HEPA filters are limited to particulates. There are harmful gases and fumes that may just pass through a HEPA filter. HEPA filters may cause air to become too dry. Finally, some HEPA filters may produce ozone, which is an unhealthy gas that can irritate the lungs.
HEPA filters will not remove most viruses, because they are simply too small. HEPA filters will also not remove VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, as they are also too small. Still, HEPA filter technology can be combined with other technologies that will remove these things from your air too.
ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulate matter than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are 99.999% effective at removing submicron particulate matter of 0.12-micron diameter or larger, while HEPA filters are 99.97% effective for eliminating particulate matter of 0.3-micron diameter or larger.
Part of the reason that HEPA filters are so rarely used in HVAC systems is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. This means that the system needs to be extremely powerful and use additional fans in order to properly draw air through the HEPA filter and circulate it throughout the room or building.
The average lifespan of HEPA filters can vary significantly depending on their usage, environment, quality, and maintenance, as previously discussed. However, as a general guideline, HEPA filters typically last between 6 months to 3 years before needing replacement.
Many people think that switching it off during the night or when they're not present is a logical energy-saving measure, but it is recommended to keep it running constantly. Once you turn off your air purifier, the air quickly becomes contaminated again with mold, dust, dander, and other pollutants present in the air.
There are many factors involved including: usage time, air pollution, filter positioning and even humidity. The recommended time to replace the HEPA filter is between 3 to 6 months which is a very broad average. In reality, a filter should be changed when its ability to filter a high degree of particles is reduced.
Medical professionals suggest prioritizing maintaining a clean home and frequently sanitizing frequently used surfaces. Air purifiers should just be an accessory to your cleaning routine, not a priority.
HEPA filters are limited to particulates. There are harmful gases and fumes that may just pass through a HEPA filter. HEPA filters may cause air to become too dry. Finally, some HEPA filters may produce ozone, which is an unhealthy gas that can irritate the lungs.
Filters within a MERV rating of 17-20 are almost never necessary in a residential home. A MERV rating of 13-16 is considered hospital level air quality, so it is unlikely your home needs any more than that.
The type of filter you need will depend on the specific needs of your facility. If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture large particles, then MERV 13 is a good option. If you are looking for a filter that can efficiently capture smaller particles, then HEPA may be a better option.
All HEPA filters have a rating of a MERV 17 or higher. A HEPA filter with a MERV 17 rating will trap 99.97% of air particles that are 0.3-1.0 micron in size and an even better % of particles below 0.3 microns and above (HEPA filters are rated at their worst performance).
We call this "medical-grade" HEPA filtration. You may be aware that there's a filter that removes even smaller particles, called the ULPA (Ultra-Low Particulate Air) filter. The ULPA standard requires removal of 99.999% of particles down to 0.12 microns.
While hard water cannot be filtered, it can be softened to significantly improve your water quality, protect your plumbing system, reduce your time spent cleaning, and more.
What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.
Because not all HVAC systems can use HEPA filters, air filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 16 are the best option to trap pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites, and they're highly effective for reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality.
Recent research by researchers from the University of Reading and the University of Sussex, commissioned by Dyson, has found that using an air purifier can have a positive impact on sleep outcomes.
Wash your HEPA filter with warm water and allow it to dry if your model specifically states that water cleaning is safe. You can also soak your filter in hot water if it is extremely dirty. Clean non-washable, permanent HEPA filters using a vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Although not all Shark upright vacuums have HEPA filters, we've found that the vast majority do, so if you have an upright model, it's quite likely that it has a HEPA filter. The Shark Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean PowerFins Upright Vacuum is one popular model that features a HEPA filter.
It's perfectly safe to keep the device running continuously, and the amount of energy it consumes is very small. And the advantages are significant—by running your air purifier all the time, you'll benefit from the best air quality possible, and the cleaner the air, the better for your health!
The HEPA filter integrity test is typically performed on supply air or exhaust air HEPA filters using a photometer to scan the filter surface for pinhole leaks that could allow the transmission of contaminant particles that would be unacceptable in a critical application.
Mold is an obvious health risk in any home, but investing in an air purifier can help limit your exposure. The best among them will ideally offer HEPA-level filtration, with this level of filtration being able to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.
Unless approved otherwise, HEPA filters are tested at minimum once every 12 months, except those installed in ISO Class 5 facilities, which are tested every 6 months. If testing detects a leak in the HEPA filter, repairs must follow an approved patching procedure based on the IEST RP-CC034.