What is CADR in Air Purifier?

Have you ever wondered, what is CADR in air purifier?

We often ask what is CADR rating when dealing with air purification systems. Well, to put it mildly, this is a spec that allows the user to understand the efficiency of a certain air purifying device. In other words, the CADR ratings determine how well a certain electronic device is working. This rating is purely for the users to be able to purchase the best for themselves. Coming back to the CADR ratings, this is a figure of merit that has been developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers or the AHAM. These are in turn used by the brands, companies, and manufacturers to showcase the abilities (or the superior abilities) of their air purifying devices.

What is CADR in Air Purifier

An air purifier is has grown massively in its popularity, thanks to the growing air pollution globally. However, it is the children, the elder, the asthmatic, and the people allergic to pollutants that require the air purifiers the most. This device is used to purify the surrounding air from pollens, particles, and pollutants, thus offering more healthier surroundings. So, what does cadr rating mean? It essentially allows the user to weigh which air purifier is best suited to them as per their requirements. The CADR rating in the air purifier showcases how well the device is working. Therefore if the CADR rating of an air purifier is 300 cfm, it means that it can easily clean up the room area of 300 sq ft. Also, when comparing the devices, the 300 cfm is much better than the 200 cfm, as it shows that the former is much quicker in action as compared to the latter. Hence, the user will have to purchase the device accordingly.

What Is A Good CADR Rating For Air Purifier?

The CADR rating is measured in CFM or the ‘cubic feet per meter. It is also measured in terms of m³/hour; and helps one measure the amount of Pollen, particulate, smoke, and dust in your immediate environment. The sizes of each of these particles are:
Smoke = 0.1 to 0.3 microns.
Dust = 0.5 to 3 microns
Pollen = 5 to 11 microns.
The CADR ratings are not only much sought after but are also considered ‘the most accurate to refer to. The higher the CADR ratings, the better the device is, so go for an air purifier with high CADR specs for best results. This translates to the fact that the device comprises powerful fans that can ‘cover’ large room areas.

What Is CADR Rating For Air Purifier?

As mentioned previously, the CADR ratings are exclusive values determined by the ANSI/AHAM AC-1 test. This is a simple yet accurate test that offers the required reliable values for the CADR ratings of a certain device. The test is conducted within a closed room with determined contaminants within. The device is run for 20 minutes at a time. After this, the air within the chambers is once again measured, thus, stating the CADR value of that particular air purifier. However, there are certain limits of the air purifiers, some of which are:

  • These ratings are for only specific contaminants.
  • The CADR is best determined for air loaded with smoke, dust, and Pollens.
  • The CADR does not measure the presence of Viruses and Bacteria in the air.
  • The 20 Minute test does not work for some models of the air purifier.

The Limits of the CADR Ratings

The CADR ratings have their limits as well. These ratings often ‘go wrong’ when in the case of the Ionizer. This is mainly because the ionization causes the particles to stick together to form a bulkier particle that either falls or gets stuck on the walls. After a, while with the lack of proper removal methods, these particles are re-circulated back into the air. An important tip is to opt for a branded or a reputed air purifier. This is because the device might be expensive; nevertheless, it has a better filtering system. Thus, you will be ensured about the removal of various other harmful components as well.

What Is A Good Cadr Rating?

While it is not possible to be precise, however, one can easily understand the fact that a good CADR rating is equal to two-thirds of the room area. For example, a room of area 10 feet X 15 feet has a total area of 150 sq feet. So, in this case, it is a smart choice to get an air purifier with a CADR rating of at least 100 to be on the safe side. Also, as mentioned earlier, the higher CADR is always a better idea, as it directly translates to a high-efficiency machine. This is especially necessary for rooms with ceilings higher than 8 feet.

What Is A Good Clean Air Delivery Rate?

The CADR rating is essential to understand the efficiency of a certain air purifier. But before that, it is necessary to understand what the CADR represents and how it is read:
For example, for a CADR rating of 350/300/325
– 350 is for the smoke, 300 is for the dust, and 325 is for the Pollen.

CADR Rating Scale

  • Smoke – 0- 400 ( Particles between 0.9 and 1.0 μm)
  • Dust – 0- 450 ( Particles between 0.5 and 3 μm )
  • Pollen – 0- 450 ( Particles between 5 and 11 μm )

This indicates the air cleaning efficiency for a certain room size of a particular air purifier as determined by the AHAM.

What is CADR in Air Purifier?: The Conclusion

Now we know about what is a cadr rating in air purifiers. It is therefore essential that we take a closer look at the various aspects of an air purifier. This is because the main aim of the device is to eliminate the immediate air from Pollen, particulates, and foreign matter. Hence the CADR ratings give you a clear picture of how well the device can perform according to your needs.

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