When choosing an air purifier for the home, one may come across technical terms that may be difficult to understand. One such term is CADR (clean air delivery rate), which is often mentioned in the product specifications. It is a crucial factor in determining how effectively an air purifier can clean the air, even though it may seem like just another number. Understanding the meaning of CADR can help you make a more informed and practical decision.
Understanding CADR in Air Purifiers
CADR stands for clean air delivery rate, which shows how fast an air purifier can clean the air of the room. In simple terms, it calculates how much clean air the purifier delivers in a given amount of time. Higher CADR values typically indicate that the purifier can clean the air faster, making it appropriate for areas where air quality needs to be improved quickly.
How is CADR Measured?
CADR is measured on two key factors: the airflow through the device and the efficiency of its filtration system. This determines how effectively the purifier removes pollutants from the air. Generally, CADR ratings are provided separately for different types of particles, such as dust, smoke, and pollen.
In the USA, the CADR is measured in cubic feet per minute and in Asia, it is measured in cubic meters per hour (m3/h).
- 59 cubic feet per minute is equivalent to one cubic metre per hour.
This gives a clear idea of how the purifier performs under different conditions.
Importance of CADR When Choosing an Air Purifier for Home
The importance of CADR can be understood for the following reasons:
- CADR measures how quickly an air purifier can remove pollutants like dust, smoke and pollens.
- CADR ratings are usually given separately for dust, smoke, and pollen. This helps users understand how well the purifier performs against different types of air pollutants.
- CADR ensures indoor air is filtered multiple times per hour, reducing the concentration of pollutants and improving overall air quality.
However, it shouldn’t be considered alone because a higher number denotes quicker performance; room size and other factors should also be taken into account for overall effectiveness.
Ideal CADR Based on Room Size
Choosing the right CADR depends on the size of the room where the air purifier will be used and how quickly the air needs to be cleaned. Most of the homes require 4 to 5 air changes per hour (ACH) for effective purification. While a very high CADR may not be required for smaller spaces, a unit with a low CADR might not work well in a large room. To ensure proper air circulation and purification, the CADR should generally be proportionate to the room’s air volume.
Conclusion
When assessing an air purifier’s performance, particularly how quickly it cleans the air, CADR is a helpful metric. However, it should be considered alongside other factors such as room size, filtration system, price of the air purifier and maintenance requirements.
Making a well-informed decision based on both technical specifications and practical needs, one can ensure the effectiveness of the air purifier for the home.
