When should in-room air cleaners be used?

When HVAC equipment does not meet ASHRAE recommendations for ventilation and filtration

Removal of contaminants near a source is needed

When higher risk activities occur

What do I need to know to choose an

in-room air cleaner?

1 Contaminant to be controlled. Airborne virus particles can be captured or inactivated

2. Space size. How much floor area is served? What is the ceiling height?

3 Space layout. How is the space arranged? Is there power access or safety issues, how much noise is acceptable?

4 Is the noise rating at a specific fan speed reported for the device?

5 Air distribution. How is air distributed in the space? Can the air cleaner be placed so its intake is unobstructed by furniture and its outlet is able to move air as far as possible before being deflected or drawn into a return? multiple units may be a better option than one.

6 Ventilation outdoor air how much comes in through? The HVAC system or the windows? If unknown, assume none

7 Amount of clean air needed. What flow rate of clean air is needed? Is there a target for the clean air? Equivalent number of air changes per hour needed between ventilation and filtration combined?

For example, 3-6 or 8 air changes per hour equivalent.