Essential Tips for Renting an Air Scrubber for Industrial Use

Air scrubbers, also known as air purifiers or air filtration systems, are becoming increasingly popular for industrial applications. Whether you need to remove dust, chemicals, odors, or other contaminants from a factory, warehouse, construction site, or other commercial space, renting an industrial-grade air scrubber can improve indoor air quality.

However, not all air scrubbers are created equal. Renting the wrong unit or using it improperly can lead to wasted money and unsatisfactory results. Follow these essential tips to ensure you select, set up, and operate your rental air scrubber correctly for your specific industrial needs.

Choosing the Right Type of Air Scrubber

Industrial air scrubbers come in a variety of types, each designed to target different kinds of airborne contaminants. Before renting a unit, determine what specifically needs to be filtered from your space.

HEPA Air Scrubbers

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air scrubbers excel at trapping extremely small particles like dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and bacteria. The HEPA filter captures particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, removing 99.97% of particles that pass through.

HEPA rental scrubbers work well for industrial sites like manufacturing facilities that produce fine particulate matter that staff can inhale. They also help eliminate airborne mold issues in damp warehouses or flooded buildings.

Activated Carbon Air Scrubbers

Activated carbon rental scrubbers use activated charcoal filters to absorb gases, odors, and chemicals rather than physically trapping particles. They are excellent at reducing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and odors from paint fumes, vehicle exhaust, chemicals, smoke, and more.

Ideal for auto body and paint shops, chemical processing plants, waste processing sites, and anywhere strong chemical odors may emanate. The activated carbon filter absorbs the gaseous contaminants rather than blowing them around the space.

Ionizing Air Scrubbers

Ionizing air scrubbers work differently than the previous two types. Instead of physically trapping or absorbing contaminants, they use electrostatic filtration.

The unit charges particles passing through, causing them to stick to conductive plates inside the scrubber. This makes them effective for industrial dust, smoke, pollen, and other particles.

Ionizing scrubbers often have a lower capacity than HEPA units but can filter particles smaller than 0.3 microns. They are a good supplement to HEPA filtration in really dusty industrial environments.

Ozone Air Scrubbers

Ozone air purifiers do not technically filter the air - instead, they produce ozone gas, a natural sanitizer that neutralizes odors, mold, bacteria, and other contaminants. The ozone breaks down pollutants at the molecular level.

While effective, high ozone levels can cause lung irritation with prolonged exposure. Ozone scrubbers require strict ventilation protocols and time limits per OSHA laws. Still, they provide a chemical-free sanitizing option for mold remediation, fire restoration, and severe odor problems where ventilation is adequate.

Size Requirements

Once you know the type of filtration needed, determine the required size of the rental unit. Air scrubbers are rated by CFM (cubic feet per minute), which indicates the scrubber's flow rate.

Calculate the Total Square Footage

First, calculate the full area that requires air scrubbing. Measure the length and width of each room, then add them together for the total square footage.

Determine Required Air Changes Per Hour

The next step is calculating the number of recommended air changes per hour based on how contaminated the space is:

• General air cleaning = 1-2 air changes per hour

• Light industrial work = 2-3 air changes per hour

• Heavy-duty industrial = 4-6+ air changes per hour

Take the square footage and divide by the target air changes per hour to get the minimum required CFM.

Example:

Total square footage: 5,000 sq ft

Target air changes per hour: 4

5,000 sq ft / 4 air changes per hour = 1,250 CFM

In this scenario, you need an industrial air scrubber with at least a 1,250 CFM rating. Also, factor in obstacles like wall partitions that inhibit air circulation throughout the space.

Rental Duration

Consider how long you will need the rental air scrubber. Short-term rentals generally run from one day up to one month. Long-term rentals may span several months for situations like:

• Ongoing warehouse dust filtration

• Temporary odor control during facility renovations

• Mold remediation or fire/flood restoration projects

• Major demolition or construction dust mitigation

Some rental companies offer discounts for longer rentals, while others charge by the day or week only. Clarify any minimum rental duration requirements before booking.

