What is CADR Rating? (Comparison + Chart)

CADR Rating, or “Clean Air Delivery Rate” is a measurement of the effectiveness of an air purifier in removing specific pollutants from the air. CADR Rating is determined by home appliance manufacturers association, AHAM, and is calculated by testing the unit in a controlled test chamber. The CADR rating is expressed in cubic feet per minute and reflects the volume of purified air delivered by the air purifier. The CADR rating is important because it helps consumers compare the performance of different air purifiers. It is based on the CADR test, which measures the removal of tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust particles from the air. The CADR rating for an air purifier provides a simple, standardized way to compare the effectiveness of different models. However, it is important to note that the CADR rating does not take into account the removal of other contaminants, such as gases and volatile organic compounds, or the air purifier’s ability to decrease odors. It is also important to consider other factors, such as the size of the room and the type of filter used, when choosing the right air purifier.

Is a Higher CADR Rating Better?

In general, a higher CADR rating is generally considered to be better, as it indicates that the air purifier is more effective at removing pollutants from the air. However, it is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of your space when selecting an air purifier. For example, if you have a larger room with higher levels of pollutants, you may need a more powerful air purifier with a higher CADR rating to effectively clean the air.

What CADR Rating Do I Need for COVID?

The CADR rating of an air purifier is not specifically related to its ability to remove the COVID-19 virus from the air. However, a high CADR rating may be beneficial in reducing the overall levels of airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a space. 

What is the CADR Rating of a HEPA Filter?

The CADR rating of a HEPA filter will depend on the specific air purifier it is used in, as well as the type and concentration of pollutants being removed. In general, air purifiers that use HEPA filters tend to have relatively high CADR ratings, as HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing small particles such as allergens and pollutants.

What is the Highest CADR Rating?

The highest CADR rating will depend on the specific air purifier and the type of pollutant being measured. Some air purifiers may have very high CADR ratings for certain pollutants, while having lower ratings for others. It is important to consider the CADR ratings for all of the pollutants that are relevant to your needs when selecting an air purifier. Additionally, it is important to consider the overall design and performance of the air purifier, as well as any additional features or capabilities it may offer.

CADR Rating Chart

When shopping for an air purifier, it is helpful to refer to a CADR rating chart to compare the performance of different models. These charts typically show the CADR ratings for smoke, dust, and pollen for each air purifier, along with the overall CADR rating. This can help you identify which models are the most effective at removing a particular type of pollutant, and can also help you determine the appropriate size of air purifier for your needs based on the size of your space.

The following table shows the CADR ratings for various air purifiers. The CADR rating is a measure of the effectiveness of an air purifier in removing specific pollutants from the air, and is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The table includes the smoke CADR, dust CADR, and pollen CADR ratings for each air purifier. A higher CADR rating indicates a more powerful air purifier that can clean the air more quickly.

Air Purifier Smoke CADR Dust CADR Pollen CADR
Dyson Pure Cool 350 340 350
Blueair Classic 605 350 350 350
Coway AP-1512HH 246 240 233
Honeywell HPA300 300 300 300
Levoit LV-H132 106 106 104
Okaysou AirMax8L 110 110 110
Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 250 250 250
Medify MA-112 260 260 260
Alen BreatheSmart Flex 300 300 300

For example, a CADR rating of 70 is considered to be relatively low, and may not be sufficient to effectively clean the air in a larger space or to remove high levels of pollutants. In general, it is recommended to select an air purifier with a CADR rating of at least 200 for effective cleaning of the air in a standard size room. However, the appropriate CADR rating for your needs will depend on the size and specific air quality concerns of your space.

A CADR rating of 100 indicates that the air purifier is able to remove a specific pollutant from the air at a rate of 100 CFM. This means that the device is able to clean the air in a standard size room (about 250 square feet) in a relatively short amount of time. However, it is important to note that the CADR rating is specific to each pollutant (such as smoke, dust, or pollen) and a single air purifier may have different CADR ratings for different pollutants.

A CADR rating of 300 means that the air purifier is able to remove a specific pollutant from the air at a rate of 300 CFM. This indicates that the device is able to clean the air in a large space or to remove high levels of pollutants in a relatively short amount of time. However, it is important to note that the CADR rating is specific to each pollutant (such as smoke, dust, or pollen) and a single air purifier may have different CADR ratings for different pollutants. A CADR rating of 300 is considered to be very high, and indicates that the air purifier is highly effective at removing specific pollutants from the air. A CADR rating of 300 is generally suitable for cleaning the air in a large space or for removing high levels of pollutants. However, it is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of your space when selecting an air purifier, as a higher CADR rating may not always be necessary.

What is a Good CADR Rating for an Air Purifier?

A good CADR rating for an air purifier will depend on the specific needs and requirements of your space. In general, it is recommended to select an air purifier with a CADR rating of at least 200 for effective cleaning of the air in a standard size room (about 250 square feet). For larger spaces or for rooms with higher levels of pollutants, a higher CADR rating may be necessary.

Is the CADR Rating Misleading?

The CADR rating is a standardized measure of an air purifier’s effectiveness at removing specific pollutants from the air, and is determined through testing in a standardized test chamber. As such, it is generally considered to be a reliable and accurate measure of an air purifier’s performance. However, it is important to consider the CADR rating in conjunction with other factors such as the size of the space you need to purify, the specific pollutants you need to remove, and the type of filter used by the device.

How Do I Check the CADR Rating of an Air Purifier?

The CADR rating of an air purifier can typically be found in the product specifications or on the product packaging. It may also be included in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website. You can also check the Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers (AHAM) website, as they maintain a list of AHAM verified products and their corresponding CADR ratings.

Is the CADR Rating the Most Important Factor to Consider When Selecting an Air Purifier?

The CADR rating is an important factor to consider when selecting an air purifier, as it provides information about the device’s ability to remove specific pollutants from the air. However, it is not the only factor to consider. Other important factors to consider when selecting an air purifier include the size of the space you need to purify, the specific pollutants you need to remove, the type of filter used by the device, and any additional features or capabilities offered by the air purifier.

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