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HEPA Filters: The Ultimate HEPA Filter Guide

HEPA is an acronym for “high efficiency particulate absorbing” or “high efficiency particulate arrestance” or, as officially defined by the Department of Energy (DOE) “high efficiency particulate air”. This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 micrometers (μm) at 85 liters per minute (Lpm). In some cases, they can even remove or reduce viral contamination.

Ultimate HEPA Filter Guide
Ultimate HEPA Filter Guide

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The diameter specification of 0.3 responds to the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Particles that are smaller or larger are trapped with even higher efficiency. Using the worst case particle size results in the worst case efficiency rating (ie, 99.97% or better for all particle sizes).

HEPA filters are also employed to filter out highly hazardous aerosols such as those that are radioactive, bio-hazardous and highly toxic (eg. carcinogens). In the event of a nuclear, biological or chemical outbreak, HEPA filters are the last line of defense between the contamination and the those who could be exposed to it.

HEPA filter FAQ

What does HEPA stand for?

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. (Also occasionally called high-efficiency particulate arresting or high-efficiency particulate air). Basically this means the filter captures particles using a disposable cloth-light material.

The HEPA filtration technique was developed in the 1940s to filter out radiation dust. Even though it’s only 1 out of the 10 types of air purifiers it’s considered the best in the marketplace today. As you see from the filters it will come in both round and square shapes.

A HEPA filter is a cloth filter that accordions in and out. As air passes through it gathers pollen, dust and dirt. A HEPA filter starts out white and gets darker as pollen, dust and dirt collect.

To successfully pull at least 99.97% of airborne particles from the air, it is crucial to purchase a filter that has HEPA filtration. HEPA filters were originally developed to remove radioactive dust particles from the air, but are now considered as the standard for air quality filtration. Overall a HEPA filter air purifier is the best in eliminating most airborne allergens.

What is permanent HEPA filter?

The Permanent HEPA air Purifier works by filtering particles from the air on collecting plates inside the cleaner. This unit doesn’t require regular replacing of air filters. An example of this air filter is the electronic air purifiers which don’t require air cleaning filters to work.

Permanent filters work by sending out negatively charged ions and those ions are the one attracting the airborne particles and put them back to the filter less air purifier. There is actually a plate/s inside the ionic filter less purifiers but it needs to be cleaned occasionally to guarantee continuous effective operation. The cleaning procedure is simple and easy and there is no need to purchase replacing filters.

What is a HEPA filter in a car?

There are HEPA filters for in the car. This filter will provide ultimate protection in trapping allergens, dust and other particulates that can enter your vehicle and provides the cleanest air possible for you and your family.

HEPA Filter Air Purifiers

Keep in mind that true HEPA filtration in a car would be a losing battle since the panels and construction are not as air tight as a home. The minute you start driving, all the air rushing over the car will gradually introduce particulate into the cabin at a rate quicker than the filtration could handle.

What’s the best HEPA filter vacuum?

The first thing to consider when purchasing HEPA vacuum cleaner is the size of your home. While we’ve a preference for at least a mid size vacuum cleaner which will successfully handle most people’s needs most of times, a full size canister vacuum may be more appropriate for a very large house.

Conversely, the student with a dorm room or an elderly person with a studio apartment needs a smaller sized vacuum cleaner to get the job done.

What is a HEPA filter respirator?

There are two main types of respirators: air-purifying respirators, which use filters, cartridges, or canisters to get rid of contaminants from the air you breathe, and atmosphere-supplying respirators, which offer you with clean air from an uncontaminated source.

Respirators can also be classified as tight-fitting or loose-fitting. Tight-fitting respirators need a tight seal between the respirator and the face and/or neck of the respirator user to be able to work properly. If the respirator’s seal leaks, contaminated air will be pulled into the face piece and can be breathed in.

Therefore, something that interferes with the respirator seal is not permitted when using this type of respirator. This could include facial hair, earrings, head scarves, wigs, and facial piercings. If you’re required to use a tight-fitting respirator at work, you must be fit tested with the respirator selected for your use. Fit testing is done to be sure that the respirator’s face piece fits your face.

You must be fit tested before you use your respirator for the first time. You must also be re-tested at least every 12 months to be sure that your respirator continues to fit your face.

What is terminal HEPA filter?

