(Last Updated On: May 6, 2023)

What is CADR Rating?

We all want to breathe clean, healthy air. But how do you know if the air in your home is safe and free from pollutants? The answer lies in the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) Rating. CADR measures the quality of air in a room or area by calculating the amount of particles removed per minute. In this article, we’ll explore what CADR ratings are and how they can help you determine the air quality of your home.

Generic air purifier cleaning viruses and bacteria.

What Does the CADR Rating Mean?

CADR ratings measure the performance of air purifiers and is based on the number of particles removed per minute by the device. This rating system is used to give consumers an indication of how effective a product is at removing particulate matter from the air. For example, a CADR rating of 200 indicates that a product can remove 200 cubic feet of airborne particles per minute. When choosing an air purifier, it’s important to look for one with a high CADR rating so that you know it will effectively filter out airborne pollutants in your home. Additionally, CADR ratings are also useful for determining the size of unit needed for your room; larger rooms require higher CADR ratings to effectively clean the air. With this information, you’ll be able to choose an air purifier that will provide your family with clean and healthy air.

Measuring Air Quality

Measuring air quality is an important way to determine the health of your indoor environment. Air quality can be affected by several factors, such as household cleaning chemicals, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens. In order to get a better understanding of the air quality in a home or office environment, it’s important to use devices that measure specific components of the air. For instance, particulate matter can be measured using a particle counter or a CADR rating system. Particle counters measure the number of particles suspended in the air at any given time while CADR ratings measure how effectively an air purifier removes those particles from the air per minute. Other methods of measuring air quality include tracking temperature and humidity levels, testing for carbon dioxide levels, and checking for ozone concentrations. All these measurements are essential in determining what steps need to be taken to improve the overall air quality in an indoor environment.

Particle Sizes

Particle sizes are an important component of air quality. Particles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from extremely small (ultrafine) to larger particles that can be seen with the naked eye. Different particles affect air quality in different ways; for example, ultrafine particles are small enough to be inhaled and can cause respiratory problems, while larger particles may cause allergies or asthma symptoms. In order to measure particle size accurately, a particle counter is necessary. This device measures the number of particles present in a given space per unit volume and can detect particles down to 0.3 microns—the size of some bacteria and viruses. Knowing particle sizes helps determine which type of filtration is necessary for an indoor environment, such as HEPA filters for smaller particles or pre-filters for larger ones.

Pollen Particles

Pollen particles are a common source of air pollution, particularly during spring and summer months. Pollen is produced by plants and trees as part of the reproductive process and can travel long distances in the atmosphere, affecting people with allergies or asthma. Pollen particles are relatively large compared to other air pollutants, ranging from 10-50 microns in size. The most common pollen particles are produced by grasses, weeds and trees such as oak, birch and maple. Pollen can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory problems in susceptible individuals. It can also settle on surfaces around the home, exacerbating allergy symptoms when disturbed. To reduce exposure to pollen particles, it’s important to use an air filter that is designed to capture them effectively. HEPA filters have been shown to be effective at capturing pollen particles down to 3 microns in size, which should help reduce indoor exposure significantly.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are a type of air pollutant that can be present in both indoor and outdoor environments. Organic compounds are volatile molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Examples of organic compounds include benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene. These compounds often come from sources such as gasoline combustion, paints, solvents, varnishes and other products used indoors. Exposure to high levels of these organic compounds can cause eye irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea. In some cases long-term exposure can also lead to more serious health effects such as cancer or damage to the nervous system. To reduce your exposure it’s important to ensure good ventilation in the home or workplace and use an air filter with a high CADR rating for effective removal of these pollutants from the air you breathe.

Tobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke is a major contributor to air pollution. Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke can both lead to negative health effects including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure can also lead to more serious conditions such as cancer, asthma or other respiratory diseases. To reduce your exposure to tobacco smoke it’s important to limit smoking in public places and ensure that all enclosed spaces are properly ventilated. For even greater protection against tobacco smoke particles, an air filter with a high CADR rating should be used to ensure effective removal from the air you breathe.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a class of chemicals found in many common household products such as paints, cleaning supplies, adhesives and pesticides. Exposure to VOCs can cause a variety of health concerns including headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye and throat irritation or even more serious conditions like cancer. To reduce your exposure to VOCs it is important to limit the use of these products and use safer alternatives whenever possible. Additionally, having an air filter with a high CADR rating can help to effectively remove VOCs from the air you breathe. Investing in an air purifier with a high CADR rating will ensure clean air for your home or workspace.

