3 Things You Should Know About HEPA Filters
The quality of your indoor air can ultimately affect your health, so keeping it clean should be your top priority. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep the air inside your home clean and clear, and one of the most effective solutions is using HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of HEPA filters, as Comfort Zone of North Florida Inc, a trusted provider of commercial air conditioning service, shares some facts about them.
HEPA Filters Can Be Found in HVAC Systems and Household Appliances
The three most common appliances that make use of HEPA filters are:
HEPA vacuum cleaners – These are perfect for filtering out the dirt that gets tracked into the house and makes its way into the air, as well as pet dander, which usually settles on the floor or upholstery.
HEPA air purifiers – These are portable air purifiers that reduce dust, dander and other airborne contaminants. They work by drawing air into the unit and then exhausting it back into the room through a HEPA filter.
Whole-house HEPA purifiers – Since they’re able to remove airborne particles throughout the home, these purifiers are often considered to be more effective than portable air purifiers, which can only manage to clean the air in a single room.
A reliable HVAC contractor will likely recommend you get one or more of these appliances, especially if you have a family member suffering from allergies or asthma.
HEPA Filters Can’t Remove All Pollutants From Your Indoor Air
Airborne particulates that cause allergy symptoms are easily trapped by a HEPA filter. However, a HEPA filter can’t guarantee the complete removal of allergens from your indoor air. Viruses that are 0.1 to 0.004 microns are so tiny that they can pass through HEPA filters. Meanwhile, bacteria ranging from 0.2 to 1 micron can be trapped in a HEPA filter, but when they die and decompose, endotoxins are released that are small enough to go right through a HEPA filter.
While mold spores ranging from 3 to 100 microns can also be trapped by a HEPA filter, the presence of moisture may still enable the spores to grow and spread throughout the filter.
HEPA Filters Should Be Replaced Regularly
Due to the amount of contaminants that get trapped in HEPA filters, they can be more prone to clogging than traditional filters. To prevent the spread of mold and other airborne pollutants, it’s best to replace the filter regularly. The frequency of replacing these filters usually depends on how much air is being drawn through them. Generally, you can expect to replace HEPA filters at least twice as often as you would change non-HEPA filters.
Comfort Zone of North Florida Inc. is made up of seasoned professionals who will ensure top-notch residential or commercial HVAC services for you. Call us at (904) 406-0070 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve customers in Jacksonville, FL.