Terminal HEPA and ULPA filter modules are manufactured to provide unidirectional airflow from tee-bar ceilings. Ordinary air filtration modules come in 24 inch x 24 inches and 24 inches x 48 inches sizes with either 10 inches or 12 inches diameter collars. The HEPA air filter effectiveness is rated at 99.99% at 0.3 microns and the ULPA air filter effectiveness is rated at 99.9995% at 0.12 microns.

What is true HEPA filter?

Basically, True HEPA filters captures up to 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which include a range of allergens and odors. On the other hand, a purifier with a HEPA Type filter is capable of capturing 99 percent of particles that are 2 microns or larger, such as pet dander and dust.

What is a HEPA filter mask?

Airborne allergens can trigger environmental allergies, asthma attacks, and aggravate COPD. Indoors, you can keep your home freer of allergens with environmental control products like air purifiers and HEPA vacuum cleaners. Outdoors, nevertheless, it is impossible to clean up all of the allergens, pollutants, and potential triggers.

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A half face particulate (air-purifying) mask is generally worn to protect the wearer from dust and paint fumes. A High-efficiency particulate air filter respirator is a device with a replaceable filter that decreases particulate matter more successfully than simple isolation masks.

What is HEPA filter in laminar air flow?

A laminar flow cabinet or laminar flow closet or tissue culture hood is a very carefully enclosed bench manufactured to avoid contamination of semiconductor wafers, biological examples, or any particle sensitive materials. Air is drawn through a HEPA filter and blown in a very smooth, laminar flow towards the user.

Laminar flow is unidirectional air moving at a steady velocity along parallel lines. Laminar flow cabinets may or may not be biological safety cabinets. High effectiveness particulate air filter manufactured to get rid of particles, including microorganisms, from the air. HEPA filters are effective at trapping particulates and infectious agents, but not at capturing volatile chemicals or gas. Only certain classes of biological safety cabinets that are exhausted to the outside can be used when working with small amounts of volatile chemical substances.

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What is HEPA filter in vacuum cleaner?

The right vacuum is key for good health. Dust can trigger allergies and asthma. Buying a HEPA filtered vacuum can be a good investment. The word “HEPA” stands for high effectiveness particulate air and in order for a filter to be rated as HEPA it must retain all particles .3 microns in size or larger at an efficiency level of 99.97%. The most typical airborne particles are about 2.4 microns, but the average vacuum cleaner only vacuums up particles from 30 to 50 microns in size, blowing the rest of the allergens back into the air. The most harmful sized particulates are about .3 microns in size.

HEPA air cleaners will only do part of the job needed for an allergy sufferer to be able to keep their environment clean. A HEPA air cleaner tends to draw towards its filter those allergens which are already airborne. On the other hand, a HEPA vacuum cleaner will clean up those allergens and dust which have settled on furniture floors and carpets. These “settled” allergens keep getting stirred up (and subsequently inhaled) by human movement in a room.

Although a HEPA filter is not a magic bullet as a stand-alone, careful vacuuming with a HEPA filter will help catch some of the smaller environmental contaminants we live with. For a cleaner home, they’re worth the added expense. And if you have acute allergies, asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions, HEPA filters are an important component of a healthier home.

Related Post: Best Upright Vacuums with HEPA Filte

What are HEPA filter air purifiers?

Indoor air pollutants are unwanted, occasionally harmful materials in the air. Indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. Usually the best way to address this risk is to get a grip on or eliminate the sources of pollutants, and to ventilate a home with clean outdoor air. The ventilation technique may, nevertheless, be limited by weather conditions or undesirable levels of contaminants contained in outdoor air.

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If these measures are insufficient, an air cleaning unit may be useful. Air cleaning devices are meant to get rid of pollutants from indoor air. The best air purifier you can purchase is one using HEPA filtration.

A HEPA air purifier is a great, trusted choice for anyone looking to get rid of allergens or airborne irritants. Originally created by nuclear scientists to help get rid of unsafe particles from the air, HEPA technology is now used widely in domestic and office environments.

Other Filter Types in Air Purifiers

The greater amount of square feet of HEPA filter media there is in an air purifier, the greater amount of particulates it will be able to get rid of from the air before it becomes clogged. The air purifier will be able to remove more particulates with each pass. The quality of the HEPA filter is very important both in the material used and the design. The pleats of a HEPA filter need to be uniform so each one has the same effectiveness of filtration.

