HEPA Filters
The High Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, filter, was created to protect scientists from radiation as they developed an atomic bomb during World War II. Today these filters are often used in hospitals, science labs and even homes.
HEPA filters are rated to remove 99.97 to 99.99% of particles measuring 0.3 microns and larger. 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 successfully a filter can remove pollutants from the air.
Because of their high-efficiency filtration abilities, HEPA filters are deep and can restrict airflow. It’s important to check with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to confirm your heating and cooling system can run with one.
Media Filters
Media air cleaners are denser than common air filters. They’re often four to five times wider—or more. This barrier mounts closely against your HVAC system.
Because its operational surface is usually around 10 inches, media filters are able to capture about 95 percent of particulates.
These filters stay fresher longer too, commonly between three to six months.
Electrostatic Filters
There are a few electronic filtering systems you can use in your home.
An electrostatic filter uses magnetically charged substance to attract. These washable filters are 97 percent effective at removing tiny particles from your home’s air. Plus, they’re also 30 times more effective than regular filters.
An electronic air cleaner applies a high-voltage magnetic charge to catch particles.
Some can remove the majority of indoor air pollutants—particles, germs, bacteria, chemical odors and vapors—by up to 99.9 percent. And minimize ozone, a known lung irritant, produced elsewhere in your home.