Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a crucial metric used to measure the performance and efficiency of air purifiers. It provides valuable information about an air purifier’s ability to remove specific pollutants from the air within a given space.
What is CADR?
CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate, is a standardized measurement developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to evaluate the effectiveness of air purifiers. It quantifies the amount of clean air produced by an air purifier in a specific timeframe. CADR is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and indicates the volume of clean air an air purifier can deliver.
Understanding CADR Categories
CADR ratings are determined for three major pollutants: tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. Each pollutant has its own CADR value, and these values are typically displayed on the air purifier’s packaging or in product specifications. The higher the CADR values, the more efficient the air purifier is in removing that particular pollutant.
How to Calculate the CADR for Air Purifiers?
Understanding how to calculate CADR is essential for selecting the right air purifier to meet your specific needs. This article aims to explain the concept of CADR and guide you through the calculation process.
Calculating CADR
To calculate CADR, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure the air purifier’s airflow rate (CFM): Use an anemometer, a device that measures air velocity, to determine the air purifier’s airflow rate. Place the anemometer near the air purifier’s intake or outlet and record the airflow rate in CFM.
Step 2: Choose the pollutant for calculation: Decide which pollutant you want to calculate the CADR for: tobacco smoke, pollen, or dust.
Step 3: Conduct the smoke CADR calculation: For smoke CADR, release a specified amount of smoke particles into a closed, controlled test chamber. Then, turn on the air purifier and measure the time it takes for the smoke particles to reduce to a certain level. The CADR for smoke is calculated by dividing the smoke particle concentration in the chamber by the time taken.
Step 4: Perform the pollen and dust CADR calculations: The process for calculating pollen and dust CADR is similar to smoke CADR. Instead of smoke particles, release specific amounts of pollen or dust particles into the test chamber. Measure the time it takes for the concentration of particles to reduce to a certain level. Divide the particle concentration by the time to obtain the CADR values for pollen and dust.
Best High CADR AIR PURIFIERS
IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier
Interpreting CADR Results
Once you have obtained the CADR values for tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust, you can compare them to determine the overall effectiveness of the air purifier. Consider the specific pollutants you want to target in your environment. If you suffer from allergies, for example, a higher CADR for pollen would be more important.
Conclusion
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a valuable metric for evaluating the performance of air purifiers. By understanding how to calculate CADR, you can make an informed decision when selecting an air purifier that suits your needs.
Remember that CADR is not the sole factor to consider when choosing an air purifier, but it provides a standardized measure of an air purifier’s efficiency in removing specific pollutants. Be sure to compare CADR values for different air purifiers and consider other factors like room size, noise level, and additional features before making a purchase decision.
Read more:
[Top 10] Best Air Purifiers on the Market – Most Reviewed
How Is Air Purifier Capacity Calculated? – A Comprehensive Analysis
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