What is AHAM's Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)?
The AHAM seal (usually found on the back of an air cleaner's box) lists three Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) numbers: one for tobacco smoke, one for pollen and one for dust. The CADR indicates volume of filtered air delivered by an air cleaner. The higher the tobacco smoke, pollen and dust numbers, the faster the unit filters the air.
How consumers use CADR numbers to compare air cleaners
We suggest that consumers compare CADR numbers from manufacturer to manufacturer and from air cleaner to air cleaner. They should first look at the AHAM-suggested room size. Then they should refer to the dust, tobacco smoke and pollen CADR numbers. If from one unit to the other the ratings are the same, consumers then know that air-filtering performance is similar.
How manufacturers use CADR numbers
When you participate in the CADR program you show confidence in your product's performance and by displaying the seal, and you share this confidence with both retailers and consumers. AHAM's independent, third party testing also provides a consistent product measurement system that you and your customers can trust.
