Air pollution is one of the top concerns of health-conscious homeowners. The EPA reports that indoor levels of pollutants are up to five times higher than outdoor ones, and poor indoor air quality can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat; headaches; dizziness; fatigue; and respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

Enhancing indoor air quality – Scrubber vs. Purifier  paint fumes, building materials and smoke from fireplaces or smoking create harmful irritants. Additionally, consumer products like cleaning sprays or aerosol products can release toxins into the air, and outdoor air contaminated by wildfire or viral particles can make its way inside.

Fortunately, homeowners can improve their indoor air quality. Homeowners can make simple lifestyle changes to reduce airborne pollutants, such as keeping windows open and using a central vacuum system instead of a broom and mop. They can also add ventilation when using cleaners or other household chemicals.

Clearing the Air: Scrubber vs. Purifier – Which is Better for Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

Finally, and most importantly, they can install an air scrubber or an air purifier. The two machines work similarly to improve indoor air quality, but they have some key differences that determine which is the best option for homeowners.

An air scrubber, or negative ion generator, uses small metal tubes to generate negative ions that circulate throughout the house and neutralize harmful pollutants. These systems are great for large spaces and often installed in commercial settings like schools, hospitals, and group residential or care facilities. They also work 24/7, unlike a furnace filter that only runs for an hour or so.