Air scrubbers are not cheap; you will likely have to pay a pretty pen to operate one. To get yourself a good air scrubber, you need to pay at least $600, and the cost may go up to as much as $1,200. If you invest this kind of money on an air scrubber, you will want to take good care of it so that it lasts!
Commercial air scrubbers are typically run 24/7 under tough conditions, so it is particularly important that you understand the best routines for maintaining them to ensure their longevity.
How Do You Maintain an Air Scrubber?
These are the things you should keep a watch on if you want to get the best out of your air scrubber:
- Ensure that the fan blades are clean and in good shape.
- Keep a watch on whether the machine is on stable ground and in a dry place at all times.
- Keep the filters in top condition, changing them out regularly.
- Keep a check on the electrical components and ensure no faults or short circuits.
- Ensure the ducting is solid.
Fan Blade Maintenance
It is important to keep a check on your fan blades because a bad fan blade can lead to unnecessary tension on the air scrubber motor and bearings. If one part of the blade gets bent or broken, it can cause the fan to shake, which disturbs the equilibrium of the machine, potentially causing it to lose its effectiveness. If the fan blades are dirty, the machine may not clean the air as quickly, therefore compromising on effectiveness. Here’s what you need to check:
- Make sure that no part of the fan housing is damaged or broken.
- Try to keep the fan blades clean by regularly removing any dirt that accumulates on them.
Related article: 7 Best Home & Commercial Air Scrubbers
Keep the Device in Good Working Condition
Air scrubbers can work in tough environments as their responsibility is to clean. But just because they can handle rough and tough doesn’t mean that a tough operating environment doesn’t add to wear and tear. Many air scrubbers can handle tip-overs and even a slight fall now and then, but in the long run, letting your machine fall or tip over frequently is only going to hurt it. Here’s what you have to do:
- Ensure that there is no water on the floor around the area of the machine’s operation.
- It would be best if you keep the machine in a dry environment at all times so that it is not damaged by moisture – it is electrical equipment after all.
- Inspect the machine regularly, especially if you will use it for a longer assignment. Make sure it is completely dry before use.
- Try to place it on the surface or just above the ground. Do not place it too high above the ground in order to prevent excessive damage if it tips and falls.
Regular Filter Change
You should clean the filters regularly as a dirty air scrubber filter can result in a multitude of problems in the functioning of the machine.
A dirty air filter causes the air scrubber to work slower. It puts undue stress on the motor because it has to work harder to clean the air. The accumulated dirt may even lead to overheating, so you need to make sure that you properly clean the filters every time.
- Manufacturers will let you know how long the filter can work at full efficiency. Please follow the guidelines provided in the instructions.
- Make sure that the filters you are using are compatible with the machine you have.
- Change the filter when the machine shows you the warning sign for “change filter.”
- Inspect and replace the filter whenever required, and especially when you start a longer project.
Check Electrical Components
While checking the electrical components is important for all air filters, it is especially important if your machine is going to operate near water. We suggest the following checks:
- Make sure that the power cord of the scrubber does not have any cuts in them.
- Examine your extension cords for any damage as well.
- Only use grounded electrical outlets.
- Do not keep the air scrubbers standing in water.
- Ensure that the GFCI is functioning correctly after each use.
Proper Ducting
If your ducting is damaged, the air scrubber won’t work effectively. Ensure that your ducting is working effectively at the start and end of every project. If you find damage, make sure that you repair the ducting before operating the machine using duct tape.
- Clean the connections in the duct and make sure that they are seated correctly.
- Make sure that the airflow is clear and proper.
Washing HEPA filters
If your air scrubber uses HEPA filters, it will clean out the air with a higher clean air delivery rate (CADR). However, it is necessary to clean the HEPA filters and check their efficiency over extended use.
It is important to ensure that you unplug your air scrubber from the electrical socket before cleaning the filter. Next, clean the filters with warm water and let them dry. Please only clean them with warm water, as soap or chemicals can harm a HEPA filter.
Related article: Can You Wash a HEPA Filter?
Answers to Some Commonly Asked Questions About Air Scrubbers
Can air scrubbers be used to clear airborne viruses in the air?
Air scrubbers can clean out contaminated air, pollutants, and airborne viruses. You can use it to keep an airborne virus at bay, but it should not be the only measure you take to stay protected.
It would be best to take other measures (i.e. washing hands, maintaining distance, etc.) along with the use of air scrubbers to ensure that you and the people around you are kept safe.
Where should I place the air scrubber in the house to get the best results?
You can place the air scrubber at the entrance of your house or near a window. This will help you get the best results.
Related article: How Long Should an Air Scrubber Run?
Final Thoughts
With the right maintenance and proper working conditions, an air scrubber can easily last up to five years or more. Since air scrubbers are commonly used almost 24/7, you will want to give them breathing time to ensure that they work at maximum efficiency.
We hope the article gave you enough food for thought about what you should keep a check on as far as your precious air scrubber’s maintenance is concerned.
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