HEPA Filters
The High Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, filter, was created to keep scientists safe from radiation as they worked on an atomic bomb during World War II. Today these filters are frequently used in hospitals, science labs and even homes.
HEPA filters are rated to take out 99.97 to 99.99% of particles measuring 0.3 microns and bigger. This includes pollen, dirt and dust. A HEPA air cleaner with activated carbon filters can catch chemicals, odors and smoke.
These filters have a MERV rating of 1721, depending on the model. This rating indicates how well a filter can clear pollutants from the air.
Because of their high-efficiency filtration abilities, HEPA filters are thick and can restrict airflow. It’s important to check with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to confirm your heating and cooling system can handle one.
Media Filters
Media air cleaners are sturdier than regular air filters. They’re often four to five times wider—or more. This barrier mounts closely against your HVAC unit.
Because its operational surface is usually around 10 inches, media filters are able to trap about 95 percent of particulates.
These filters last longer too, commonly between three to six months.
Electrostatic Filters
There are a couple of electronic filtering systems you can add in your home.
An electrostatic filter uses magnetically charged substance to attract. These washable filters are 97 percent effective at clearing tiny particles from your home’s air. Plus, they’re also 30 times more effective than regular filters.
An electronic air cleaner involves a high-voltage magnetic charge to capture particles.
Some can erase the majority of indoor air pollutants—particles, germs, bacteria, chemical odors and vapors—by up to 99.9 percent. And decrease ozone, a known lung irritant, produced elsewhere in your home.