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 HEPA Air Scrubbers 101: What They Do & When You Need One

Indoor air quality has become one of the most important topics in residential, commercial, and restoration environments. From wildfire smoke and mold spores to renovation dust and lingering paint fumes, harmful airborne particles can quickly accumulate in enclosed spaces. This is where HEPA air scrubbers play a critical role.

Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with poor indoor air, a contractor on a job site, or a professional in water-damage restoration, air scrubbers provide a powerful, portable solution to clean the air and maintain a healthier, safer environment.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what HEPA air scrubbers do, how they work, and when to use them—with real product examples from industry-trusted AlorAir models: the Cleanshield HEPA 550, PureAiro HEPA Max 770, and PureAiro HEPA Max 970.

What Is a HEPA Air Scrubber?

A HEPA air scrubber is a portable filtration system designed to remove airborne contaminants from indoor environments. As air is drawn into the machine, it passes through several filters—including a true HEPA filter, which captures 99.95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

These pollutants include:

  • Dust and construction debris
  • Mold spores
  • Pet dander
  • Smoke particles
  • Allergens
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Odors and chemicals
  • Bacteria and viral aerosols (with UV-C equipped models)

A high-quality air scrubber not only cleans the air; it also helps maintain safe working conditions on construction sites and accelerates restoration work after flooding or fire damage.

Why HEPA Filtration Matters

HEPA filters are considered the gold standard in industrial and medical environments because they:

  • Capture micro-sized particles invisible to the naked eye
  • Maintain high airflow while filtering
  • Improve overall IAQ (indoor air quality)
  • Reduce health risks in contaminated spaces
  • Support safer jobsites for workers and customers

AlorAir’s HEPA filtration systems pair these benefits with durable construction, energy-efficient motors, and long warranty coverage—making them a preferred choice among restoration contractors.

How HEPA Air Scrubbers Work

Most professional air scrubbers use a three-stage filtration system:

1. Pre-Filter (First Stage)

Captures larger dust and debris, protecting the HEPA filter and extending its lifespan.

2. HEPA Filter (Second Stage)

Traps 99.95% of microscopic particles, including mold spores, smoke, and allergens.

3. Activated Carbon Filter (Third Stage)

Reduces odors, VOCs, chemicals, and harmful fumes—critical in painting, renovation, and restoration settings.

Higher-end models also offer UV-C light sterilization, which destroys the DNA of microorganisms to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold at the molecular level.

When Do You Need a HEPA Air Scrubber?

HEPA air scrubbers become essential in situations where contaminants are created or disturbed. You need one if you’re dealing with:

✔ Mold Remediation

Scrubbers prevent airborne mold spores from spreading during removal.

✔ Water Damage Restoration

Excess moisture from flooding encourages mold growth; scrubbers help maintain clean, safe air during drying.

✔ Construction & Renovation

Sanding, cutting, demolition, and drywall work generate fine particles that can remain suspended for hours.

✔ Painting & Odor Control

Scrubbers filter VOCs and strong paint odors, improving comfort and safety for residents and workers.

✔ Wildfire Smoke

HEPA filtration removes smoke particles and improves indoor breathing quality.

✔ Commercial Buildings

Hotels, gyms, warehouses, labs, schools, and offices use scrubbers to maintain clean, safe air circulation.

✔ Crawl Spaces & Basements

High-moisture environments benefit from cleaner, fresher air, especially in tight spaces.

Top AlorAir HEPA Air Scrubbers to Know

Below are three of the most widely used models from TheDryAir (AlorAir) lineup—each engineered for different project sizes and professional needs.

1. Cleanshield HEPA 550 Air Scrubber

Price: $497.00
Coverage: 800 sq. ft / 5500 cu. ft
Airflow: 270–550 CFM
Weight: 39.6 lbs
Filtration: 3-stage (Pre-filter + HEPA + Activated Carbon)
Ducting: 16″ intake / 8″ outlet
Warranty: 10 years

Why It’s Popular

The Cleanshield HEPA 550 is a favorite across restoration contractors thanks to its perfect balance of power, portability, and cost efficiency. It delivers professional-grade purification at an accessible price, making it ideal for:

  • Mold remediation
  • Residential restoration
  • Crawl space cleaning
  • Painting projects
  • Renovation dust control

At 270–550 CFM, it can rapidly turnover air in mid-size spaces and generate strong negative pressure when needed.

