Air Filtration Standards

AHAM’s standard for measuring an air cleaner’s efficacy is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, with separate scores for tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air. Always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark when shopping for air cleaners, which is usually found on the side or back of an air cleaner’s packaging.

Follow the 2/3 Rule

As a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air cleaner should be equal to at least two-thirds of the room’s area.

For example, a room with the dimensions of 10 feet by 12 feet has an area of 120 square feet. It would be best to have an air cleaner with a smoke CADR of at least 80. For wild fire smoke,  AHAM recommends a Smoke CADR equal to the size of the room in square feet.

Using an air cleaner with a higher CADR in that room will simply clean the air more often and faster. If your ceilings are higher than 8 feet, an air cleaner rated for a larger room will be necessary.

For more technical information, download the report Method for Measuring the Performance of Portable Household Electric Room Air Cleaners; Understanding its Scope and the Related AHAM Industry Certification Program.

Click here for FAQs about the testing of Portable Air Cleaners.

Click here for the latest qualification requirements for alternate test facilities.

Why Genuine, Air Cleaner Manufacturer-Backed Filters Matter

When it’s time to buy a replacement filter, you’ll find plenty of options online. But not all filters are created equal. Off-brand or unverified filters may look similar, but some may fail to meet the performance standards of the original. Using a poorly performing filter can reduce airflow, lower particle removal efficiency, and even allow allergens, viruses, and bacteria to circulate back into your home.

For people who rely on their air cleaner to manage allergy symptoms or protect against airborne illnesses, a non-genuine filter isn’t just a bad investment—it can be a health risk.

AHAM Verifide: Tested for Trust

AHAM Verifide launched a new program to help consumers shop with confidence. AHAM Verifide replacement filters have been independently tested in accredited laboratories to confirm the performance of AHAM Verifide tested filters are equal to the original manufacturer’s filter.

For more than 50 years, the AHAM Verifide mark has represented trust, performance, and peace of mind in home appliances. When you see the AHAM Verifide seal, you know the product has been evaluated by a third-party expert—not just the manufacturer—and verified to deliver the performance you’re paying for.