One thing is for certain: air scrubber’s aren’t cheap. If you’re buying among the best air scrubbers, prices start around five or six hundred dollars and can easily cost more than a thousand dollars. For that reason alone, owners need to take care of that investment. Commercial air scrubbers require a regimented maintenance approach due to their heavy work cycle and extreme environment use. We’ve compiled tips below. Of course, always consult with the instructions and warranty for your specific equipment.
Checklist: Air Scrubber Maintenance
Here are our simple maintenance tips to keep your commercial air scrubber running in top condition:
- Examine electrical components
- Change filters regularly
- Maintain ducting integrity
- Check fan blades
- Scrutinize operating environments
1 – Examine electrical components
It is critical that electrical components are in perfect working condition. This is especially true for air scrubbers as they are often used close to water. For that reason, we strongly recommend the following:
- Ensure the GFCI function is functional before and after each use.
- Examine the integrity of each air scrubber power cord.
- Only use extension cords that are in proper operating condition.
- Never place air scrubbers in standing water.
- Always use grounded electrical outlets.
2 – Change air scrubber filters regularly
Excessively dirty air scrubber filters can cause a number of problems. First, a dirty filter causes an air scrubber to work harder than it needs to. Additionally, when filters are clogged, an air scrubber can’t perform at its intended efficiency. Finally, dirty filters cause undue stress on a scrubber motor. This stress can cause the scrubber to overheat.
- Review the manufacturer’s guidelines for filter life.
- Know the lifespan of the various types of filters in use.
- Examine and consider replacing filters at the end of each job.
- Change filters whenever a unit’s ‘change filter’ warning light is on.
- Only use filters approved for your air scrubber.
3 – Maintain ducting integrity
Damaged ducting connected to an air scrubber hampers its operation. We recommend examining the condition of all ducting at the start and end of each job.
- Repair any holes or cuts in ducting using duct tape.
- Work out any kinks to ensure proper airflow.
- Clean duct connections and be sure they seat correctly.
4 – Check fan blades
Fan blades can cause unnecessary stress on an air scrubber motor and bearings. Just one bent or broken fan blade can cause a fan to wobble, stressing critical parts. Even debris stuck to a fan blade can cause unbalanced operation.
- Inspect and clean fan blades regularly.
- Remove any debris found on the fan blades.
- Similarly, the fan housing should also checked.
5 – Scrutinize operating environments
Professional-grade air scrubbers are meant to work in harsh environments. That doesn’t mean they’re meant to be abused. Most scrubbers can handle being knocked over, and even falling from a few feet above the ground. That doesn’t mean it’s a good idea, though.
- Always set air scrubbers on flat surfaces on, or close to the ground.
- Never leave an air scrubber where it will easily tip over.
- Avoid placing air scrubbers in standing water.
- Dry and inspect each air scrubber before long-term storage.
Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy a long duty cycle from any air scrubber. Again, always check the warranty and manufacturer recommendations for the specific air scrubbers you use.