If you’re shopping for an air purifier you have probably come across the term HEPA in regards to air filtration, but maybe you’re wondering what exactly HEPA filters are and more specifically how HEPA air filtration works?
In this article about HEPA air filters, we are going to specifically look at;
- What is a HEPA filter?
- How do HEPA filters work?
- What are the benefits of HEPA air filters?
- Why choose HEPA filters?
- What are the different HEPA filter types?
What is a HEPA Filter?
A HEPA filter is an air filter that has been deemed to trap 99.97% of particulates 0.3 microns or larger by The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology.
This means that HEPA filters are actually tested for efficiency, so products must meet this threshold to carry the HEPA name.
You might also be wondering what HEPA stands? It’s simply an acronym for “High Efficiency Particulate Air”.
Now we know all this, let’s take a look at how exactly HEPA filters work…
How do HEPA Filters work?
In simple terms HEPA filters trap air contaminants that travel in the air in a web of different fibres.
This happens in four different ways depending on the size of the fibre in question;
- Inertial Impaction – traps larger particles
- Diffusion – this method traps small particles by dissipation, eventually trapping them in the fibres of the filter
- Interception – traps medium sized particles as they travel through the air
- Sieving – also traps larger particles
Particles range in size from ultra-microscopic to fully visible to the naked eye.
Particles themselves are measured in microns, which are one millionth of a metre. Consider that humans can’t see anything smaller than 10 microns, which gives you a better understanding of the size of a micron or less than a micron.
Bacteria can be as little as 0.3 microns and as large as 60 microns, with 1 inch equaling 25,400 microns.
What are the benefits of a HEPA filter?
When you buy a HEPA filter you are buying an air filter that has been tested and complies with a certain standard. This means you know the product works and does what it says it will.
In a world where unfortunately there are more pollutants than ever in the air we breathe, investing in HEPA filters means you can feel confident that these irritants and pollutants are actually being filtered out of the air you and your family or work colleagues are breathing.
Ultimately HEPA filters improve the quality of the air around you.
Why choose HEPA filters?
Here are some of the most popular reasons why people choose to buy HEPA air filters:
- Critical processes in manufacturing, medical and pharmaceutical facilities – HEPA’s are extremely important in industries where it is crucial for the air to be free of contaminants.
- New parents – removing pollutants from the air in your home ensures that the air your newborn is breathing is safe for babies and children.
- Pet owners – owning pets is great, but often they leave odour and dander in the air. HEPA filters help remove these allergens and smells from the air.
- Smokers – HEPA filters can remove smoke particles and fumes from your home, leaving your home smelling fresher.
- Asthma sufferers – HEPA filters can help massively with common household allergens like mould spores, dust mite feces and household dust particles.
What are the different HEPA filter types?
Contrary to popular belief, not all HEPA filters are the same.
There are a variety of air purifier technologies available, including activated carbon, ionising, ozone, UV technology, and HEPA. Some air purifiers combine multiple technologies, while others only use one. Whichever option you choose, understanding what to expect is crucial.
There’s no guesswork with HEPA technology since you know exactly what to expect. Whether you have an advanced HEPA filter or a basic HEPA filter, you can rest assured that particles will be removed on a microscopic level, so take a big breath.
Buy HEPA filters online
If you’re looking to buy HEPA filters online, head over to our air filtration shop and take a look at the metal case HEPA’s and wood case HEPA’s we have on offer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly UK experts.
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