If the pleats are too close together they can restrict the air movement too much resulting in a loss of airflow. Some HEPA filters out there use synthetic materials and not paper. Thin paper is the best material because it will be both effective at getting rid of the highest percentage of the microscopic particulates while not restricting airflow too much.

Nevertheless, the better grades of HEPA filters are very delicate and can be easily damaged. This is why the better air purifier companies will house the filter in such a way as to protect the actual HEPA filter material. – See more at:

The best air purifiers for home use HEPA filters and silent operation.

What does HEPA filter do?

HEPA filters are one of the most widely-known methods of air cleaning. In fact, when most people think of an air cleaner, they think of a HEPA filter. Nevertheless, HEPA filters – and ALL filters, for that matter – have limitations that must be taken into consideration when choosing an air cleaning device for your home or office.

Because filtration systems (HEPA and other filters) dilute contaminated air with cleaner air, their effectiveness depends largely upon how much filtered air they deliver over a given period into a specified space. Consequently, most filtration-type air cleaners (they’re NOT air purifiers because the cannot purify the ambient air of very small contaminants like viruses!) have large, frequently loud fans because they only clean the air they can actually filter through them.

HEPA was originally developed by the nuclear industry to help clean up unsafe, radioactive particles. Thankfully, most of us do not have to deal with such things—but HEPA filtration is still very useful and important in factories and workplaces, especially in environments where dust is produced as part of the manufacturing process.

What does a HEPA filter do? To put it simply, HEPA filters trap air contaminants in a complex web of fibers. Depending on the size of the particle, this can happen in four different ways: Inertial Impaction, Diffusion, Interception, or Sieving. Larger contaminants are trapped via inertial impaction and sieving.

The particles either collide with the fibers and become trapped or are trapped while attempting to travel through the fibers. Medium sized particles, as they move through the filter, are grabbed by the fibers via interception. Smaller particles are dissipated as they travel through the filter and ultimately collide with a fiber and are trapped.

HEPA filter “How” Questions

How does a HEPA filter work?

Due to the high effectiveness reliability and proven track record HEPA technology has become the industry standard for filter based air cleaners. But how do HEPA filters work? Think of a sheet of paper with very tiny holes that filter out pollutants. Only tiny amounts of air are able to pass through this paper. If the size of the sheet is doubled it would be possible to get twice the airflow and twice the filter life.

A larger surface area would make it a more productive filter. So alternatively of increasing the dimensions of the sheet itself, the surface area is enhanced by being folded backwards and forwards numerous times. Air is forced to go through this sophisticated network of fibers and in the process particles hit the fibers and stick. HEPA filters naturally filter out the larger particles like dust. Nevertheless, they also work very well against mold spores, viruses and bacteria.

Do Air Purifiers Work?

HEPA Filter Replacement Filters

The one thing to be aware of with HEPA is the prize of the replacing filters. Frequently you’ll purchase the purifier and then the replacing filters are very expensive. You can compare it with purchasing an ink jet printer. If you ever bought an ink jet printer you maybe spend 50 to 100 dollars on it. When you go to purchase the ink replacing cartridges a couple months down the road, occasionally this little cartridge will cost you over 30 dollars.

The same is unfortunately true when it comes to manufactures of HEPA filters. They’ll charge a lot of money for a little cloth filter which quite shouldn’t cost that much. In general, it seems replacing filters as found in air purifiers are overpriced, making it cost preventive. HEPA filters might be very expensive: 35, 55 or even 200 dollars. You have to change the filter about every 9 to 12 months. So you can see it as a recurring annual investment.

Replacement filters do not quite help with odors, gases, viruses, pollution and germs. Shop for affordable HEPA replacing filters before you buy any air purifier with HEPA filter. Also consider HEPA and a purifier with at least UV light. Among the list of other technologies that DO work on viruses and germs.

If an HEPA air purifier matches your desire to decrease allergies or have a healthier and cleaner air, our recommendation is to start with a HEPA air purifier. You should also include some of the other technologies to get rid of toxic gases, pollution, viruses and odors. Which can also cause allergies and affect your health in a bad way.

HEPA filter to Prevent Allergies

What are some of the HEPA pros? First of all, HEPA captures pollen, hair, dust and mold spores. That is why it’s considered the best filtration system for allergies by doctors. This makes a HEPA filter also very good for asthma support, cleaner homes and overall healthier living. A HEPA filter will capture up to 99.97% of all airborne particles. This means it’s effective down to .03 microns. To give you an idea, a piece of human hair is about 50 microns in size. A true HEPA filter is going to be rated at .03 microns.