Calculating the CADR Rating

The CADR rating is an important factor in determining the effectiveness of air purifiers. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a measure of an air purifier’s efficiency in removing specific types of airborne pollutants such as dust, smoke, pollen, mold spores and other allergens. The CADR rating is calculated by measuring the volume of filtered air delivered within a specified time frame and is expressed as a number ranging from 10 to 450. The higher the CADR rating, the more effective the air filter will be at removing airborne particles from your indoor environment. When selecting an air purifier for your home or office, it is important to ensure that it has a high enough CADR rating to effectively rid your environment of potentially harmful allergens and pollutants.

Calculation Formula for Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) is a standard measure of airflow and is commonly used to measure the efficiency of air purifiers. The CFM measurement takes into account both the volume of air passing through an air purifier as well as the speed at which it moves. The calculation formula for CFM is: CFM Volume x Speed. In order to accurately calculate the CFM rating, you must first determine the volume of air that passes through your purifier in one minute (in cubic feet). This can be done by measuring the length, width, and height of your purifier’s filtering chamber, then multiplying these three numbers together to get the volume in cubic feet. Then multiply this number by the speed at which the air passes through your unit (measured in feet per minute). This will give you your CFM rating for that particular unit.

CADR Rating for Air Purifiers by Brand

Alen:
- Alen BreatheSmart 75i: CADR rating of 347 (Smoke), 355 (Dust), and 355 (Pollen)
- Alen BreatheSmart 45i: CADR rating of 245 (Smoke), 248 (Dust), and 265 (Pollen)
Austin Air:
- Austin Air HealthMate HM400: CADR rating of 400 (Smoke), 400 (Dust), and 400 (Pollen)
- Austin Air HealthMate Plus HM450: CADR rating of 400 (Smoke), 450 (Dust), and 450 (Pollen)
Honeywell:
- Honeywell HPA300: CADR rating of 300 (Smoke), 320 (Dust), and 300 (Pollen)
- Honeywell True HEPA HPA100: CADR rating of 106 (Smoke), 100 (Dust), and 132 (Pollen)
Dyson:
- Dyson Pure Cool TP04: CADR rating of 131 (Smoke), 131 (Dust), and 131 (Pollen)
- Dyson Pure Hot+Cool HP04: CADR rating of 118 (Smoke), 118 (Dust), and 130 (Pollen)
BlueAir:
- BlueAir Classic 605: CADR rating of 500 (Smoke), 500 (Dust), and 500 (Pollen)
- BlueAir Blue Pure 411: CADR rating of 120 (Smoke), 105 (Dust), and 120 (Pollen)
Coway:
- Coway AP-1512HH: CADR rating of 240 (Smoke), 246 (Dust), and 233 (Pollen)
- Coway Airmega 400: CADR rating of 350 (Smoke), 350 (Dust), and 350 (Pollen)
Winix:
- Winix 5500-2: CADR rating of 232 (Smoke), 243 (Dust), and 246 (Pollen)
- Winix HR900: CADR rating of 194 (Smoke), 198 (Dust), and 201 (Pollen)

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Standards

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is a non-profit organization that sets standards for the home appliance industry. These standards provide a benchmark for manufacturers to measure their products’ performance and safety. The AHAM CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating system measures the effectiveness of air purifiers in removing airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and smoke from the air. The higher the CADR rating, the faster and more effective an air purifier is at filtering contaminants from indoor air. The AHAM standards also include information on noise levels, energy efficiency, and other factors related to product performance. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers ensure their products meet high quality and safety standards for consumers.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) Requirements

The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is an important rating system used to measure the effectiveness of air purifiers. Developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), CADR ratings are used to determine the speed and efficiency with which a given air purifier can remove airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and smoke from indoor air. The higher the CADR rating, the faster and more effective an air purifier is at filtering out these contaminants. AHAM’s standards also include information on noise levels, energy efficiency, and other factors related to product performance so that manufacturers can ensure their products meet high quality and safety standards for consumers. A good CADR rating is essential for any air purifier in order for it to be effective in improving indoor air quality.