Do you know the difference between true HEPA filters vs. HEPA type Filter? Many people don’t, and as a result, they may be spending more money than needed on air purifiers. But in this blog post, we’ll explain it all so that won’t happen! Plus, we’ll discuss how different types work and which one might suit a particular situation best for an individual home or office building needs!
So, Let’s get started
True HEPA VS HEPA Type filter: Which is the Best?
High-Efficiency Particulate Air is a term for HEPA. A true HEPA filter is a form of air purifier that meets strict EPA requirements. Filters labeled as “true HEPA” must remove 99.97 percent of all particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger from the air.
HEPA-type filters are not as good as true HEPA filters, but they do still meet some of the same standards. A HEPA-type filter must remove at least 90% of all particles from the air that are 0.3 microns or larger in size.
While a true HEPA filter is the best option for filtering air, HEPA-type filters are also very popular. Why? Well, because they do not cost as much as a true HEPA filter. Plus, while a true HEPA filter will last 3-5 years on average before needing replacement, a HEPA type filter will usually need to be replaced after about 12 months of use.
What Is True HEPA filter?
A true HEPA filter is a type of air filter that has been certified by the United States Department of Energy to meet particular requirements. Filters labeled as “true HEPA” must remove 99.97% of all particles from the air that are 0.3 microns or larger in size.
What Is a HEPA-type filter?
A HEPA-type filter is not as good as a true HEPA filter, but it still meets some of the same standards. A HEPA-type filter must be able to remove at least 99% of all particles in the air that are 0.2 microns or larger.
While a true HEPA filter is the best option for filtering air, HEPA-type filters are also very popular. Why? Well, because they do not cost as much as a true HEPA filter. Plus, while a true HEPA filter will last 3-5 years on average before needing replacement, a HEPA type filter will usually need to be replaced after about 12 months of use.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
Well, it depends on your situation and what you’re trying to accomplish. If you want the absolute best air purifier for your home or office building, then a true HEPA filter would be best suited for you. Because a True HEPA filter can remove 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns or larger in size from the air, it’s a very efficient option for removing pollutants such as dust and pollen. This means that it can remove a greater number of smaller particles than a HEPA-type filter can.
However, if you’re looking for an air purifier that is less expensive and still meets some of the same standards, then a HEPA-type filter may be a better choice for you.
For example, if you have allergies and your doctor recommends using an air purifier in your home or office building, a true HEPA filter is recommended by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
However, if you’re looking for an air purifier that will clean the air in your home or office building but that is not as expensive, then a HEPA-type filter would be best suited.
Difference between True HEPA filter & HEPA-type filter?
A true HEPA filter is a type of air filter that has been certified by the United States Department of Energy to meet particular criteria. Filters labeled “true HEPA” must capture 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns or bigger from the air.
A HEPA-type filter is not as good as a true HEPA filter, but it still meets some of the same standards. A HEPA-type filter must capture at least 99% of all particles in the air that are 0.2 microns or larger in size.
How Are HEPA Filters Classified?
HEPA filters are classified based on the percent of particles they remove from the air that are 0.3 microns or larger in size.
There are three classifications, A, B, and C. Air purifiers with a classification of “A” are tasked with removing 99% of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.
Air purifiers with a classification of “B” are tasked with removing at least 90% of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.
Finally, air purifiers with a classification of “C” are tasked with removing at least 80% of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.
As you can see, the classification of a HEPA filter determines how well it is going to remove larger particles from your air. If you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, then an “A” classification will be best suited for you because it removes the largest number of smaller particles.
However, if you are looking for the most affordable option or you want one that will last a few years, then a “C” classification HEPA filter is your best bet.
How Does A HEPA Filter Work?
A HEPA filter works by using a fan to push air through several layers of filters. These layers are made out of tightly packed fibers, which trap particles in the air as they pass through them. Once these particles are trapped in the filter, the only way to escape is by being pushed out with the air passing through the filter or by being released when the filter is shaken.
The best part about a HEPA filter is that it requires no maintenance and no additional energy to function, which makes them very cost-effective. The downside of a HEPA filter is that you cannot use one with humidifiers because it will trap the water in the air and cause mold to form inside your filters.
Are There Other Types of HEPA Filters?
There are some other types of filters that claim to trap all particles in the air, even those that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. However, these kinds of claims cannot be verified because they do not follow strict testing guidelines as True HEPA filters do. The reason why manufacturers don’t follow these guidelines is that they cost more to make and would raise the overall price of their products.
These other types of HEPA type filters include:
- Activated Carbon Filters
- Ionizing Air Purifiers
- UV Light Filters
There are also some air purifiers that claim to be “HEPA-like” or “HEPA style”. These filters often use a similar appearance as True HEPA filters, which may make people think they are getting the same thing. However, these types of filters do not need to meet the strict guidelines and can be made with less expensive materials and technology.
The best way to tell if an air purifier uses a true HEPA filter is by reading the product details. If it just says “HEPA-type” or if there is not enough information about the filters, then you should probably ask for more details before buying one. It can be difficult to find out which type of filter you are buying when you don’t know what to look for, which is why our website exists.
