| HEPA filters are very popular these days. In fact, | | | | the filter is actually replaced. |
| they may be one of the most commonly used air | | | | Some other drawbacks to the system include: |
| filtration filters used in American homes. Originally | | | | - The use of motorized fans that can be |
| used by the military and medical professions, | | | | annoyingly loud to some. |
| HEPA filters are extremely effective, able to | | | | - Ineffectiveness in large open spaces (they are |
| remove as much as 99.97% of all particles as | | | | best used in smaller confined areas). |
| small as .03 microns from the air we breath. | | | | - Filters are expensive to replace and must be |
| HEPA, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate | | | | done so regularly. |
| Air were developed in the 1940's by the Atomic | | | | - HEPA can be brittle, and be easily damaged |
| Energy Commissions to capture radioactive dust. | | | | during installation. |
| Today, they are used mainly to help clean dust, | | | | Despite these drawbacks, the HEPA filter still |
| pollens and other allergens from the air we | | | | remains the most used air cleaning system on the |
| breathe inside of our homes and offices. | | | | market today. Why? The answer is simple: they |
| Made of a paper-like glass fiber sheet pleated in a | | | | work! From hospitals and airports to offices and |
| "V" pattern with corrugated aluminum separators | | | | malls, HEPA filters have been cleaning our air for |
| between the pleats, HEPA filters are bonded onto | | | | decades quite effectively. |
| a sturdy base, forming the core of the filter. The | | | | One important thing to consider though when |
| main drawback of the system is that the filters | | | | buying a HEPA filter for your home: size really |
| must be periodically changed for best results since | | | | does matter. The larger the unit (and the unit), |
| the particles do become captured within it and can | | | | the more pollutants the filter is able to pull from |
| cause it to become clogged quite easily. | | | | the air and trap. Material and construction of the |
| HEPA filtration system. | | | | model you choose can also greatly effect how |
| Unlike air purifiers that may neutralize viruses and | | | | well it cleans the air in your home. Shop carefully |
| bacteria, HEPA filters only capture them the | | | | and only buy models from well-established |
| spores, which does not safeguard your family | | | | manufacturers that can back up any cleaning |
| from contracting the virus or bacterial infect until | | | | claims with solid research. |