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Hathaspace HSP001

HEPA filter “Where” Questions

Where to purchase HEPA filter?

With regards to HEPA Filters, Amazon got your back. Shop for HEPA filter vacuum online on Amazon. Have a look at some HEPA filters below.

HEPA filter “Which” Questions

Which HEPA filter is best?

With the rise in popularity of HEPA filters came rivals offering a lower expense and similar product. These “HEPA-type” filters work in the same way as true HEPA filters, but they don’t adhere to the same standards. The major difference in the true HEPA and the HEPA-type filters are their effectiveness for small particles. They’re frequently limited to 85 percent to 90 percent of airborne particles, missing numerous of those that are smaller than one micron.

HEPA filter “When” Questions

When to use HEPA filter?

Building managers in various industries have a lot of tasks to oversee, including everything from making sure elevators are working to lighting and electrical maintenance. But perhaps no process is more important than maintaining the building’s air filtration system. In industries where workers are involved in labor-heavy tasks or craftsmanship, air quality levels are hugely important. For example, welding and cutting stones and concrete result in fine particles being thrown into the air.

Without the appropriate ventilation systems or filters, these particles can gradually become unsafe to individuals who inhale them on a consistent basis. Lung cancer, kidney disease and other illnesses are only some of the dangers these workers face as a result of these particles being in the air.

Even office environments can be subject to dirtier air than one might imagine. Air filters are only one component of keeping workers safe and healthy. To help make sure the cleanest air possible, the HVAC systems at work sites and offices should be outfitted with HEPA filters.

Did you Know

That fine particles and ultrafine particles (PM smaller than 0.1 micron across) are small enough to get deep into your respiratory system.


When change HEPA filter?

In the long run a HEPA filter need to be replaced. This is crucial for the air purifier and/or vacuum cleaner to manage at optimum performance. But because HEPA filters can last a fairly long time, it’s not uncommon that cleaning professionals to simply forget to change them.

First, you should always have a pre-filter prior to the HEPA filter. The pre-filter will stop the larger particles and keep the HEPA filter from clogging pre-maturally. You should vacuum the pre-filter every 3-4 months. With the use of a pre-filter, you should change the HEPA filter every 1-2 years. One of the tell tale signs is a musty smell when you turn on your air purifier.

HEPA filter “How” Questions

How long does a HEPA filter last?

Some air purifier manufacturers advertise a 5 year life of their filter. It’s true the filter will keep filtering for 5+ years but what is released back into your house from an old filter may not be what you expect. If you look closely at their limited warranty, you’ll find after 2 years it is probably more cost effective to purchase a new filter.

HEPA filter media is white, so when it’s far from white – change it. Now, NOT changing it will mean very little air will come out of your machine and the engine can burn out. So, be warned – change them when they need to be changed, but don’t waste your money unnecessarily. Needless to say, some manufacturers make it so difficult to get at the filters; it’s a special project to even inspect them.

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RabbitAir MinusA2

How to use HEPA filter?

How clean a HEPA filter vacuum?

Your vacuum’s HEPA filter traps fine particles which may rigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Keep your home safe for your child by keeping it allergen-free. You can wash your HEPA filter in 4 steps.

Step 1
Locate the filter door on your vacuum cleaner. On most canister models, this will be at the back of the canister, on the top of the vacuum. On the upright models it will be on the front of the vacuum under the dust cup, just above the base of the vacuum.

Step 2
Get rid of your HEPA Filter, and wipe away any heavy dust or debris over a garbage container. Shake it out, slapping it against your palm or wrist to release any built up dust or dirt.

Step 3
Rinse your cleanable HEPA filter under warm water in the sink. Don’t use any soap or cleaning products.

Step 4
Allow your HEPA Filter to air dry overnight and replace it into the HEPA Filter compartment in your vacuum cleaner. Washable HEPA Filters should be routinely washed every month and changed every 2-3 years as needed.

This is how you clean your HEPA filter.

How HEPA filter is made?

HEPA filters are made of interwoven pieces of fiberglass put together at random to make a web-style filter. The idea is to have a tightly-woven filter at the end of the process, which will help stop most air particulates and pollutants.

Other HEPA filter Questions and Answers

Are HEPA filter worth it?

