HEPA Filters: Cleaning Your Indoor Air

 
If you want to remove allergens from the air you breathe, then you need to purchase an air cleaner that uses a HEPA filter. These filters are the best on the market for removing all types of particles in the air we breathe. These particles may include animal dander, flower pollen in the spring, tree pollen in the fall, and common household dust particles.
 
HEPA filters are so effective they are even recommended by the Department of Homeland Security to remove particles that may enter the air from terrorist activities. These filters are in use in industrial processes that release lots of particles into the air. They are even in place at nuclear power plants around the country to catch any emissions that may be as small as 0.3 microns. To give you an idea about how small 0.3 microns are – this is about 200 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.   
   
HEPA filters are very effective in removing dust, pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens that may be contained in your indoor air. They are even effective in removing many bacteria spores that are in the air as well. Once a HEPA filter captures one of these particles, the particles is not released into the air again unless the filter is banged against an object.
 
One problem encountered when using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and includes getting particles to enter the filter from across a room. A powerful motor or forced air fan system needs to be used to suck the air into the cleaner. Also, HEPA filters do not capture viruses and some germs because they are smaller than 0.3 microns. This can be resolved by purchasing an air cleaner that has a Germicidal UV Lamp to supplement the HEPA filtration system.
 
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergens, the ideal place for a HEPA air filter is to place it within your central air system. Most often the filter is placed directly in the air handler itself. If you do not have central air or would like more concentrated air cleaning, you will need to purchase a HEPA filter equipped air purifier for use in your specific room of choice.
 
When selecting an air cleaning system you should ensure that it says it is a true HEPA filter by indicating this on the label. Some filters claim to be HEPA like, but they are not the same and will not filter out the smallest particles of dust.
Along with a HEPA filtration in your air purifier, you may want to have additional air cleaning technologies such as:
 
• Ionizer that makes it easier to capture small particles
• Carbon Filter to capture fumes and smoke
• Ozone Generator to remove strong odors
• Germicidal UV lamp to help sterilize the HEPA filter and for killing viruses and germs
 
Ensure you are getting the cleanest air for you home and family you can get by insisting on a true HEPA filter. Your lungs will thank you.