Where Is A HEPA filter Used?
A HEPA filter is not just for your home or office; it is also used in hospitals, clean rooms, and other buildings that keep the air very clean. Air sterilization companies use True HEPA filters to remove bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and allergens from the air after it has been cleaned by hospital staff.
These air sterilization companies use HEPA filters to remove harmful bacteria from the air that is inside hospital rooms. You may have seen a HEPA filter outside of some hospital rooms, which means you can only go in with special permission if your immune system is strong. If you had no way of knowing, then it’s even more important for you to know that these filters are used in many other types of buildings.
A True HEPA filter is also used in the production of electronic components and plastic bottles that contain water or milk. If any contaminants were to get into these products, then it could easily ruin the product. This is why so many companies use this type of filter because they can remove all of the harmful particles so nothing can get through.
Do HEPA Filters Remove Particles Smaller Than 0.3 Microns?
Yes, a HEPA filter will remove particles that are 0.3 microns and larger. This is because of how air passes through the filters since they trap larger particles on the outer layers and smaller particles get trapped in between them. It’s not possible for air to pass through a HEPA filter without being cleaned because it would take too much pressure.
If there are any gaps in the HEPA filter or if you shake it, then some particles between 0.3 microns and 1 micron may be released into the air. However, this is not because the HEPA filter isn’t working properly; it’s just because there is a chance that some of the particles could get through and cause problems.
Even though a HEPA filter will not release all of these smaller particles back into the air, they need to be changed or cleaned after many days of use. Otherwise, they can become clogged and cannot clean the air as well. If you notice that your HEPA filter is no longer working properly, you can change it immediately.
If a HEPA filter is not made properly or any gaps in it, it will release some of these particles back into the room. This could make a person sick if they have a weak immune system or respiratory problems.
HEPA filters are one of the best air purifiers available since they can capture a wide range of particles. They work very well to remove pollution from the air so you can breathe easier without sneezing as much. It’s also important to remember that these filters do not remove all of the dust mites, mold spores or other allergens that are inside your home.
There are many various air purifiers on the market nowadays, and it might be difficult to choose which one is ideal for you and your family. If you want information about filters and how they work, then we suggest reading our next article:
Are all HEPA filters the same?
No, there are several types of HEPA filters. The most common ones are Absolute (99.97% removal of all particles) and High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA), with 99.97% efficiency against particles 0.3 microns in size. However, there are also less efficient filters with an ePM1 rating, which means at least 99.5% efficiency against particles 1 micron in size.
An absolute filter is more efficient than a high-efficiency filter because it does not have to deal with smaller particles. However, an absolute filter can clog up quickly since it has to catch everything. This is why an absolute filter usually has a shorter lifespan. A high-efficiency filter can deal with a wider range of particles and has a larger surface area, so it doesn’t clog up as fast.
In addition to the different filters, there are also S-class filters with even higher efficiency against smaller particles (PM0.1, PM0.2). These filters are more expensive, but they last even longer than the HEPA and ePM1 filters.
FAQs:
1. Do HEPA filters remove virus particles?
Answer: All HEPA filters, regardless of brand or price, remove at least 99.97 percent of all particles, including viruses. Since a HEPA filter cannot capture smaller particles such as viruses, it is advised to use an air purifier with a pre-filter designed for catching viruses.
2. What are true HEPA filters made of?
Answer: HEPA filters are made of fiberglass. The more fibers there are, the longer the filter will last.
3. Do HEPA filters remove mold spores?
Answer: All HEPA filters are designed to capture at least 99.97 percent of all particles, including mold spores. Since a HEPA filter cannot capture smaller particles such as mold spores, it is advised to use an air purifier with a pre-filter designed for catching mold.
4. Which type of HEPA filter is best?
Answer: The best type of filter is an S-class HEPA filter, which traps even smaller particles. They also have a longer lifespan and lower energy consumption because they don’t need to produce as much suction.
5. Which filter should I choose?
Answer: It all depends on the size of the room, how often you are planning to vacuum or sweep, and if there are pets or kids in the house.
6. How often should you change HEPA filters?
Answer: It depends on the type of HEPA filter and how often you use the air purifier. If there are pets or kids in the house, then it may need to be replaced more often (every 6 months). If you vacuum frequently, then it can last even longer (up to 2 years).
7. How can you tell if a filter is HEPA?
Answer: There is a label with the abbreviation HEPA and either N, R, or A on it. The N stands for non-classified, the R stands for recreational and the A stands for the area. The number indicates how efficient it is at filtering out different particles (e.g., 3 stands for filtering out particles as small as 0.3 microns).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, not all filers are the same, and specialized filers such as those with an absolute filter can last longer.
In addition to HEPA filters, S-class filters have a larger surface area and catch smaller particles. Filters should be changed more frequently if children or pets are present in the house, as they should approximately every six months. Last but not least, it is easy to tell which filter you have by the label. It stands for HEPA and can be either N, R, or A.
The number stands for the particle size that the filter captures (e.g., 3 means 0.3 microns) If you enjoyed this article on HEPA filters, you might also like:
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