Like other government standards, HEPA has become securely entrenched in our lexicon, used to indicate a higher standard of decontamination. Attached to a vacuum cleaner, HEPA filters capture smaller particulates that might otherwise not be trapped by your vacuum, providing added relief for allergy sufferers and cleaner air for all.

The HEPA filter is what traps the quite small particles such as auto soot, mold spores, and that sort of thing. Reducing or eliminating those particles will make cleaner air for the residents of your home. Determine if a true HEPA is necessary for your family, or if capturing a smaller amount of particles is worth the price break on filter expenses.

Unfortunately, even if an air purifier has a HEPA filter, the filters vary in size and construction quality, which is not discernible to the average consumer. Moreover, other design factors in an air purifier may avoid it from doing a truly effective job, meaning the non-purified air can just leak all around the filter and escape back into the room.

HEPA filter without ionizer

An ionizer operates by sending out electrically charged ions into the air that bond with harmful impurities. Once a bond is made, these particles become too heavy to stay in the air. This leads to the contaminants falling onto the floor, or if it’s equipped with a collection plate, being attracted to this element and later being cleaned off by the homeowner.

There is another thing that separates ionic air purifiers from other technologies: To varying degrees, all ionic air purifiers release ozone, a potential pollutant. Therefor it would be advisable (see previous paragraph) to purchase an air purifier without an ionizer.

HEPA filter with ionizer

There are actually two types of ionic air purifiers. Electrostatic pre-cipitators and air ionizers. In both cases these are “filter-less” air cleaners. They’re also known as an electronic air cleaner. Adding an ionizer is good because it can make the HEPA filter even more efficient. As the ionizer releases ions in the air, the ions cause small particles (especially pet dander) to stick together, making them heavier and easier for the HEPA filter to trap.

Numerous air purifiers or cleaners have built-in, independent ionizers that help to trap airborne particles, to more efficiently clean the air in your home. Nevertheless, their usefulness can be hampered if the HEPA filter in your air purifier requires changing.

Wash HEPA filter with water

High-efficiency particulate air or HEPA is a type of air filter. HEPA filters have numerous applications, including use in medical facilities, automobiles, aircraft and homes. The filter must satisfy certain standards of effectiveness such as those set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). HEPA filter can get rid of 99.97% of 0.3 μm particles. So to be able to keep it work successfully, you need to clean air filter frequently. Here are some methods to clean HEPA filter with water.

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HEPA filter with cleanable filter
The first method to clean HEPA filter with water is preparing a brush. When you’re preparing to clean HEPA filter with water, a brush is needed. Before washing the HEPA filter, you need to put on an air filtering face mask. This is of specific value if you have allergies or asthma. Then get rid of your HEPA filters from your vacuum or air purifier. Then you need to carefully scrub the dust into the garbage bin.

The progress will not consume your energy if the dust is not very much. During the progress you may find that some particles are hard to clean because it clinging tightly. At this time you may need to knock the filter against a hard surface to break them loose. Once they become loose, you can easily scrub the dust particles off. Don’t forget to wash the HEPA filter’s screen by soaking it in water during the progress.

The second method to clean HEPA filter H14 with water is preparing a moist paper tower. The next thing you can do is rinsing the other removable parts of your vacuum or air filter. During the progress, you can also wipe the housing of your air filter with a moist kitchen towel to get rid of any surface dust.

You should remember that rinsing your HEPA filter under a steady stream of water, otherwise it will get damaged. The last step is turning and rotating the filter under the water, the loose surface layer of dust and grime can be taken out.

Last but not least, the third method to clean HEPA filter with water is never forgetting to keep it dry before using it. You have to bury it in mind that after wiping away any excess moisture on your filter when you’re done scrubbing it, you should sit it on a layer of paper towels and allow it to air dry before putting it back in your vacuum or air purifier.

Switch it over mid-way through drying, so you can make sure both sides dry evenly. You must ensure it’s dry because a wet filter will not work well as the ‘pores’ are swollen closed. Far worse, the moisture will get in the engine causing it to fail.
In a word, Cleaning HEPA Filters is necessary if you want to make sure the HEPA filter work successfully.

HEPA filter with charcoal

Charcoal or carbon filters come in many forms: impregnated foam material, powder and cloth, and solid carbon. These filters are the most absorbent filters available. These “active” carbons are charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open pores between carbon atoms.

