Good indoor air quality is important for a healthy home. Pollutants, allergens, and other irritants can cause respiratory-related symptoms for anyone in your family. Your HVAC system’s filters are helpful, however, newer technology helps filters remove even more particles from the indoor air. Using HEPA filters in the home reduces contaminants like dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander.
Why is Clean Air Important?
Air pollution isn’t just a problem in big cities. The air in your home may contain irritants including mold, harmful microorganisms, and dust. Invest in an air purifier that will reduce the contaminants in the air. Family members with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions will especially benefit from cleaner air.
What is a HEPA Filter?
HEPA is a standard for air filters set by the Environmental Protection Agency. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air and the filters are made of densely-woven fibers that easily trap pollutants. To be labeled a HEPA filter, the design is required to remove at least 99 percent of air contaminants larger than .3 microns. Because of the random arrangement of fibers in the filter, HEPA filters trap allergens better than standard air filters.
Uses of HEPA Filters in the Home
HEPA filters are available in some air purifiers. These portable machines can be used in your living spaces to clean the air from frequently used rooms. When purchasing an air purifier, know the size of the room that you’re shopping for. Most purifiers will list the square footage of the maximum area they will clean. The HEPA filter in your air purifiers should be changed per the manufacturer’s direction or as needed.
Another way to use HEPA filters in the home is in a vacuum cleaner. Vacuums that feature HEPA technology do a better job of collecting irritants and allergens than a standard vacuum cleaner. To get the most out of your HEPA filter, vacuum slowly and methodically. You can further reduce contaminants by taking your vacuum outdoors to change the filter.
HEPA filters can also be used in a whole-home purification system. Some systems use the circulation from your HVAC unit to filter the air throughout your home. Other whole-home options are installed independent of your HVAC system and use a fan to pull air through the HEPA filter.
Reasons for Choosing HEPA Filters in the Home
Clean air contributes to a sense of mental clarity and well-being. You will experience fewer health issues with improved indoor air quality. HEPA technology is especially useful in certain situations.
- Family members who suffer from chronic allergies will breathe easier with a HEPA filter.
- Parents of a newborn want to keep the home as clean as possible for their little one.
- HEPA filters are helpful in homes with pets because of their ability to trap pet dander.
- Doctors often recommend HEPA filters for asthma sufferers.
- Households that use a wood-burning fireplace for heat will benefit from HEPA technology, as the filter can trap soot particles.
Make clean air a priority in your house. Use HEPA filters in the home to reduce airborne allergens and irritants.
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