What Does CADR Mean?

When shopping for air purifiers, you will notice a term known as “CADR” or “Clean Air Delivery Rate”. But what is CADR, and how will it ensure a better purchase choice? Here is more information on this particular industry standard. To help you find the right air purifier, we’ve put together a page with the best air purifiers available online.

Key Takeaways

• CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate and is a performance metric for air purifiers that indicates their ability to reduce pollen, dust, and smoke particles.
• A higher CADR rating signifies better air purifier performance, with higher-rated purifiers cleaning the air faster than lower-rated ones.
• Experts recommend a CADR rating of 200 CFM or higher for effective air purifiers. CADR ratings are calculated through standardized testing by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), allowing consumers to make objective comparisons.

About CADR

In the early part of the 1980s, the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) recognised the requirement for a test method that was objective to measure and determine the performance levels of household portable air purifiers and filters on the market. This resulted in the ANSI/AHAM AC-1-2006 to match up to this particular need.

CADR, which is short for Clean Air Delivery Rate, is a performance metric associated with this standard. It is an indication of the ability of an air filter or purifier to reduce pollen, dust, and smoke particles between a range of 0.10 to 11 micron.

CADR represents the volume or amount of “filtered air” that the air cleaner delivers. A 1,008 cubic-feet room is utilised in ANSI/AHAM AC-1-2006 as the standard-measuring size to determine CADR, which ensures a comparison that is realistic and fair between the different air cleaners.

Is a Higher CADR Better?

CADR (a certified measurement) is used to display how well air purifiers work to clean air in rooms of specific sizes. For example, air purifiers with 400 CADR ratings are more effective at cleaning rooms of 600 sq. ft, when compared to air purifiers with 300 CADR ratings.

These ratings are the best method to establish an accurate cleaning capacity of an air-cleaning device.

As expected, the air purifiers with higher CADR ratings are more effective when it comes to cleaning the air. The rating numbers translate to speed. This means that an air purifier with a higher rating cleans the air faster, while the devices with a lower rating are usually an indication of a cleaning rate that is slower.

What Is a Good CADR?

Experts recommend that anything from 200 CFM and higher is an adequate CADR rating for an air purifier device.

200 CFM covers 310 square feet (28.8 Square Meters) of a room, and many of the mid-range models are capable of achieving this.

How Do You Calculate CADR?

To calculate CADR, the air-purifier is tested in rooms that typically measure 1,008 cubic feet. From here the air purifier operates for at least 25 minutes.

The levels of the three contaminants (dust, pollen, and smoke) that these tests are made for will be measured against pre-test levels. From these tests, objective measures are reached on the efficiency of an air purifier to remove particles of different sizes and at what speed.

Who Calculates CADR Ratings?

The CADR tests are performed by the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers). To obtain the CADR for air purifier devices, the manufacturer of this type of product will submit the device to the AHAM for tests.

Since the AHAM uses one test for all categories of air purifiers and cleaners, the CADR ratings are somewhat consistent and establish the efficiency of air purifiers in regards to the types that are tested.

Does Every Air Purifier Have a CADR Rating?

Many of the air purifiers don’t carry a CADR measurement, and the AHAM rating is a voluntary process. For this reason, it is common to find purifiers that have no assigned rating. This is not to say that these devices are sub-par in any way, but it is harder to evaluate these models.

The Advantages of CADR Measurements for Consumers

Now that you know more about how CADR ratings work, it is also essential to understand how this rating benefits consumers.

CADR allows buyers to compare different air purifiers objectively before they make a final buying decision. Unlike the measurements like overall capacity and air-flow rate, CADR offers a precise measurement of the efficiency of the air purifier when it comes to filtering out different sized particles (dust, pollen, and smoke).

The CADR rating is objective, which makes it an easier task to compare air purifier units and how well they will perform against another device that undergoes the same tests.

Heat Pump Source: Reliable Heating and Cooling Solutions

At Heat Pump Source, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to serving the UK with top-tier HVAC solutions. From the efficiency of heat pumps and the cool relief of air conditioning to the warmth of boilers, radiators, and underfloor heating, our dedicated team is always at the forefront of innovation. We understand the unique needs of every household and business, and we strive to provide dependable health and cooling products and services that are tailored just for you. Ensuring your comfort and satisfaction is our utmost priority. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require support, we’re always here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re eager to be of service.

Conclusion

Understanding CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) is crucial when shopping for air purifiers. It is an objective measure of an air purifier’s performance in filtering out various particles, such as dust, pollen, and smoke. A higher CADR rating indicates better efficiency, and consumers can use this standardized metric to make informed decisions and compare different air purifier models effectively. By paying attention to CADR ratings, consumers can breathe cleaner air and create healthier living spaces for themselves and their families.