These tiny pores chemically react to contaminants as they pass into and through the filter to be able to purify the air or other material(s) around it. When a mineral absorbs something, it does so through a chemical reaction and these filters are no different. Once all of the pores are filled, nevertheless, the activated charcoal filters stop working and must be replaced.

HEPA filter with activated carbon

Activated carbon is carbon that has been treated with oxygen; this causes millions of tiny pores to open up on the carbon’s surface. In fact, these pores are so many that a single pound of activated carbon may provide 60 to 150 acres of surface area to trap pollutants. Once carbon has been activated, it can get rid of a long list of airborne chemical substances.

Air Purifier technology that utilizes charcoal or carbon filters to absorb and contain odors, VOCs and smoke from the air. Usually used in combination with a HEPA Filter to filter and contain airborne pollutants along with the odors absorbed by the carbon filter.

HEPA filter with UV light

Ultraviolet air purifiers are a new form of technology meant to substantially enhance air quality and get rid of detrimental microbial particles that may be present in the air. UV air filters eliminate these particles without any actual filtration, but rather with rays of ultraviolet light that incinerate them as they pass through it.

The energy produced by the sun is electromagnetic radiation with numerous different wavelengths. Only a small portion of these wavelengths are visible to the human eye. These visible wavelengths are seen as colors of the rainbow depending on the wavelength. Waves longer than those seen as red are called infrared. Waves shorter than violet are called ultraviolet. Nevertheless since ultraviolet is not visible, it’s technically not light. Ultraviolet light will come in different lengths too.

Unfortunately there are numerous dubious UV air purifier products that make exaggerated claims about their potential to kill/inactivate pathogens and the size of the space they can service. Consumer Reports has even warned consumers about companies making unfounded claims.

HEPA filter to get rid of mold spores

Mold, the disgusting microscopic fungi that invades your home, exposes you and your family to severe health risks. Although mold comprises the “blue” cheese, it’s neither tasty nor welcoming when it is invading your home. Quality air purifiers are effective at getting rid of airborne mold from an indoor environment. Molds are notorious for growing rapidly, and a dehumidifier frequently is not enough to tackle airborne spores.

Air sterilizers or air cleaners, like the models listed below, are an ideal way to get rid of remaining mold spores lingering in the air. They’re especially useful if you have a mold allergy and need to make sure that your indoor air is as pure as it can be.

The most effective type of air purifier for mold protection is HEPA filtration. In filtered purifiers, a fan draws air into the device and pulls it through a filter or series of filters before delivering the cleaner air back into the room. The effectiveness of the device depends upon the capabilities of the filtering system. Models are rated for effectiveness by the size of the largest particle that will pass through the filters.

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HEPA filter smells like wet dog

This seems to be an ongoing problem with any air cleaner i have ever owned. I replace the carbon pre-filter, and replace the HEPA filter, but ultimately the air that comes out of these devices ends up smelling, not purified at all, but rather like either wet dog or wet wool.

There are a couple of reasons why your air purifier smells like a “wet dog”. For instance:

  1. Take the filter elements right out and away from the machine.
  2. Check if the smell is coming from the filter elements themselves, then they could have got wet, and that would cause mold and bacteria to grow.
  3. Check if the smell is coming from the engine – if so, then the engine has overheated.

Check the fan blade is free to spin. Check the voltage is proper for the appliance. and most important of all – check there is nothing blocking the airflow, both on the inlet side and the outlet side.

HEPA filter for smoke

Some air purifier models offer optional filters for smoke and odors, but these simply trap chemical substances and odor vapors in activated charcoal or carbon, and are not very effective unless they’ve a reasonable carbon filter. Nevertheless, it’s nearly impossible to know at what point the carbon becomes saturated and can no longer absorber chemical substances and odors.

Tobacco smoke is made up of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter. Most air purifiers are not manufactured to get rid of gaseous pollutants. HEPA is not a good choice as it doesn’t disable smoke as successfully and you will have to replace the HEPA filters frequently.

While it’s true that a HEPA filter acts like a cigarette filter the tar which builds up in it will make the HEPA smell like smoke almost immediately. The cleanable electrostatic type of air purifiers for smoke may be the best bet financially.. The “grid” types are favored over “plates because the plates can frequently make “ozone” that can irritate sensitive lungs.

