You’ve heard the claims. Now let’s look at the evidence.
If you read our last post, you know how air scrubbers work. Today, we’re answering the bigger question: Do they actually deliver results?
Spoiler: The research is impressive. But we’re not just going to take the manufacturer’s word for it—we’re looking at independent university studies, FDA-compliant laboratory testing, and real-world data.
And the timing? It couldn’t be more relevant.
Why This Matters Right Now
Let’s set the stage with some current facts:
The CDC expects the 2025-26 respiratory disease season to have similar combined peak hospitalizations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV as last season . Last season saw about 1 million flu hospitalizations and up to 130,000 flu deaths .
The 2024-2025 season was particularly challenging, with RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 all heavily circulating simultaneously, putting tremendous strain on medical systems .
Translation: Respiratory illness season is here, and it’s no joke.
While vaccination remains your primary defense, many homeowners are asking: What else can I do to protect my family?
That’s where the air scrubber research gets interesting.
The University Studies: Independent Testing
Let’s start with what universities—not manufacturers—have found.
Kansas State University: Testing Against Dangerous Pathogens
ActivePure Technology reduced MRSA (the antibiotic-resistant superbug) by 99.8% and E. coli by 98.1% in indoor environments .
The study also demonstrated similar effectiveness in neutralizing black mold and other potentially dangerous pathogens .
What this means for you: The technology works against some of the toughest pathogens we face—not just common cold viruses.
University of Cincinnati: How Fast Does It Work?
Research validated that ions produced by the technology drop particles out of the air 100 times faster than relying on gravity alone .
Testing found that units dramatically reduced airborne aerosol contaminants and neutralized 90% of viruses and bacteria within an hour .
What this means for you: You’re not waiting days for results. Active cleaning happens while you go about your day.
The COVID-19 Testing: Military-Grade Standards
When the pandemic hit, researchers put air scrubber technology through rigorous testing. The results surprised even the scientists.
Airborne Virus Elimination
Testing at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)—a facility that primarily tests for the U.S. military and CDC—found ActivePure Technology inactivated over 99.9% of highly concentrated airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus in just 3 minutes .
Let that sink in. Three minutes.
Tests were conducted in a Bio Safety Level 3 and 4 laboratory using FDA guidelines with live SARS-CoV-2 virus at extremely high concentrations—over 10 million viral particles per milliliter .
Surface Decontamination
Airborne transmission isn’t the only concern. What about surfaces?
Independent FDA-compliant laboratory testing established a 99.98% surface kill rate of live SARS-CoV-2 virus in 7 hours .
Why this matters: Air scrubbers don’t just clean the air—they help decontaminate surfaces throughout your home continuously.
Other Respiratory Threats
COVID-19 isn’t the only virus families worry about. Studies demonstrate effectiveness against H1N1 (swine flu), MRSA, E. coli, and other bacterial and viral pathogens .
Real-World Results: Beyond the Lab
Laboratory results are one thing. What happens when this technology is installed in actual buildings with real people?
Hospital Operating Rooms
A 2015 study in a Dallas hospital operating room showed that after one week of ActivePure exposure, bacteria counts dropped by more than 80% and air particles by 90% .
The researchers’ reaction? “These places are scrubbed with chlorine and filled with ultraviolet lights and HEPA filters. They were really shocked when we came in and showed them the kind of impact we could have” .
Think about that. Hospitals use every cleaning method known to modern medicine—and air scrubbers still made a measurable difference.
Professional Sports Facilities
After four Texas Rangers players contracted MRSA infections in one year, the team installed ActivePure air purifiers in their locker room and gym .
The results? A follow-up study found that bacteria and fungus were virtually eliminated and air particle counts were dramatically reduced continuously over the course of a year .
The proof: Nearly 30 Major League Baseball teams now have ActivePure technology in their facilities .
Professional teams don’t invest in technology that doesn’t work. Their athletes are too valuable.
Hotels: The Ultimate Stress Test
Hotels are challenging environments—constant turnover of guests, limited cleaning windows, high-touch surfaces everywhere.
A 2013 study found that ActivePure virtually eliminated bacteria and fungus populations on various surfaces in three hotel rooms .
After 30 days of exposure to both ActivePure technology and numerous hotel guests, no fungus was detected, and bacteria counts were down to single digits—even on surfaces with initial counts in the hundreds or thousands .
Schools: Where Germs Spread Fast
If you have kids, you know schools are germ factories. One sick child can start a domino effect.
One school’s sports facilities saw the end of staph infections after installation, following a year with 14 infections .
Schools that installed devices saw dramatic reductions in absenteeism and flu-related dismissals .
Translation: Fewer sick days for kids means fewer sick days for parents.
The Honest Assessment: How Effective Are They Really?
Let’s be straight about what air scrubbers can and can’t do.
