When disaster strikes whether it's water damage, fire smoke, or mold contamination professionals need powerful equipment to restore air quality quickly and safely. Air scrubbers have become essential tools in the restoration industry, but understanding which model fits your needs can be challenging.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about commercial air scrubbers, with a focus on the AlorAir product line available through TheDryAir.com.
What Is an Air Scrubber?
An air scrubber is a portable air filtration system designed to remove airborne contaminants from indoor environments. Unlike standard air purifiers meant for everyday home use, commercial air scrubbers are built for demanding professional applications.
These powerful machines work by:
- Drawing contaminated air through multiple filtration stages
- Trapping particles, odors, and microorganisms
- Releasing clean, filtered air back into the space
- Creating negative air pressure to contain contamination
Air scrubbers are commonly used in water damage restoration, fire and smoke cleanup, mold remediation, construction dust control, and post-disaster recovery.
Key Features to Look For
Filtration System
The heart of any air scrubber is its filtration system. Most professional models use a multi-stage approach:
3-Stage Filtration (Standard Configuration):
- Pre-filter: Captures large particles and debris
- HEPA filter: Removes 99.95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Activated carbon filter: Absorbs odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Advanced Options include UV-C light sterilization and ionization for enhanced microbial control.
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures how much air the scrubber can process. Higher CFM ratings mean faster air cleaning for larger spaces.
|
Coverage Area |
Recommended CFM |
Typical Models |
|
Small rooms (up to 800 sq ft) |
270-550 CFM |
CleanShield HEPA 550, PureAiro Max 770 |
|
Medium spaces (up to 1,100 sq ft) |
270-750 CFM |
PureAiro Max 970, PureAiro Pro 970 |
|
Large commercial areas (up to 2,500 sq ft) |
800-2,000 CFM |
PuriCare S2 series |
Portability and Durability
Professional air scrubbers need to withstand jobsite conditions:
- Lightweight construction (typically 37-40 lbs for portable models)
- Built-in handles and wheels for easy transport
- Rugged housing to protect internal components
- Stackable design for efficient storage and transport
Noise Level
Restoration work often happens in occupied buildings, so noise matters. Most quality air scrubbers operate at less than 65 dBA comparable to normal conversation levels.
AlorAir Air Scrubber Lineup

Entry-Level: CleanShield HEPA 550
Best for: Budget-conscious contractors and small-scale restoration projects
Price: $373 (with 20% discount)
Key specs:
- Airflow: 270-550 CFM
- Coverage: 800 sq ft / 5,500 cu ft
- 3-stage filtration system
- Weight: 39.6 lbs
- Available in multiple colors (Yellow, Green, Blue, Red)
The CleanShield 550 offers solid performance at an attractive price point. It's ideal for contractors just starting out or as a secondary unit for established businesses.
Mid-Range Professional Models
PureAiro HEPA Max 770
- Price: $515
- Airflow: 270-550 CFM
- Coverage: 800 sq ft / 5,500 cu ft
- 3-stage filtration
- Weight: 37.4 lbs
PureAiro HEPA Pro 770
- Price: $555
- Airflow: 270-550 CFM
- Coverage: 800 sq ft / 5,500 cu ft
- 3-stage filtration
- Weight: Same as Max 770
The difference between "Max" and "Pro" models typically involves enhanced construction quality and professional-grade components.
Premium UV-C Models
PureAiro HEPA Max 970
- Price: $799
- Airflow: 270-750 CFM
- Coverage: 1,100 sq ft / 7,500 cu ft
- 3-stage filtration with UV-C light
- Enhanced sterilization capability
PureAiro HEPA Pro 970
- Price: $799
- Airflow: 270-750 CFM
- Coverage: 1,100 sq ft / 7,500 cu ft
- UV-C light sterilization
- Professional-grade construction
The UV-C light adds an extra layer of protection by destroying microorganisms' genetic material, making these models excellent for mold remediation and biohazard cleanup.
