Air Scrubber Calculator

Air Scrubber CFM Calculator

(e.g., 2-4 for general air quality, 6-8 for light remediation, 10-12+ for heavy remediation)

Calculation Result:

Enter values and click 'Calculate' to see the required CFM.
function calculateAirScrubberCFM() { var roomLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('roomLength').value); var roomWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('roomWidth').value); var roomHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('roomHeight').value); var desiredACH = parseFloat(document.getElementById('desiredACH').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('resultCFM'); if (isNaN(roomLength) || isNaN(roomWidth) || isNaN(roomHeight) || isNaN(desiredACH) || roomLength <= 0 || roomWidth <= 0 || roomHeight <= 0 || desiredACH <= 0) { resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.'; return; } var roomVolume = roomLength * roomWidth * roomHeight; var requiredCFM = (roomVolume * desiredACH) / 60; // Divide by 60 to convert ACH (per hour) to CFM (per minute) resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Based on your inputs:' + 'Room Volume: ' + roomVolume.toFixed(2) + ' cubic feet' + 'Desired Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): ' + desiredACH.toFixed(2) + '' + 'Required Air Scrubber Capacity: ' + requiredCFM.toFixed(2) + ' CFM'; }

Understanding Air Scrubber CFM and ACH

An air scrubber is a portable filtration system that removes airborne particles, gases, and/or chemicals from the air within a given area. They are commonly used in construction, mold remediation, water damage restoration, and other environments where air quality is a concern. To effectively clean the air, it's crucial to select an air scrubber with the appropriate capacity, measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).

What is CFM?

CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures the volume of air an air scrubber can process in one minute. A higher CFM rating means the unit can filter more air in the same amount of time, making it suitable for larger spaces or situations requiring faster air purification.

What is ACH (Air Changes Per Hour)?

ACH, or Air Changes Per Hour, is a critical metric that indicates how many times the entire volume of air in a room is theoretically replaced or filtered by the air scrubber within one hour. For example, if a room has an ACH of 6, it means the air scrubber is capable of filtering the entire air volume of that room six times every hour.

The ideal ACH varies significantly depending on the application:

  • General Air Quality / Dust Control: For basic air purification or light dust control in a workshop, 2-4 ACH might suffice.
  • Light Remediation / Construction Dust: For light remodeling, painting, or general construction dust, 4-6 ACH is often recommended.
  • Moderate Remediation / Water Damage: When dealing with moderate dust, odors, or after water damage, 6-8 ACH provides more effective air scrubbing.
  • Mold Remediation / Heavy Contamination: For active mold remediation, heavy smoke, or significant odor removal, 10-12+ ACH is typically required to ensure rapid and thorough air cleaning. In severe cases, even higher ACH rates might be necessary.

How to Use the Air Scrubber CFM Calculator

Our calculator simplifies the process of determining the required CFM for your specific needs. Here's how to use it:

  1. Enter Room Dimensions: Input the length, width, and height of the room or area you need to scrub in feet. This will calculate the total cubic feet of air in the space.
  2. Enter Desired ACH: Based on the type of work or contamination you're dealing with, choose an appropriate Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) value. Refer to the guidelines above for common scenarios.
  3. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Required CFM" button.

The calculator will then display the total room volume and the minimum CFM capacity your air scrubber(s) should collectively provide to achieve your desired ACH.

Example Scenarios:

Let's look at a few practical examples:

  • Scenario 1: Small Office Dust Control
    • Room: 10 ft (L) x 10 ft (W) x 8 ft (H) = 800 cubic feet
    • Desired ACH: 4 (for general dust)
    • Calculation: (800 * 4) / 60 = 53.33 CFM
    • You would look for an air scrubber with at least 55-60 CFM, or a larger unit running at a lower setting.
  • Scenario 2: Basement Mold Remediation
    • Room: 20 ft (L) x 15 ft (W) x 8 ft (H) = 2400 cubic feet
    • Desired ACH: 10 (for active mold remediation)
    • Calculation: (2400 * 10) / 60 = 400 CFM
    • You would need an air scrubber capable of at least 400 CFM. Many professional air scrubbers offer 500-1000 CFM, so a single unit might suffice, or multiple smaller units.
  • Scenario 3: Large Construction Area
    • Room: 30 ft (L) x 25 ft (W) x 10 ft (H) = 7500 cubic feet
    • Desired ACH: 6 (for moderate construction dust)
    • Calculation: (7500 * 6) / 60 = 750 CFM
    • For this larger space, a single high-capacity air scrubber (e.g., 1000 CFM) or two smaller units (e.g., two 400 CFM units) would be appropriate.

By using this calculator, you can make an informed decision when selecting or deploying air scrubbers, ensuring optimal air quality and safety for your specific project.

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