What the Data Shows
Air scrubber technology can eliminate up to 90% of airborne microorganisms and 99% of surface microorganisms, including black mold, staph, and MRSA .
Those are impressive numbers. But here’s the reality check:
Air scrubbers are NOT:
- A replacement for vaccination
- A substitute for hand washing
- An excuse to skip cleaning
- A guarantee you’ll never get sick
Air scrubbers ARE:
- An additional layer of protection
- Continuously working (24/7 when your HVAC runs)
- Backed by independent scientific research
- Effective on both air and surfaces
Why They Work Better Than Passive Solutions
Traditional filters wait for contaminants to come to them. Air scrubbers are proactive—actively seeking out and destroying pathogens throughout your home.
Cleaner air doesn’t just reduce rates of illness but also helps with allergies and asthma and even improves sleep .
Who Benefits Most?
Air scrubbers aren’t necessary for everyone. But certain households see dramatic benefits.
Consider an air scrubber if you have:
✓ Young children or elderly family members
✓ Anyone with asthma, allergies, or COPD
✓ Family members with immune system deficiencies
✓ A household that seems to catch every bug going around
✓ Concerns about seasonal respiratory illnesses
Why Modern Homes Need Extra Help
Here’s something most people don’t realize: modern home construction is virtually airtight, creating problems for indoor air quality and air pollution .
Your grandparents’ drafty house naturally exchanged indoor and outdoor air. Your energy-efficient home? It traps everything inside—good and bad.
What Air Scrubbers Can’t Do (Let’s Be Realistic)
We believe in setting honest expectations.
Not a Medical Device
The EPA warns that disinfecting the air alone is not enough to protect people from coronavirus—when used along with other best practices recommended by CDC, filtration can be part of a plan to protect people indoors .
The proper approach:
- Get vaccinated (most important)
- Practice good hygiene
- Maintain proper ventilation
- Then consider air scrubbers as an additional layer
Can’t Replace Common Sense
Air scrubbers work continuously, but they’re not magic. You still need to:
- Clean your home regularly
- Replace your HVAC filters
- Maintain proper humidity levels
- Keep your HVAC system serviced
Think of an air scrubber as a teammate, not a replacement for good practices.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
Here’s what we know for sure:
The science is solid. Independent universities, FDA-compliant laboratories, and real-world installations all show significant pathogen reduction.
The timing is relevant. With expectations of similar hospitalization rates to last year for combined respiratory illnesses , proactive indoor air quality measures make sense.
The technology works continuously. Unlike cleaning or air filters that have limitations, air scrubbers provide 24/7 active protection when your HVAC runs.
It’s not a silver bullet. Air scrubbers work best as part of a comprehensive approach to health—not as a standalone solution.
Making Your Decision
Ask yourself these questions:
- How much does my family get sick each season?
- Do we have vulnerable household members?
- What would avoiding even one or two illnesses be worth to us?
- Can we afford the $500-$1,500 investment?
If reducing illness risk is a priority—and you can swing the upfront cost—the research supports the investment.
Next Steps: Talk to a Professional
If you’re considering an air scrubber, here are the questions to ask your HVAC contractor:
About the technology:
- Is this system CARB-certified?
- Does it use ActivePure or similar NASA-derived technology?
- What are the ozone emission levels?
About installation:
- Is my HVAC system compatible?
- What’s included in the installation cost?
- What’s the warranty?
About maintenance:
- What’s required annually?
- What do replacement parts cost?
- Do you service what you install?
A reputable contractor will answer all of these readily—and shouldn’t pressure you into a same-day decision.
The Takeaway
Air scrubbers with proven ActivePure Technology offer scientifically validated protection against respiratory pathogens. Independent research from universities, military-grade testing facilities, and real-world installations consistently show significant reductions in harmful microorganisms.
They’re not perfect. They’re not magic. But they’re effective—and during respiratory illness season, every layer of protection counts.
Want to learn more about how air scrubbers work? Check out our first post in this series for the complete breakdown of the technology, installation process, and what to expect.
Quick Facts
How effective are air scrubbers?
Up to 90% reduction in airborne microorganisms and 99% reduction in surface microorganisms according to independent testing.
Do they work on COVID-19?
Yes. Testing showed 99.9% inactivation of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus in 3 minutes in FDA-compliant laboratory conditions.
Are they proven in real-world settings?
Yes. Hospitals, sports facilities, hotels, and schools have documented significant pathogen reductions.
Should I skip vaccination if I have an air scrubber?
Absolutely not. Air scrubbers are a supplement to—not a replacement for—vaccination and good hygiene.
What’s the investment?
$500-$1,500 installed, plus about $15/year for UV bulb replacement.
Questions about air scrubbers or indoor air quality? Drop a comment below or contact our team for a free consultation. We’re here to help you make the right choice for your home.