Whole-Home Air Scrubbers for Portland
Advanced ActivePure® air scrubbers remove wildfire smoke particles, VOCs, and odors from your home's air. Continuous purification for Portland's challenging air quality conditions.
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 Air Scrubbers Remove
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
Best Applications for Air Scrubbers
Wildfire Smoke Events
Portland's August-September wildfire season brings hazardous air quality. Air scrubbers provide continuous smoke particle removal when outdoor AQI exceeds 150.
Portland residents experienced AQI over 500 during the 2020 wildfires - air scrubbers kept indoor air safe.
Pet Owners
Multiple pets create challenging odor and dander issues. Air scrubbers eliminate pet odors while removing airborne allergens that affect family members.
Portland has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the U.S. - air scrubbers are a game-changer.
New Construction
New homes off-gas VOCs for 6-12 months. Air scrubbers continuously remove chemical fumes, creating healthier indoor air during the off-gassing period.
Essential for Portland's active new construction market and renovated homes.
Chemically Sensitive Individuals
People with chemical sensitivities or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) benefit from continuous VOC and odor removal. Air scrubbers provide cleaner air for daily living.
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 microscopic wildfire smoke particles that standard filters miss. They work continuously with your HVAC system to maintain indoor air quality.
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 air purifiers that only clean one room, whole-home air scrubbers integrate with your HVAC system for comprehensive coverage. They operate whenever your system runs.
Noticeable improvement in 24-48 hours during smoke events.
Combines with MERV 15-16 Filters
For maximum wildfire protection, combine air scrubbers with high-efficiency HEPA filtration. The filter captures particles while the scrubber eliminates odors and VOCs.
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
Install the air scrubber unit in your HVAC system's supply or return air plenum for optimal air circulation and purification coverage.
Wire to HVAC System
Connect power supply to the HVAC system so the air scrubber operates whenever the blower runs. Includes proper electrical connections and safety features.
Test Operation & Airflow
Verify proper operation, check airflow, and ensure the system integrates seamlessly with your existing HVAC setup. Calibrate for optimal 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, combine technologies: HEPA filtration + UV purification + air scrubber provides comprehensive protection against particles, microbes, odors, and VOCs.
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.