FAQ on ANSI/AHAM AC-1 and AHAM AC-5
Overview of AHAM AC-5
Method for Measuring Performance of Portable Household Electric Room Air Cleaners
This standard establishes a uniform, repeatable procedure or standard method for measuring specified product characteristics of household portable air cleaners. The standard methods provide a means to compare and evaluate different brands and models of household portable air cleaners regarding characteristics significant to product use.
This standard allows for the determination of the Clean Air Delivery Rate for portable air cleaners. While the contaminants outlined in this standard are limited to smoke, pollen and dust, the general principles can be adapted to accommodate a wider variety of contaminants such as bioaerosols, allergens, and chemicals. Airmid provides 28.5 m3 environmental test chambers that are built in accordance with the ANSI/AHAM AC-1 standard.
The ability to accurately sample the air in a variety of different manners as befits each of the potential constituents of the Bioaerosols and then quantify them through highly sensitive , sophisticated laboratory techniques is what sets airmid apart.
Situated right beside our laboratories is a suite of climate-controlled testing chambers, the majority being full sized, which can be adapted to meet almost any testing requirements, this is what allows airmid generate data of the highest standards. It is unique!
Our experience includes impedance and non-impedance based technologies, both free standing and in-duct. From HEPA/ULPA to UV, Ionization to Plasma fields, Photocatalytic to Ozone, either singly or in combination, gases and dry formulations, as well as other bespoke formulations, or large or small spaces, all are tested at Airmid Health Group.
Manufacturers who are seeking to have their products tested against a range of viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, allergens or toxins either in chamber-based studies, real life situations, or in vitro may wish to talk with Airmid health Groups scientists. We provide:
- Performance testing of existing products or protypes
- Data to support marketing claims and product registration
- Testing of new concepts, IP and designs as part of the product development journey
- Testing data beyond that currently required by ISO, ASTM and ASHRAE standards
Beyond Standard Testing – Additional Services
In addition to air cleaner performance validation, Airmid Healthgroup offers a range of complementary testing services to support indoor air quality research and product development, including:
- Allergen Detection & Mitigation Studies – Assessing product efficacy in reducing allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander
- Microbial Contamination Assessments – Evaluating microbial loads in indoor environments before and after air treatment interventions
- Surface Disinfection Efficacy Testing – Measuring the ability of air cleaning technologies to reduce surface contamination
- HVAC System Evaluations – Investigating filtration and purification efficiency within ventilation systems
- VOC Emissions Analysis – Identifying and quantifying harmful chemicals released by air cleaning devices
Why Work with iAIR Labs for AHAM AC-5?
Manufacturers looking to validate their air cleaning technologies—whether through chamber studies, real-world simulations, or in vitro testing—can rely on Airmid Healthgroup’s scientific expertise and credibility.
We provide:
- Performance validation of both existing products and prototypes
- Scientific data to support marketing claims and regulatory approvals
- Product development insights for emerging concepts and IP
- Testing data beyond industry standards, including ISO, ASTM, and ASHRAE methodologies
With decades of expertise, a dedicated team of scientists, and one of the most advanced IAQ testing facilities in the world, Airmid Healthgroup is the trusted partner for companies seeking to innovate, differentiate, and substantiate their air purification technologies.
| Test | Description |
| ASHRAE 241 | ASHRAE Standard 241 establishes a test method for biological aerosol removal and defines the minimum equivalent clean air requirements to reduce airborne disease transmission in indoor environments. |
| AHAM AC-5 | AHAM AC-5 testing is an industry-recognized method for verifying an air purifier’s effectiveness in removing airborne microbes. |
| ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2-2017 | This standard describes a method of laboratory testing to measure the performance of  general ventilation air-cleaning devices in removing particles of specific diameters |
| Modified ASHRAE 52.2 | Our ASHRAE 52.2 modified duct is attached to an ASTM/AHAM environmental test chamber and allows for the assessment of in-duct and in-sequence air purifying systems on bio-particulates such as viral particles, bacteria, fungi/molds, as well as allergens such as house dust mite, various pollens, animal dander (e.g. cat/dog) and particular toxins. |
| ANSI/AHAM AC-1 2020 | This standard allows for the determination of the Clean Air Delivery Rate for portable air cleaners. While the contaminants outlined in this standard are limited to smoke, pollen and dust, the general principles can be adapted to accommodate a wider variety of contaminants such as bioaerosols, allergens, and chemicals. Airmid provides 28.5 m3 environmental test chambers that are built in accordance with the ANSI/AHAM AC-1 standard. |
| ASTM D6670:2018A | This practice is intended for determining volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from materials and products (building materials, material systems, furniture, consumer products, etc.) and equipment (printers, photocopiers, air cleaners, etc.) under environmental and product usage conditions that are typical of those found in office and residential buildings. |
| ANSI/ASHRAE 185.1 2020 | The ANSI/ASHRAE 185.1-2020 standard specifies a test method for the evaluation of HVAC UV-C technologies for their ability to inactivate airborne microorganisms in the airstream. This standard specifies the parameters for assessing UV-C technologies, such as bioaerosol generation, and upstream and downstream air sampling procedures for microbial analysis. |
Learn more about our ASHRAE 52.2 Testing Services for HVAC Filters and how they support compliance, benchmarking, and marketing claims.
Who We Help
- Product Innovators
- Product Development Managers
- Quality Assurance Specialists
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Product Marketing Managers
- Product Marketing Managers
Related External Links for AHAM AC-5
- AHAM- Assosiation of Home Manufacturers and Appliances
- Asthma & Allergy  Friendly® Certification Program
- Enhancing health and wellness by improving indoor air quality
