How is the performance of an air purifier measured? What is the CADR-to-Watt ratio?

A widely used measure for room air purifier performance is CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate. A number of organizations, including the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and Consumer Reports, use CADR as the performance standard for room air purifiers.

The ENERGY STAR specification uses a CADR-to-Watt ratio to measure energy efficiency using the CADR for dust. This measure combines both the speed with which a unit delivers filtered air with the amount of energy the unit consumes. ENERGY STAR qualified room air cleaners must produce a minimum 50 CADR for dust. However, the US EPA does not endorse any manufacturer claims of healthier indoor air from the use of this product.
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Topic Information
  • Topic #: 23002-32613
  • Date Created: 7/21/2011
  • Last Modified Since: 7/21/2011
  • Viewed: 6285