 Air
Chamber Test vs CADR
4 ways these two test methods compare.
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) was developed
by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) in an
attempt to institute a standard by which to evaluate air
purifiers. However, the CADR testing method is controversial for
several reasons. In which case, Surround Air uses the
straight-forward air chamber test to determine the effectiveness
of its air purifier models.
Below is a point-by-point comparison between
these two testing methods:
Comprehensiveness
CADR was made with conventional air filtration
in mind, since this typifies the type of air purifier
manufactured by those appliance manufacturers belonging to the
AHAM lobbyist group. As a result, it does not take into account
the effect of other proven air purification technologies, such
as air ionization and germicidal UV.
Air chamber testing simply measures the
percentage of various types of pollutants removed from the air,
regardless of the air-cleaning technology used.
Particle Size
CADR tests only particles between the size of
0.9 to 11 microns. However, particles below 0.3 microns are the
most damaging to health. Ultra-fine particles remain airborne
easier due to their super-small size. As a result, they are also
more respirable, meaning they are taken deeper into the
respiratory system when inhaled.
In the air chamber testing used to measure the
effectiveness of Surround Air purifiers, particles of all sizes
are testing, including super-fine smoke particles.
Types of Pollutants
CADR is completely irrelevant for some of the
pollutants people are most interested in removing, such as
micro-organisms, chemicals and odors. The CADR testing method
measures only solid particles.
In addition to ultra-fine particles, Surround
Air also tests for the ability to inhibit mold cultures and to
remove hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is one of the very
worst, and most difficult-to-remove pollutants known to man. An
air purifier's ability to remove H2S
is a good indication of its ability to remove strong
odors and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).
Real World Application
Air chamber testing is straight forward,
measuring the air purifier's ability to remove the pollutants
present in the chamber. CADR is theoretical, factoring air flow,
and absorbability of the filter material.
As a result, CADR favors air purifiers with
the strongest fans, and thickest filtration media. In other
words, it is geared toward more expensive and loud air purifiers
that consume high amounts of power and energy, with expensive
replacement filters.
In reality, air purifier users value low-noise
models that use modest amounts of energy, with low to no
replacement costs. In which case, the trick is to produce an air
purifier that is effective, yet meets the demands of customers
who do not want an overly expensive and disruptive air purifier.
Air chamber testing helps determine if a
quieter, energy efficient air purifier featuring non-filter
technologies is effective, in order to create a capable, yet
user-friendly product to meet the demands of the consumer.
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Surround Air - Mexico