What’s So Special About HEPA Filters
September 16, 2016
Air pollution is a serious hazard that leads to about 200,000 early deaths every year. You might think pollution is worst outdoors in the Atlanta suburbs, but that’s not always the case. In fact, indoor air quality is often significantly worse than outdoor air. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to improve the air quality in your home. One of the go-to options for keeping any home or business pollutant-free is high-quality HEPA filters.
How HEPA Filters Work
HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is a type of mechanical air filter. That means the filter works by forcing air through a fine mesh that’s designed to trap particulates. These particulates may include dust, pet dander, smoke, pollen, dust mites and other unwanted and potentially hazardous contaminants. HEPA filters can be installed in your HVAC system to help clean the air before it enters your living space.
HEPA’s Particulate-Filtering Power
All mechanical air filters rely on this same basic mechanism, but they’re not all made the same. HEPA air filters are designed with much finer meshes that are far more effective at trapping even very small particulates. In fact, a true HEPA-rated filter is certified to remove at least 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns. What this means in practice is that these filters are exceptionally efficient at removing the major indoor contaminants.
The Benefits of HEPA
Considering how effective a HEPA filter is at removing particulates, choosing these high-quality filters is rarely a bad decision. They can significantly improve your indoor air quality and lower your risk of IAQ-related health effects. They can also keep your system cleaner, potentially saving on HVAC maintenance costs over the long term.
Poor air quality is a serious risk that you may not even realize you’re facing. Fortunately, installing quality filters is a reliable way to manage the air quality in your home. For more on how you can breathe easier, check out One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning’s indoor air quality solutions or call (855) 993-2290.