What is the alternative to a HEPA filter?

Author: Donna Lubowitz  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

UV air purifiers While HEPA systems filter pollutants from the air mechanically, UV air filters destroy them through radiation. UV radiation is a natural component of sunlight and can be used to eliminate organic substances thanks to its high energy content.

Is there a better filter than HEPA?

S-Class filters are very good and have lower replacement costs. Hepa filtration is even better for severe allergies but is more expensive.

Do you really need a HEPA filter?

The Importance of Approved HEPA Filters for Your Equipment

Smaller particles in the air run into and stick to the fibers and are removed as well. By removing these pollutants from the air and equipment, HEPA filters significantly reduce the risk of respiratory problems and allergies. As they remove these contaminants.

Which is better, a HEPA or an electrostatic filter?

A true HEPA filter is 99.97% efficient on removing dust particles from 0.3 microns to 10 microns. An Electrostatic cell is 97% efficient on removing dust particles from 0.1 micron to 10 microns. These numbers are very similar. Based on the efficiency numbers alone the HEPA is clearly a better filtration type.

Is an ionizer better than a HEPA filter?

Ionic Purifier Cons:

Performs much worse when compared to a HEPA filter, and performance degrades as the plates become dirty. It is common for ozone to be produced as a by-product of ionization, and Ozone is considered indoor air pollution and a lung irritant.

Why You Need To Stop Using These Filters To Purify Your Air! What To Use Instead

What are the downsides of an ionizer?

Ionizer air purifiers use electrically charged ions to attract and trap particles, including allergens and pollutants. While they are generally safe to use at home, it's important to be aware of potential risks associated with these devices. One such risk is the generation of harmful ozone gas.

What is the safest type of air purifier?

If you decide to purchase a portable air cleaner, filtering air cleaners with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are recommended because these do not emit ozone but do remove particulate matter from the air.

Why are HEPA filters rarely used in homes?

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.

What filters are there other than HEPA?

While ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulates, they are usually less effective at reducing the overall particulate concentration in a typical room than the same air filtration system equipped with HEPA filters. This is due to reduced airflow caused by the dense filter material of ULPA filters.

What are the two disadvantages of HEPA filters?

The first is related to their cost. A high-quality HEPA filter can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand depending on the size and model and the area to be covered. Secondly, they need to be regularly maintained and replaced in order to keep them working properly.

Are off brand HEPA filters good?

In a World of Knockoffs, HEPA Filter Sales Emerged

Even though you might find a filter elsewhere that may save you a few dollars initially, the lack of quality and performance will lead to much higher costs in the long run. Our philosophy is that it's simply not worth the gamble!

Is shark vacuum HEPA?

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.

What do doctors say about air purifiers?

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.

Is MERV 11 too high for home?

In most cases, a MERV 11 air filter isn't too high for residential use. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should provide very efficient air purification in a home without impacting airflow.

Is it necessary to have a HEPA filter?

HEPA filtration has become something like a modern-day talisman, a protective ward against often-invisible dangers from wildfires, viruses, stovetops, and more. Although HEPA is indeed the gold standard for fighting airborne pollution, a HEPA filter alone can't shield you from pollution.

Will MERV 13 damage my HVAC?

MERV 13 air filters are the highest-rated air filters for home use. Any air filter with a rating higher than 13 will restrict air flow to the point of which could cause damage to your HVAC system, resulting in an added expense to fix it.

What is alternative to HEPA?

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that MERV8+MERV16 filters provide protection against virus transmission through HVAC systems and are a cost-conscious alternative to HEPA filters.

What type of home air filter is best?

HEPA Filters

With a MERV rating nearing 16, HEPA filters provide the highest protection for your home. They're able to remove even the smallest microns or airborne particles, including tobacco and bacteria. Those who live with allergies or other respiratory issues may benefit from HEPA filters the most.

Are polarized air filters worth it?

Polarized Media Filters are an affordable solution for home indoor air quality and have a 97% efficiency rate. Designed to fit in your existing HVAC unit, Polarized Filters work like a magnet to remove the smallest air particles that standard filters can't catch.

What are the side effects of HEPA air purifier?

Headaches, sore throat, coughing, Asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing are a few of the symptoms that can be brought on by some air purifiers. Yes, that's right. Your air purifier may actually aggravate many of the health issues you hoped it would solve.

What type of air purifier filter is best?

Studies of room air purifiers show that using HEPA filters—filters with very fine mesh, certified to collect 99.97 percent of particles of a certain hard-to-capture size (0.3 micrometers in diameter)—can be quite effective at removing many of the most common household irritants.

Does a HEPA filter make your house less dusty?

Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters offer an effective solution for reducing indoor dust levels and improving overall air quality.

Is there an air filter better than HEPA?

Recently, Jehn and colleagues published new research showing the DIY filters, known as Corsi-Rosenthal, or C-R, boxes, work better than commercial HEPA air cleaners for a fraction of the cost.

What is the #1 air purifier?

Best Overall Air Purifier: Coway Airmega True HEPA Purifier, $225. Best Runner-Up Air Purifier: Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier, $319 $290. Most Versatile Air Purifier: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde, $806. Best Budget Air Purifier: Clorox Smart Medium Room Air Purifier, $120 $100.

Is there a downside to air purifiers?

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.

Previous article
Does Lysol laundry sanitizer kill MRSA?
Next article
How do you keep heat in the bottom of the door?