Pollution, mold spores and airborne pathogens are a concern for every homeowner. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are great at removing contaminants from inside your Florida home. Before you make a purchasing decision, however, there are a few things you need to know about HEPA filtration:
What Is a HEPA Filter?
HEPA filtration was developed by U.S. Department of Energy during the 1940s and went into widespread use during the 1950s. All household air filters are given a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. True HEPA filters have a MERV rating between 17 and 20. That means they are between 99.97 percent and 99.999 percent effective at removing tiny particles from the air.
Benefit of HEPA Filtration
HEPA filters are often used in households where one or more family members have asthma, allergies or a compromised immune system. No filters on the market today are more effective at cleaning the indoor air of impurities than a true HEPA filter.
Things to Consider
- HEPA filters do not last any longer than non-HEPA filters. They will clog up quickly and are much more expensive than filters with lower MERV ratings.
- HEPA filters filter small and large particles, but not toxic gases.
- Because they are able to trap the smallest particles, HEPA filters restrict the circulation of air and create more of a workload on your HVAC system.
- Too much air blocked by the filter may result in air leaking around the filter; that negates the benefit of using a HEPA filter.
- Medium efficiency filters (MERV 13) are about 80 percent effective at removing the same small particles from indoor air. This rating is suitable for most households, since as the air circulates during the day, these filters will remove more and more airborne particles.
In most cases, forced-air HVAC systems are not designed for HEPA filters. If you feel you need HEPA filtration for your home, consult with a trained HVAC technician. Modifications to your existing duct system and system components may be necessary. You can always consider a stand-alone HEPA air cleaner as an alternative. For more information on keeping the air inside your Tampa, St. Petersburg or Clearwater home safe and comfortable, please contact us at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc.. Our top priorities are the quality of your indoor air and the quality of our service.