Heavy-Duty Commercial: PuriCare S2 Series
For large-scale commercial projects, the PuriCare S2 series delivers industrial-strength performance:
- PuriCare S2 Standard: $2,027
- PuriCare S2 UV: $2,127 (with UV-C light)
- PuriCare S2 UVIG: $2,227 (UV-C + Ionizer)
Specifications:
- Airflow: 800-2,000 CFM
- Coverage: 2,500 sq ft / 20,000 cu ft
- 2-5 stage filtration (depending on model)
- Built for continuous commercial operation
Choosing the Right Air Scrubber
Consider these factors when selecting an air scrubber:
Project Size and Frequency
Small contractors (1-3 jobs per month):
- CleanShield HEPA 550 or PureAiro Max 770
- Lower initial investment
- Adequate for most residential projects
Medium operations (4-10 jobs per month):
- PureAiro Pro series with UV-C
- Better durability for frequent use
- Enhanced filtration for varied contaminants
Large restoration companies (10+ concurrent jobs):
- PuriCare S2 series
- Wholesale packs for fleet deployment
- Maximum CFM for large commercial spaces
Contamination Type
|
Contaminant |
Recommended Features |
|
Water damage/mold |
UV-C light, HEPA filtration |
|
Fire/smoke |
Activated carbon filter, high CFM |
|
Construction dust |
Pre-filter focus, durable housing |
|
Biohazards |
UV-C + ionization, sealed filters |
Budget Considerations
TheDryAir.com offers volume discounts:
- 5 units: $373 per unit (save $620 total)
- 10 units: $373 per unit (save $1,240 total)
- Additional bulk options available
Financing options: Buy now, pay later programs available
Warranty and Support
All AlorAir air scrubbers come with a 10-year warranty, demonstrating the manufacturer's confidence in product durability. This extended warranty significantly reduces long-term operating costs.
Maintenance and Operating Costs
Filter Replacement Schedule
- Pre-filters: Replace every 30-60 days (depending on contamination levels)
- HEPA filters: Replace every 6-12 months
- Carbon filters: Replace every 6-12 months
- UV-C bulbs: Replace annually
Cost-Saving Tips
- Clean pre-filters regularly to extend HEPA filter life
- Monitor the filter change indicator light
- Store units properly between jobs
- Order filters in bulk for better pricing
Common Applications
Water Damage Restoration
Air scrubbers work alongside dehumidifiers and air movers to:
- Remove airborne moisture
- Prevent mold spore spread
- Eliminate musty odors
- Create negative air pressure in affected areas
Recommended combo: 1 air scrubber + 1 commercial dehumidifier + 2-4 air movers
Fire and Smoke Cleanup
Activated carbon filters are essential for removing:
- Smoke particles
- Soot
- Toxic VOCs from burned materials
- Persistent odors
Mold Remediation
UV-C equipped models provide superior protection by:
- Neutralizing airborne mold spores
- Preventing cross-contamination
- Destroying mold at the cellular level
Construction and Remodeling
Control dust from:
- Drywall sanding
- Demolition work
- Concrete cutting
- Paint and coating applications
Why Choose TheDryAir.com
As an authorized AlorAir wholesaler, TheDryAir.com offers several advantages:
Pricing Benefits:
- Bulk purchase discounts up to 18% off
- No minimum order quantities for 20% off promotions
- Competitive wholesale pricing
Service Features:
- Free shipping on orders (site-wide promotions frequently available)
- Ships from US warehouses for fast delivery
- 30-day return policy
- Local customer service team
Product Certifications:
- Energy Star certification (20% energy savings)
- ETL safety certification
- CARB compliance
- EPA approved
Getting Started
For contractors new to air scrubbers, here's a practical approach:
Step 1: Start with one versatile unit like the PureAiro HEPA Max 770 ($515)
Step 2: Add a second unit as your business grows
Step 3: Consider UV-C models for specialized jobs (mold, biohazards)
Step 4: Invest in wholesale packs when running multiple simultaneous jobs
Final Thoughts
Commercial air scrubbers represent a critical investment for restoration professionals. The AlorAir lineup available through TheDryAir.com offers options for every budget and application, backed by a 10-year warranty and comprehensive support.
