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There are many different types of air cleaners that
consumers can choose from. One of the best ways for a consumer to choose
the correct system for their situation is by checking the Clean Air
Delivery Rates, or CADR, of the system. The CADR can tell a
consumer how efficient and effective the cleaner will be. Basing a
purchase on the CADR is a smart way to make the decision between air
cleaners. The effectiveness of a system can be measured through
the CADR and the most efficient air cleaner can easily be chosen.
The CADR can be found on the back of the box of most air cleaners. There
will be three numbers; each representing the ability the system has
to eliminate three different types of contaminants from the air. The
contaminants that are measured are tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. These
three contaminants were chosen to be used in testing because they are
the most common type of contaminants found in indoor air. The
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, or AHAM is responsible for
the development, measurement and certification of the CADR. AHAM was
developed in 1967 to make comparing products easier for the consumer.
The association uses outside labs to verify the test results that are
concluded for a number of products. The AHAM verifies the test results
for refrigerators, air conditioners, air cleaners and humidifiers. If
there is an AHAM certification on the box of an air cleaner, the
consumer can be sure that the CADR numbers are correct and verified.
The first number value that is posted on a CADR certification is the
square footage that the air cleaner will be able to handle. The AHAM
verifies the square footage that an air cleaner can be specialized for
by using the criteria of 80% smoke reduction. The square footage that is
recommended on each air cleaner assumes that the air cleaner will be in
an enclosed environment. The higher the CADR numbers are, the faster the
air cleaner is able to remove these toxins from the air in the room. The
three CADR numbers that are given on the seal of each air cleaner box
are the rates that can be achieved within the first 72 hours of
operation.
If there is no CADR seal found on a cleaner box, more than likely
it has not been tested by the AHAM. It is harder for the consumer to
choose the most effective air cleaners without a CADR on the box. A
seal makes it easier to find the most efficient air cleaners. With a CADR
sticker on the box, it is assured that the numbers are correct since
they are checked by the AHAM for accuracy. There are many brands of air
cleaners that may do their own testing but may not come up with accurate
numbers of effectiveness. With the AHAM seal of approval, the consumer
can be assured that the rates were measured accurately and correctly.
The cleaner will be able to achieve the numbers that are presented
on the box.
The CADR is defined as the amount of clean air that is delivered into a
room from a system and measured in cubic feet per minute. In
general, AHAM advises consumers to follow the “2/3 Rule” when choosing
an air cleaner. The “2/3 Rule” helps to decipher how high the CADR
number for tobacco smoke should in the consumer’s specific situation.
The “2/3 Rule” advises the consumer to choose air cleaners that are
able to clean the tobacco smoke from the air with a CADR of 2/3 of the
room that is cleaning. For example, if the room the consumer is trying
to clean is 120 square feet, the CADR number for tobacco smoke on the
air cleaner chosen should be at least 80. By following the “2/3 Rule”
and using the CADR number for tobacco smoke, the consumer is assured
that the air cleaner will be effective in removing that contaminant from
the air in a timely manner.
The CADR numbers on air cleaners are a great way for consumers to know
they are getting the correct facts about an air cleaner’s abilities.
