Key Takeaways
- These whole-house air purification systems “scrub” the air free of allergens, odors, smoke, and airborne viruses and bacteria.
- Air scrubbers are particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, or compromised immune systems.
- Air scrubbers are integrated within central AC ductwork and last between five and 10 years.
Exposure to airborne contaminants, such as smoke, mold, and allergens, can lead to health issues, particularly for individuals with allergies, asthma, or respiratory challenges. While air purifiers can help, an air scrubber is a massive upgrade because it goes beyond basic filtration. Air scrubbers are installed within your central HVAC system and act as a whole-house air purifier, using a combination of technologies such as UV light, solutions, and filters to reduce contaminants, germs, and odors in the home.
While an air scrubber comes with a high upfront cost (typically between $800 and $2,000), these systems can last up to 10 years and require minimal maintenance.
Below, we’ll cover how air scrubbers work, their pros and cons, and how they compare to air purifiers.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
How Does an Air Scrubber Work?
Air scrubbers are whole-home air purification systems installed directly into your HVAC system’s air ducts. As air circulates through the home, the air scrubbers “scrub” the air clean with a system of technologies, such as UV light, solutions, and sometimes, filters.
Air scrubbers are also known as whole-house air purification systems or duct-mounted air purifiers.
One benefit of air scrubbers is that they can improve your HVAC system’s longevity and performance by decreasing dirt and debris buildup that would otherwise linger in your unit.
Technologies Used
Air scrubbers rely on several technologies to reduce air pollutants and contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses. Whole-house air scrubbers use UV light to neutralize bacteria, mold spores, smoke, allergens, and viruses. The germicidal UV light is centered within titanium rods. When air passes through the air scrubbers, the titanium rods and UV light kill contaminants.
Other technologies include additional filters and water-based solutions. Activated carbon or HEPA filtration is available with some models — this traps smoke, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants. Fire-prone areas benefit greatly from “wet” air scrubbers, which use water-based solutions and damp pads to trap and filter contaminants.
Some air scrubber models release low levels of charged particles or oxidizers to decrease contaminants on surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops.
Air Scrubber Vs. Air Purifier
Many people use the terms “air scrubber” and “air purifier” interchangeably, but the two technologies do differ.
- Air Purifiers: Air purifiers are usually standalone units that work best in a single room. Air purifiers improve air quality through trapping debris in filters, but they don’t address larger issues, such as airborne diseases.
- Air Scrubbers: These whole-home systems are integrated into your HVAC system to target germs on surfaces and airborne pathogens. An air scrubber is a more sophisticated, comprehensive air purifying system that scrubs airborne pollutants from the outdoors with technology such as UV light or ionization.
Here’s a quick overview of what each technology can and can’t do.
| Feature | Air Scrubber | Air Purifier |
|---|---|---|
| Removes airborne particles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kills germs on surfaces | ✓ | X |
| Whole-house purification | ✓ | X |
| Addresses odors | ✓ | Sometimes |
| Improves air quality | ✓ | ✓ |
Benefits of an Air Scrubber
Poor air quality impacts many factors of our lives, including our health and our HVAC system’s lifespan. Here are a few of the biggest benefits of air scrubbers:
- Reduces allergens: Air scrubbers reduce pollen, dust, pet dander, ragweed, and mold spores (though many won’t fully trap them — it’s more about sanitizing the air.)
- Neutralizes odors: Air scrubbers eliminate lingering odors, such as those from smoke, cooking, or pets.
- Kills bacteria and viruses: Air scrubbers help reduce airborne diseases, such as E. coli.
- Improves HVAC efficiency: A cleaner system means better airflow and less debris accumulation in your HVAC.
- Enhances surface cleanliness: Air scrubbers can reduce germs on countertops and furniture, promoting a healthier household.
Air Scrubber Drawbacks To Consider
Every technology has its downsides, and air scrubbers are no exception. Consider the following drawbacks when evaluating whether an air scrubber is the best choice for your home.