Whether you're handling routine water damage or complex mold remediation, choosing the right air scrubber and maintaining it properly ensures healthier job sites, faster project completion, and satisfied customers.
Ready to upgrade your air quality equipment? Visit TheDryAir.com to explore the complete AlorAir air scrubber collection, take advantage of current promotions, and access expert guidance on selecting the perfect model for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is an air scrubber and how does it work?
An air scrubber is a portable air filtration device that removes contaminants from indoor air. It works by drawing air through multiple filtration stages typically a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter then releasing clean air back into the space. Professional models can also create negative air pressure to prevent contamination from spreading to other areas.
How is an air scrubber different from an air purifier?
While both clean air, air scrubbers are designed for industrial and commercial applications with much higher airflow capacity (270-2,000 CFM vs. 100-300 CFM for purifiers). Air scrubbers handle severe contamination like mold spores, construction dust, and fire damage, while air purifiers are meant for everyday residential use with allergens and light odors.
Do I really need an air scrubber for restoration work?
Yes, for professional restoration work. Air scrubbers are essential for:
- Protecting workers from airborne contaminants
- Preventing cross-contamination to unaffected areas
- Meeting industry standards and insurance requirements
- Speeding up the restoration process
- Ensuring customer safety and satisfaction
Product Selection
Which AlorAir air scrubber model should I choose?
|
Your Situation |
Recommended Model |
Price |
|
Starting out, limited budget |
CleanShield HEPA 550 |
$373 |
|
Regular residential restoration |
PureAiro HEPA Max 770 |
$515 |
|
Frequent mold/biohazard work |
PureAiro Pro 970 (UV-C) |
$799 |
|
Large commercial projects |
PuriCare S2 series |
$2,027+ |
|
High-volume restoration company |
Wholesale packs (4-50 units) |
Custom pricing |
What does CFM mean and how much do I need?
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures airflow capacity. Here's a quick guide:
- 270-550 CFM: Rooms up to 800 sq ft (residential bathrooms, bedrooms)
- 270-750 CFM: Spaces up to 1,100 sq ft (large rooms, small commercial)
- 800-2,000 CFM: Areas up to 2,500 sq ft (warehouses, large commercial spaces)
What's the difference between "Max" and "Pro" models?
Both offer similar performance, but "Pro" models typically feature:
- Enhanced construction quality
- More durable components for frequent professional use
- Slightly improved filtration efficiency
- Better suited for contractors running equipment daily
Do I need UV-C light sterilization?
UV-C is highly recommended for:
- Mold remediation: Destroys mold spores at the genetic level
- Sewage backups: Kills bacteria and pathogens
- Healthcare facilities: Enhanced sterilization
- Fire damage: Neutralizes harmful microorganisms in soot
For basic water damage or construction dust, standard HEPA filtration is usually sufficient.
Technical Questions
How long should I run an air scrubber?
Typical guidelines:
- Water damage: 24-72 hours continuously
- Mold remediation: Throughout containment period + 24 hours after
- Fire/smoke cleanup: 48-96 hours minimum
- Construction dust: During work hours + 2-4 hours after
Always run until air quality testing confirms safe levels.
Can I use multiple air scrubbers in one space?
Yes! For larger areas or severe contamination, multiple units improve:
- Air exchange rates
- Filtration efficiency
- Project completion speed
Rule of thumb: One unit per 500-1,000 sq ft for optimal performance.
What's the noise level?
Most AlorAir models operate at less than 65 dBA about the volume of normal conversation. This makes them suitable for occupied buildings where noise disruption must be minimized.

