain negative pressure).
Air scrubbers should run continuously throughout the remediation work and for a minimum period after work is complete, typically 24 to 48 hours. The post-work run time allows the HEPA filters to capture residual airborne particles stirred up during the final cleanup. Air sampling after the scrubbers have run confirms the air quality meets clearance standards.
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