The CADR calculator is a valuable tool that helps you determine the efficiency of an air purifier or a ventilation system in cleaning the air in a specific room. You typically measure CADR in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and it indicates the volume of clean air that an air purifier can deliver into a room. In essence, the CADR calculator helps you understand how effective an air-cleaning device is at removing pollutants and allergens from the air you breathe indoors.
Formula of CADR Calculator
To calculate CADR, you can use the following formula:
CADR in CFM = (ACH x Room Area x Ceiling Height) / 60
Here's what each element in the formula represents:
- ACH (Air Changes per Hour): This refers to the number of times the air in a room is completely replaced with fresh air in one hour. For better results, it is recommended to select a minimum of 2 ACH for regular air cleaning, 5 ACH for allergy and asthma concerns, and 8 ACH for dealing with smoke or heavily contaminated air.
- Room Area: This is the size of the room you want to measure in square footage or by multiplying its length and width.
- Ceiling Height: The height of the room's ceiling.
General Terms for Quick Reference
To make it easier for you, here's a table of general terms and their recommended ACH values:
| Scenario | ACH Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Regular Air Cleaning | 2 ACH |
| Allergy & Asthma Concerns | 5 ACH |
| Dealing with Smoke or Contaminants | 8 ACH |
Now you have a quick reference guide for selecting the appropriate ACH value for your specific needs without having to calculate it each time.
Example of CADR Calculator
Let's illustrate how to use the CADR calculator with an example:
Suppose you have a bedroom with a room area of 200 square feet and a ceiling height of 8 feet. You want to achieve regular air cleaning, so you'll choose 2 ACH.
Using the formula:
CADR in CFM = (2 x 200 x 8) / 60 = 53.33 CFM
In this case, you would need an air purifier with a CADR of at least 53.33 CFM to efficiently clean the air in your bedroom.
Most Common FAQs
CADR helps you choose the right air-cleaning device for your room size and specific needs. It ensures that you're breathing cleaner, healthier air.
In such cases, it's better to choose the higher ACH value to ensure more effective air cleaning.
It's best to calculate CADR for each room separately since room sizes and air quality needs may vary.
