Originally published Aug 20, 2014. Updated on May 20, 2023.
Poor indoor air quality can be a problem for all types of homes, and it doesn’t matter if you live in a dense city or a rural town. One of the best ways to improve your indoor air is to install a whole-home air cleaner. There are a number of choices when it comes to choosing an air purifier, including mechanical filters and electronic air cleaners. Today we’re going to discuss a specific air cleaner Advantage Airtech has used for many customers with great success: HEPA mechanical filters.
What Is a HEPA Filter?
The acronym HEPA stands for high-efficiency particle air, and it describes a specific type of mechanical filter. HEPA filters were developed during the 1940s to protect scientists from radioactive dust particles. For a filter to be labelled as a HEPA, it has to meet strict standards:
- A HEPA filter has to be tested according to U.S. Military Standard 282 (MIL-STD-282) and individually certified and labelled with specific test results
- Be able to trap particles as small as 3 microns
- Have a minimum efficiency of 99.97%
How Does a HEPA Filter Work?
Another difference between HEPA filters and other mechanical filters is the filter media. HEPA filters are made of thin fibres of glass and contain a small level of activated carbon material. The fibres form a thick paper-like material that is pleated. There are 3 ways in which HEPA filters trap contaminants:
- Particles come into contact with the filter material and stick
- Particles that come within one diameter of the filter’s fibre are drawn back to the fibre and stick
- Particles collide with other stuck molecules and also get caught in the fibre
Broken down more simply, for every 10,000 particles that come into contact with a HEPA filter, only 3 very small ones will be able to pass through it.
Breathe Easier with a HEPA Air Filter Today
HEPA filters can be extremely helpful to those who suffer from allergies and asthma and can help to improve the overall health of your home. In addition, the added strength of a HEPA filter can also help your air conditioner, as far less dirt and dust enter your system with the help of a HEPA filter. However, some HEPA filters can constrict the airflow in an AC, which is why it’s important to work with a professional when installing a HEPA air cleaner for your home.
Have questions about HEPA filters? Call Advantage Airtech today and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