Temporary vs. Long-Term Use Considerations

For short-term rental situations like construction dust control, a basic HEPA filter model will suffice in most cases.

But for semi-permanent installations where the unit will run 24/7 for months, consider upgrading to a heavier-duty model with the following:

• All metal housing

• Hour meter

• Higher MERV rating

• Self-cleaning filters

• Ducting ports

Upgrading to commercial-grade models with replaceable filters and long-term durability makes more sense for long-term rentals.

Sound Levels

Air scrubbers require powerful motors and fans to push air through the filters at a high enough velocity for proper particle capture. This makes them fairly noisy.

Sound levels for portable air scrubber rentals typically range from about 55-85 decibels on average. Measure the space's current background noise levels and look for units rated for 5-10 dBA above that level.

If possible, get a sound level meter and take trial measurements when the unit is installed to ensure the noise will not exceed OSHA safety levels or disturb workers. If the unit is too loud, consider adding sound baffles.

Setup and Placement

Properly setting up the rental air scrubber takes some planning. Review these key setup factors:

Access Requirements

Assess doors, stairs, and elevators to ensure the rental unit can be transported into the space. Larger industrial scrubbers often weigh 200+ pounds. Make sure lifts or loading docks are available if needed.

Ducting vs. Standalone

Smaller standalone units can be placed in the center of the space. For larger areas, it is often better to duct the exhaust to maximize filtration. Consult the manufacturer or rental company for recommended setup.

Airflow Obstructions

Avoid corners, behind partitions, underneath structures, or other areas where objects can obstruct intake and outtake airflow. Position the unit with adequate clearance around it.

Exhaust Venting

While recirculating scrubbers filter and return air into the same space, exhaust models vent contaminated air outside. This requires venting through a window or placing outdoors and ducting in. Ensure you can configure proper exhaust venting before the rental.

Maintenance Access

Leave room around the unit for changing filters, cleaning intake grids, and other required maintenance. Follow minimum access clearances specified by the manufacturer.

Stable Surface

Set the air scrubber on a flat, even floor strong enough to support its weight. Avoid wobbly tables or surfaces, and keep the unit level.

Operating Tips

Follow these guidelines for safe, effective operation during your rental:

• Run the scrubber 24/7 for optimal air-cleaning results.

• Check and replace filters per the manufacturer's instructions.

• Clean intake and outlet grilles regularly to prevent buildup.

• Keep the area around the unit clean and free of obstructions.

• Ensure cords are secured and avoid tripping hazards.

• Turn off and wheel the unit to a secure location after hours if theft is a concern.

• Follow all electrical safety protocols, and never try to plug a scrubber into an undersized circuit.

• Report any performance issues immediately to the rental company.

Rental Costs

Air scrubber rental rates depend on the following:

• Unit size/capacity

• Condition (new vs. used)

• Rental duration

• Optional accessories like ducting or sanitizing lights

• Delivery/pickup fees

Daily Rates: Small and mid-sized units can range from $50 to $150 per day, depending on condition and capacity.

Weekly Rates: For larger-capacity industrial air scrubbers, expect to pay $200-$600+ per week, which equates to about $600-$1,500+ per month.

Extra costs may apply for ductwork, accessories, or delivery. But longer rentals often include discount tiers making them more affordable. Renting for a full remediation or construction project is usually cheaper overall than multiple short rentals.

Conclusion

Renting the appropriate air scrubber for industrial use is crucial for maintaining optimal indoor air quality and ensuring the safety and comfort of workers. By carefully selecting the right type of air scrubber, determining the correct size requirements, and adhering to proper setup and operation guidelines, you can effectively remove contaminants such as dust, chemicals, and odors from your industrial space. For the best results, it's essential to consider factors like rental duration, noise levels, and operating costs. Partnering with a company like Preferred Climate Solutions can provide you with expert guidance and high-quality equipment to meet your specific air filtration needs, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for your industrial operations.

Name: Preferred Climate Solutions
Address: 14818 Park Almeda Dr, Houston 77047, Texas, USA
Phone No: 713–305–6239