What is HEPA Filtration and Do I Need it?

Now, more than ever before, people are concerned about their air quality. Not only are we contending with pollution in the air, animal dander, pollen, dust and other irritants, the threat of virus spread through the air has people around the world rethinking the best ways to have clean air in their homes and businesses. One of the simplest solutions, and one that many already practice, is using HEPA air filters in their air conditioning units.

What Does HEPA Mean?

HEPA is an acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA Air filters trap 99.97 percent of air particles that are .3 microns. HEPA standards and manufacturing was established in 1983, although the use of these filters dates to World War II where HEPA filters were first created to capture particles of radioactive materials while the atomic bomb was being built.

How Do HEPA Filters Work?

HEPA filters are created using interlaced glass fibers. These fibers are twisted into a maze that traps particles as they travel through the web. Particles can be captured through direct impact, sieving, interception, or diffusion.

• Direct Impact- large sized contaminants collide with the fibers and stick to them.
• Sieving- Particles traveling on airstreams are trapped between two fibers.
• Interception- Particles can flow around the fibers but become stuck to the sides of fibers due to inertia.
• Diffusion- Ultra-small particles moving erratically hit and stick to the fibers.

Some people are concerned about other particulates, including smoke, chemicals and other contaminants that are less than .3 microns. While a HEPA filter cannot filter out these ultra-small particles, other components of your air conditioning filtration system, such as carbon filters, work together with the HEPA filter to remove toxins from the air.

Where Can HEPA Filters be Used?

HEPA filters were originally designed for laboratories, but they are now widely used across many settings:

• HVAC systems — Whole-home HEPA filtration integrates directly into your existing heating and cooling system to clean the air throughout your entire house.
• Standalone air purifiers — Portable HEPA air purifiers can be placed in individual rooms to target specific areas with allergy or air quality concerns.
• Vacuums — HEPA-equipped vacuums trap fine dust, pet dander, and allergens instead of recirculating them back into the air while you clean.
• Cars — Many modern vehicles include HEPA or HEPA-style cabin air filters to reduce pollen, pollution, and particulates during your commute.

True HEPA vs. HEPA

You may have heard the words "true HEPA" mentioned by different manufacturers. While this is mostly just a marketing ploy, there is a difference in standards when comparing HEPA certification in the United States vs. Europe. The European standard for HEPA certified is a filter than captures 85% of .3 microns. The US mandates a 99.97% capture rate. For this reason, many people refer to American made HEPA filters as true HEPA.

Do I Need a HEPA Filter in My Home?

If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities, a HEPA filter can make a meaningful difference in daily comfort and health. Homes with pets are also strong candidates, since HEPA filtration captures the fine dander and hair particles that standard filters miss. Fresno and the Central Valley experience some of the poorest air quality in the nation, with seasonal wildfire smoke and agricultural dust making high-efficiency filtration especially important for local homeowners. Balanced Comfort can evaluate your current system and recommend the right HEPA solution — whether that's an in-duct upgrade or a standalone air purifier — to match your home and budget.

If you are wondering what HEPA Filtration system would be best for you, call the professionals at Balanced Comfort Cooling & Heating!

Balanced Comfort serves Fresno, Clovis, and the Central Valley. Book a consultation or call 559-234-4131.