At Reimer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we know that clean, healthy indoor air is just as important as comfortable temperatures. Families in Buffalo, Rochester, and Schenectady often ask us about air scrubbers — what they are, how they work, and whether they actually make a difference.
The short answer is yes: air scrubbers really do work when installed and maintained properly. These advanced devices help reduce dust, allergens, odors, and even harmful contaminants inside your home. But like any home comfort solution, it’s important to understand what they can and cannot do.
This guide breaks down how air scrubbers work, the benefits they provide, and why many Western New York homeowners are choosing them as part of a complete indoor air quality solution.
What Is an Air Scrubber?
An air scrubber is a device installed directly into your HVAC system’s ductwork. Unlike standalone air purifiers, air scrubbers clean the air throughout your entire home, not just in one room.
Air scrubbers use a combination of filters, UV light, and advanced oxidation processes to:
- Capture and remove dust and debris
- Neutralize odors from pets, cooking, and smoke
- Reduce allergens like pollen and pet dander
- Break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household cleaners and building materials
- Eliminate many types of bacteria, mold spores, and viruses from the air and on surfaces
By treating the air as it circulates through your HVAC system, an air scrubber provides whole-home protection.
Do Air Scrubbers Really Work?
Yes — when professionally installed, air scrubbers are highly effective. Independent studies and decades of use in hospitals, schools, and businesses show that they reduce airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality.
For homeowners, this means:
- Cleaner air: Less dust floating around, fewer allergens in circulation.
- Healthier living spaces: Reduced exposure to irritants that trigger allergies or asthma.
- Better-smelling homes: Odors are neutralized instead of just masked.
- Protection from germs: Many air scrubbers use UV and catalytic technology to reduce bacteria and viruses.
It’s important to note, however, that air scrubbers are not a substitute for proper cleaning or ventilation. They work best as part of a layered approach to indoor air quality that also includes HVAC maintenance, good filtration, and healthy home habits.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Western New York
Western New York’s climate creates unique challenges for indoor air quality:
- Cold winters: Homes are sealed tightly to conserve heat, trapping dust, allergens, and moisture inside.
- Humid summers: Moisture can lead to mold growth and musty odors.
- Older housing stock: Many Buffalo and Rochester homes were built decades ago, with ductwork that wasn’t designed for today’s standards.
- Urban and suburban pollutants: From traffic along the I-90 to seasonal pollen, outside contaminants find their way indoors.
Air scrubbers address these issues by keeping indoor air cleaner, fresher, and healthier year-round.
Who Benefits Most from Air Scrubbers?
While every homeowner can appreciate cleaner air, certain families see the biggest benefits:
- Allergy and asthma sufferers: Fewer allergens mean easier breathing and fewer flare-ups.
- Pet owners: Reduces pet dander and odors.
- Families with young children or elderly residents: Adds an extra layer of protection for vulnerable immune systems.
- Homes with smokers or strong cooking odors: Neutralizes lingering smells.
- Anyone working from home: Improves daily comfort in your living space.
Air Scrubbers vs. Air Purifiers
Many homeowners ask: What’s the difference between an air scrubber and a portable air purifier?
- Air purifiers clean the air in one room or space. They’re portable but limited.
- Air scrubbers clean the air throughout the entire home by integrating with your HVAC system.
If you want whole-home coverage, an air scrubber is the better choice. Portable purifiers may still be useful for specific areas like bedrooms, but they don’t provide comprehensive protection.
The Science Behind Air Scrubbers
Most air scrubbers use a multi-step process:
- Filtration: Removes large particles like dust and debris.
- UV or light-based technology: Breaks down bacteria, mold spores, and viruses.
- Active purification: Releases safe oxidizers that neutralize contaminants on surfaces and in the air.
This layered approach ensures both immediate air cleaning and ongoing protection throughout your home.
The Limitations of Air Scrubbers
While air scrubbers are powerful, they’re not magic. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- They won’t replace regular HVAC maintenance — dirty ducts or filters still need to be cleaned.
- They don’t remove large amounts of mold already present in a home — remediation may be necessary first.
- Effectiveness depends on proper installation and sizing for your HVAC system.
At Reimer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our technicians ensure that every air scrubber we install is matched correctly to your system and operating at peak efficiency.
Why Choose Reimer for Air Scrubber Installation
For more than 100 years, Reimer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been helping Western New Yorkers breathe easier. When it comes to indoor air quality, we provide:
- Professional installation: Ensuring your air scrubber works seamlessly with your HVAC system.
- Local expertise: We understand the unique air quality challenges in Buffalo, Rochester, and Schenectady.
- Full-service solutions: From duct cleaning to filtration and humidity control, we provide complete IAQ care.
- Trusted brand: Generations of families have relied on us for home comfort.
Is an Air Scrubber Right for Your Home?
If you’re wondering whether an air scrubber makes sense for your household, ask yourself:
- Do family members struggle with allergies or asthma?
- Do you notice odors, even after cleaning?
- Is your home sealed tightly in winter?
- Do you own pets?
- Do you want whole-home protection, not just one room?
If the answer is yes to any of these, an air scrubber may be an excellent addition to your home comfort system.
Call Reimer to Learn More About Air Scrubbers
Cleaner, healthier air is just a phone call away. Reimer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can evaluate your home, recommend the right air scrubber, and install it quickly and professionally.
- Call Reimer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule your air scrubber consultation.
- Need better indoor air quality fast? Contact Reimer now.
- Trust Reimer to help your family breathe easier year-round.
Trust Reimer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Western New York
For generations, families in Buffalo, Rochester, Schenectady, and surrounding areas have trusted Reimer Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to provide reliable home comfort. From heating and cooling to plumbing, electrical, and indoor air quality solutions, we’re proud to be Western New York’s choice for safer, cleaner homes. Call today to learn more about air scrubbers and discover why neighbors continue to choose Reimer.