Key Advantages

  • Lightweight and stackable design
  • <65 dBA operation
  • High-efficiency 3-stage HEPA system
  • Long 23 ft power cord
  • Industry-leading 10-year warranty
  • Multiple color options (Yellow, Green, Blue, Red)

2. PureAiro HEPA Max 970

Coverage: 1100 sq. ft / 7500 cu. ft
Airflow: 270–750 CFM
Filtration: Pre-filter + HEPA/Activated Carbon
UV-C sterilization: Yes
Weight: 39.6 lbs
Static Pressure: 2.8 in H2O
Warranty: 10 years

Why It Stands Out

The Max 970 is one of the most advanced scrubbers in the lineup. With UV-C light sterilization, it not only filters particles—it neutralizes bacteria and microorganisms on contact.

The expanded airflow up to 750 CFM allows it to serve larger commercial spaces, making it ideal for:

  • Water damage restoration
  • Commercial drywall & painting projects
  • Fire damage remediation
  • Odor-heavy environments
  • Warehouses & industrial facilities

Key Advantages

  • UV-C sterilization for enhanced safety
  • Transparent lighting plug for easy status checks
  • Quiet <65 dBA sound level
  • Long 23 ft power cord
  • Heavy-duty 10-year warranty

3. PureAiro HEPA Max 770

Coverage: 800 sq. ft
Airflow: 270–550 CFM
Filtration: 3-stage
Weight: 37.4 lbs
Static Pressure: 2.8 in H2O
Warranty: 10 years

Best For Mid-Size Projects

The Max 770 delivers reliable performance and portability, making it a versatile choice for contractors who need a compact but powerful scrubber.

Use cases include:

  • Small to medium job sites
  • Renovation & remodeling
  • Odor removal with activated carbon
  • Particulate-heavy indoor environments

Key Advantages

  • Very lightweight at 37.4 lbs
  • <65 dBA sound level
  • Stable 270–550 CFM airflow
  • Tough housing designed for heavy usage

What Makes AlorAir HEPA Scrubbers Different?

AlorAir, through TheDryAir, has become a trusted leader in air handling equipment used by restoration experts, contractors, and commercial service providers. Their air scrubbers stand out due to:

✓ Multi-Stage Filtration System

High-efficiency 3-stage or 5-stage systems deliver superior purification.

✓ 99.95% High-Efficiency HEPA Filters

Capture nearly all airborne particles—including smoke and mold spores.

✓ UV-C Optional Sterilization

Destroys microorganisms and improves air sanitation.

✓ Rugged Industrial Build

Impact-resistant housing designed for tough job sites.

✓ Certified Safety

EPA certification
CARB compliance

✓ Professional Warranty

Up to 10 years, one of the strongest warranties in the industry.

✓ Fast & Free U.S. Shipping

Reliable delivery for urgent jobsite needs.

✓ Excellent Localized Customer Service

U.S.-based support improves trust and reduces downtime for contractors.

How to Choose the Right HEPA Air Scrubber

 

Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting a machine:

1. Room Size & Coverage

  • 800 sq. ft → Cleanshield HEPA 550 or Max 770
  • 1100 sq. ft → Max 970
  • 2500 sq. ft → Industrial PuriCare S1/S2 series

2. Airflow (CFM) Requirements

Higher CFM = faster air turnover.
For example:

  • 270–550 CFM: General restoration & remodeling
  • 270–750 CFM: Commercial applications
  • 800–2000 CFM: Industrial spaces

3. Filtration Type

Look for:

  • HEPA
  • Activated carbon
  • Optional UV-C

4. Noise Level

All highlighted AlorAir models operate under 65 dBA, which is relatively quiet for professional equipment.

5. Mobility & Weight

Portable, stackable designs matter for contractors who move equipment frequently.

6. Warranty & Support

A 10-year warranty ensures long-term reliability and lower total cost of ownership.

Real-World Scenarios Where Air Scrubbers Make a Difference

Homeowners

  • Smoke smell after cooking or wildfire
  • Pet dander and allergies
  • Musty basements or crawl spaces

Contractors

  • Drywall sanding
  • Renovation dust
  • Painting and VOC odor control

Restoration Professionals

  • Mold remediation
  • Category 1–3 water damage jobs
  • Structural drying projects

Commercial Building Managers

  • Hospitality
  • Retail stores
  • Healthcare clinics
  • Fitness centers
  • Schools & daycare centers

About TheDryAir

TheDryAir is a leading provider of industrial-grade air quality and moisture control equipment designed for restoration contractors, commercial facilities, and residential applications. The company offers a full range of HEPA air scrubbers, commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, and smart Wi-Fi moisture control systems, all engineered for durability, performance, and reliability.

With a commitment to professional service, EPA & CARB-certified products, and one of the strongest warranties in the industry, TheDryAir delivers trusted solutions for cleaner, safer indoor environments across the United States.

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