“Most homeowners want to reduce the amount of dust on furniture, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens when they consider air scrubber installation, but air scrubbers are more about sanitizing, not cleaning,” said Kevin Goude, owner of First-Choice Heating & Air in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “An air scrubber is not a stronger full-house alternative to an air purifier and doesn’t actually trap dust, dander, or pollen. This is because most air scrubbers installed in home HVAC systems usually don’t have filters inside them and use UV light, ionization, or catalytic reactions instead to reduce bacteria, VOCs, and odors in the air.
Goude added that professional installation is necessary. “Air scrubber installation is not a weekend project. You need to hire a professional for this — and if you don’t have a central HVAC system with ductwork, the installation is simply impossible.”
Here are the main drawbacks of an air scrubber:
- Installation cost: Air scrubber installation can cost up to $2,000, so be sure to factor this into your budget when deciding whether to install one.
- Not a substitute for ventilation: Air scrubbers remove outdoor pollutants from the air, sanitizing the air and improving overall air quality. However, they won’t bring in fresh air or replace the need for cleaning root issues, such as mold.
- Concerns around ionizers and ozone: Certain air scrubber models produce ionizers and ozone, a lung irritant and a health concern for some homeowners. As a result, some homeowners prefer mechanical-only purification due to their sensitivities or ozone concerns.
- Requires professional installation: Installing an air scrubber is not a DIY project unless you have extensive HVAC experience. Any project involving your HVAC system should be left to the professionals, as you’re dealing with sharp components, electrical wiring, and expensive parts that can void your warranty if you attempt to DIY the project.
Who Should Consider an Air Scrubber?
Individuals living in areas with bad air quality or those with compromised systems are some of the best candidates for air scrubbers, along with:
- Households with allergy or asthma sufferers
- Individuals with respiratory diseases or suppressed immune systems
- Homes with pets or smokers
- High-humidity or mold-prone environments
- People working from home who want a cleaner indoor environment
Air Scrubber Costs
The cost of an air scrubber varies, but the experts we spoke to said that air scrubbers typically cost between $800 and $1,500. However, some can cost as much as $2,000, depending on where your HVAC system is located.
“Depending on the model and the HVAC system in the house, I’ve found that the majority of air scrubber systems, including installation, cost between $800 and $2,000,” said Felicia Wilkes, a comfort specialist at A-One Refrigeration & Heating in Pasco, Washington. “Although it’s a one-time expense that improves air quality, it’s undoubtedly something to budget for.”
Some HVAC companies bundle air scrubbers with full HVAC system replacements or offer them as add-ons during annual service. Ask an HVAC pro whether an air scrubber would help you achieve your indoor air quality goals and if they offer bundling discounts.
Next Steps
Air scrubbers are a powerful indoor air quality upgrade, especially for allergy-prone or immunocompromised households — or homeowners concerned about smoke or outdoor pollutants. If you have a central HVAC system and want to learn more about air scrubbers, speak with a local HVAC professional to discuss indoor air quality options.
We recommend collecting at least three quotes and opinions from several companies so you can compare their different pitches, solutions, and pricing. Don’t forget to ask about warranties and get everything in writing before signing with any company.
If you’re upgrading or updating your HVAC system, don’t forget to look into HVAC tax credits for savings when taxes come around next year.
FAQs About Air Scrubbers
Can an air scrubber help with pet allergies?
Yes, an air scrubber can help with pet allergies. Air scrubbers filter and purify the air with UV technology, sterilizing the air and reducing the amount of pet odors and dander in the air.
Are air scrubbers safe for children and pets?
Air scrubbers are generally safe for children and pets, although we recommend speaking with a veterinarian first, as some pets, such as birds, are known to be sensitive to ozone.
Humans, especially children, are also sensitive to ozone, so you may want to steer clear of ozone-emitting air scrubbers. However, the benefits of cleaner air, fewer germs, and reduced odors benefit both kids and pets.
How long does an air scrubber last?
Air scrubbers typically last between five and 10 years, depending on the model and whether regular maintenance is performed by an HVAC technician.
Do air scrubbers produce ozone?
Some air scrubbers produce ozone, which is a lung irritant. Air scrubbers with electrostatic precipitators, UV lights without adequate lamp coatings, ionizers, and plasma air cleaners may emit ozone. However, you can shop for air scrubbers that don’t emit ozone.
