HEPA filters are renowned for their ability to effectively reduce particles such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. If you're concerned about these types of particles in your home, updating your air filters is a great way to keep your family safe. HEPA filters are highly effective at removing most allergens, dust, pollen and mold from the air. However, they won't eliminate viruses or VOCs.
Mold can grow inside fibers, so it's essential to replace your filter regularly every 12 to 18 months or when needed. Manufacturers whose filters don't meet DOE specifications are often labeled “HEPA type”, HEPA type, or “HEPA style”. The recommended replacement rate varies from appliance to appliance and depends on how much air is drawn through the filter (and how dirty the air is). Generally speaking, you can expect to change HEPA filters at least twice as much as you would for non-HEPA filters.
To address VOCs, you may want to consider an air purifier with an activated carbon filter in addition to the HEPA filter. Ultraviolet light can also be effective in inactivating coronavirus, so healthcare organizations, hospitals and schools have used a combination of HEPA and UVGI filters to filter recirculated air. But where nothing can be done, air purifiers can help remove small particles, pollutants, and toxins from the air through the use of filters and chemicals. As air moves through the filters, contaminants and particles are captured inside the materials, while clean air is returned to the room.
To ensure that your air purifier works properly, be sure to change the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. HEPA filters were originally designed in the 1940s to protect workers in nuclear facilities from breathing irradiated particles in the air. Research shows that filtering the air can help remove harmful particles from indoor spaces, particularly allergens, smoke and mold. However, when used in air purifiers, there are many misconceptions about what the filter can and cannot do.
Air purifiers with the right types of filters can neutralize many of the pollutants caused by air pollution, indoor activities, and natural elements. Today, HEPA filters are considered to be the best filters for removing airborne particles such as mold spores, dust, dander, and pollen. Yes, by using HEPA filters in both vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, you can reduce the amount of allergens and airborne pollutants in a home.
