HEPA Filters Promote a Healthy Home
When many of us think about air pollution, we focus on contaminants outdoors, like factory emissions and fumes from vehicles. In reality, the air quality inside your house can be worse than the air outside. One of the ways to improve air quality is with HEPA filters in the home.
What Are HEPA Filters?
High-efficiency particulate air filters, also known as HEPA filters, were first developed to protect factory workers from hazardous airborne particles. Over time, they have become commonplace in hospitals, laboratories, and homes. To meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency, a HEPA product must remove 99% or more of airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger.
Contaminants HEPA Technology Cannot Remove
Unfortunately, HEPA filters cannot remove every possible contaminant from the air in your house. They are made to remove air particles larger than 0.3 microns so that smaller particles can pass through the filter. Some of the most common things that these filters cannot remove include some viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some strains of bacteria. VOCs are common in cleaning chemicals, hairspray, air fresheners, and scented candles found in many households.
HEPA Technology in the Home
HEPA technology can be integrated into various products, but there are three most common applications for homeowners.
- HEPA filters for your HVAC unit treat the air to remove contaminants and pollutants as it cycles through the system.
- HEPA air purifiers can be used anywhere in the home, from the bedrooms to the kitchen. They circulate air and reduce odors while trapping dust, dirt, pet dander, and other debris.
- HEPA vacuum cleaners effectively trap contaminants that are irritants to your respiratory system, like dust mites or mold spores.
HEPA Filters Often Benefits Even if You Don’t Have Allergies
These filters offer benefits to your family even if they don’t suffer from allergies or asthma. If you have high humidity levels or water damage in your house, HEPA technology removes mold spores and bacteria from the air. This reduces the risk of mold growing in your home. When there is severe outdoor air pollution or wildfires nearby, these filters purify the air in your home.
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