Whole-Home Air Scrubbers for Portland
ActivePure® air scrubbers go after wildfire smoke, VOCs, and odors on surfaces and in the air — not just what passes through a filter. Continuous purification built for Portland's tough air quality.
How Whole-Home Air Scrubbers Work
ActivePure® Technology
- •Creates hydrogen peroxide molecules
- •Photocatalytic oxidation process
- •Scrubs particles, VOCs, odors from air
- •Cleans surfaces (unique benefit)
- •Integrated with HVAC ductwork
Continuous Operation
- •Works 24/7 with your HVAC system
- •No filters to replace
- •Low power consumption
- •Silent operation
- •No harmful byproducts
What an Air Scrubber Eliminates
Wildfire Smoke Particles
PM2.5, PM10 microscopic particles from regional wildfires
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds from paint, furniture, cleaning products
Pet Odors
Dander, urine, and other pet-related odors
Cooking Smells
Fish, garlic, and other persistent food odors
Mold Spores
Airborne mold spores and mildew
Chemical Fumes
Off-gassing from new construction and renovations
Where Air Scrubbers Make the Biggest Difference
Wildfire Smoke Events
Portland's August–September wildfire season regularly pushes outdoor AQI past 150. Air scrubbers continuously break down smoke particles indoors while your HVAC circulates.
Portland residents experienced AQI over 500 during the 2020 wildfires - air scrubbers kept indoor air safe.
Pet Owners
Multiple pets mean dander and odors that standard filters can't keep up with. Air scrubbers break down pet odors at the molecular level while pulling airborne allergens out of your air.
Portland has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the U.S. - air scrubbers are a game-changer.
New Construction
New construction off-gasses VOCs for 6–12 months. An air scrubber continuously neutralizes those chemical fumes so you're not breathing them while the materials cure.
Essential for Portland's active new construction market and renovated homes.
Chemically Sensitive Individuals
For anyone with chemical sensitivities or MCS, continuous VOC and odor removal makes a huge difference in daily comfort. Air scrubbers work around the clock to keep chemical levels down.
Air scrubbers offer peace of mind for families with health-sensitive members.
Portland Wildfire Smoke Solution
Reduces PM2.5 During Smoke Events
Air scrubbers capture and neutralize microscopic wildfire smoke particles that standard filters can't touch. They work continuously alongside your HVAC system — not just when air passes through a filter.
During smoke events, indoor air can be as polluted as outdoor air without proper filtration. Air scrubbers change that equation.
Works Continuously with HVAC
Unlike portable purifiers that only handle one room, whole-home air scrubbers integrate with your ductwork for whole-house coverage. They operate whenever the blower runs.
Noticeable improvement in 24-48 hours during smoke events.
Combines with MERV 15-16 Filters
For maximum wildfire protection, pair an air scrubber with MERV 15–16 filtration. The filter traps particles while the scrubber breaks down odors and VOCs. Together, they keep indoor AQI low even during the worst smoke events.
Keeps indoor AQI low even when outdoor air quality exceeds 150 (hazardous level).
Air Scrubber Installation (2-3 Hours)
Mount in Supply or Return Plenum
We mount the air scrubber unit in your HVAC supply or return air plenum — positioned for maximum air circulation and full-house purification coverage.
Wire to HVAC System
Wire it into the HVAC system so the scrubber activates whenever the blower runs. All connections are properly rated with safety features built in.
Test Operation & Airflow
We verify the unit is running correctly, check airflow, and confirm everything integrates cleanly with your existing system. Then we calibrate for best performance.
Air Scrubber Maintenance
Cell Replacement
- •Replace every 2-3 years
- •Cost: $200-$300 per cell
- •We track replacement schedule
- •Minimal maintenance otherwise
Annual System Check
- •Power supply verification
- •Cell condition inspection
- •Airflow and performance testing
- •Cleaning of external surfaces
Air Scrubber Cost
Air Scrubber System
$1,200-$2,000
Installed
- • Professional installation
- • System integration with HVAC
- • First cell included
- • Performance testing
Replacement Cell
$200-$300
Every 2-3 years
- • Factory replacement cell
- • Professional installation
- • Performance restoration
- • System recalibration
ROI Benefits
Wildfire season peace of mind + reduced odors
Payback through improved air quality and health benefits
Air Scrubber vs Other Technologies
vs HEPA Filters
Air scrubbers work on surfaces too, while HEPA only filters airborne particles. Scrubbers eliminate odors and VOCs that HEPA filters can't touch.
Best together: HEPA captures particles, air scrubber eliminates odors.
vs UV Lights
UV lights kill microorganisms but don't address VOCs or odors. Air scrubbers neutralize chemical compounds and eliminate smells.
UV targets microbes, air scrubbers target chemicals and odors.
vs Ionizers
Ionizers can produce ozone (a lung irritant) and don't remove odors. Air scrubbers are ozone-free and actually eliminate smells from surfaces.
Air scrubbers are safer and more effective than ionizers.
Recommended Combination for Maximum Protection
For the best air quality results, layer your technologies: HEPA filtration + UV purification + air scrubber covers particles, microbes, odors, and VOCs from every angle.
This combination gives you hospital-grade air quality at home.
Air Scrubber FAQs
Do air scrubbers really help with wildfire smoke?
Yes! Air scrubbers are specifically designed to remove wildfire smoke particles (PM2.5, PM10) and neutralize smoke odors. They work continuously with your HVAC system, providing noticeable air quality improvement within 24-48 hours during smoke events. In Portland's wildfire-prone region, they're an essential part of any smoke protection strategy.
Are air scrubbers safe? Do they produce ozone?
Yes, air scrubbers are completely safe and ozone-free. Unlike some air purifiers that produce ozone as a byproduct, air scrubbers use photocatalytic oxidation to create harmless hydrogen peroxide molecules. They're safe for children, pets, and people with respiratory conditions. The technology is used in hospitals and cleanrooms worldwide.
How long until I notice air quality improvement?
Most customers notice improved air quality within 24-48 hours of installation. Odor reduction is usually immediate, while particle reduction becomes noticeable as the system circulates air throughout your home. During wildfire smoke events, the improvement is often dramatic and immediate.
What's the difference between an air scrubber and a filter?
Filters capture particles but don't address odors, VOCs, or surface contaminants. Air scrubbers go beyond filtration - they neutralize chemical compounds, eliminate odors from surfaces and fabrics, and provide continuous purification. Think of filters as a net that catches particles, while air scrubbers actively clean and sanitize the air.
Can air scrubbers eliminate pet odors?
Absolutely! Air scrubbers excel at eliminating pet odors because they don't just mask smells - they neutralize the odor-causing compounds at a molecular level. They work on surfaces too, so odors embedded in carpets, furniture, and fabrics are continuously broken down. Multiple-pet households see dramatic improvements.
Are air scrubbers worth the investment for Portland homes?
For Portland residents concerned about wildfire smoke, indoor air quality, or persistent odors, air scrubbers are an excellent investment. They provide continuous protection, require minimal maintenance, and pay for themselves through improved health, comfort, and peace of mind. The investment is especially worthwhile given Portland's challenging air quality and wildfire risks.