HEPA filter for vacuum cleaner

The right vacuum can do wonders for your allergies, asthma or COPD. The wrong one can wreak havoc. We tested HEPA-filtration models to come up with the best for your every need. It is important to replace your vacuum filter or HEPA filter frequently to keep your vacuum working best. Not only will this increase the life of your vacuum, it will also keep unwanted dust, dirt and allergens out of the air.

HEPA filter for HVAC

The indoor air we breathe is reported by the EPA to be 2 to 5x more polluted than outdoor air. HVAC filters are a first step towards cleaning your air, but an HVAC system should be supplemented with a whole-house air purifier strategy that harnesses the power of HEPA.

If you have serious respiratory issues and need a HEPA filter for your AC device, then you’ll have to purchase a specialty system which has enough air flow to handle the HEPA filter. Or you can talk to your HVAC contractor about how to upgrade your current HVAC system so it can be equipped with a HEPA filter.

HEPA filter for AC

Imagine you’re standing in front of an open window with the wind blowing on you. Any leaves, dust, or debris which the wind picks up is going to blow right on you. Heck, a bird could even fly right into your face! This is like an AC system without a filter.

Now, imagine that you put a screen over the window. The screen is going to stop larger objects from getting in through the window, like bugs and bits of grass. Smaller products like dust and pollen are still going to go through. This analogy is like an AC system with a standard filter on it.

Now let’s say you put a piece of 2000 thread-count cotton over the window. The cotton is going to stop pretty much everything from getting through the window, which is very good if you have got allergies to small particulates like pollen. But the sheet is also going to stop the wind from getting through. This is not good if you want to stay cool.

This last scenario is like a HEPA filter on an AC system. HEPA AC filters are made up of a fine mesh to be able to stop any tiny particulates from getting through them. But when you have got a fine mesh, you’re also going to stop air flow.

Less Airflow
One of the big misunderstanding about airflow is how to measure the amount of air that will flow through a duct, or in other words what size of duct you need to get a certain airflow. A duct is a tube or passageway used for air passage. The more effective the HEPA filter, the more it strangles the duct airflow.

Air Conditioner Systems With HEPA
Not all air units have the power to use filtration qualified as high-efficiency. An external HEPA filter can be an option to increase the high/efficiency airflow of an air conditioner system. Connect the external HEPA filter to the main air conditioner.

The filter blower grabs the air out of the main duct and pushes it through the HEPA filter. With a loop the filtered air will come back to the main airflow. This way the HEPA filter will continuously filter an amount of the household’s airflow to the high-level standards that are needed.

HEPA Filter AC
When you install a HEPA filter in or on the air conditioning in needs some changes in the ductwork. The air conditioning also needs a powerful fan to overpower the drop in pressure. Minimize the air leakage by installing the HEPA filter in the right way. The higher the efficiency of the system, the more attention should be paid to sealing the entire system so no air leaks out.

HEPA Air Purifiers

Final Words

In the air filter world, the HEPA standard has evolved as the go-to “good enough” quality level. Developed originally during WWII by the Atomic Energy Commission’s Manhattan Project to clean radiation out of the air, the design evolved over a number of years into an affordable, mass-produced paper filter system that could be integrated into purifiers, vacuums and other models for commercial and residential use.

To qualify as HEPA by US government standards, an air filter must remove (from the air that passes through) 99.97% of particles that have a size of 0.3 µm.

High-efficiency particulate arrestance or HEPA is a type of air filter. Filters meeting the HEPA standard have numerous applications, including use in medical facilities, automobiles, aircraft and homes. The filter must satisfy certain standards of effectiveness such as those set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE).


Air Recommended Air Purifiers

Our Pick Perfect for bedrooms, playrooms, and living rooms, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH is one of the best-performing, most durable, and most economical purifiers we’ve tested.

Most Popular The Levoit Core 300 air purifier has some strong suits, but in our opinion it falls short of carving out a meaningful niche for itself. Its ideal use would be in a small bedroom occupied by someone who is sensitive to noise.

Also Great With high end air cleaning performance and a whisper quiet fan, the Winix 5500-2 is the perfect combination of power and finesse. It cleared airborne particulates out of our smokey testing room faster than any other model.

Best of the Best If you have a large space you want to remove irritants from, We recommend the Airmega 400S. All of Coway air purifiers do an excellent job of attacking indoor pollutants, and we highly recommend any of them. The 400S is designed to accommodate large room sizes.

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Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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