High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the best form of filtration money can buy. They trap the smallest, most irritating airborne contaminants, including pollen, dust, pet dander and tobacco smoke. Particularly if you or a family member suffers from allergies, asthma or a respiratory condition, HEPA filtration may be worth the extra cost. They will also improve overall indoor air quality (IAQ), comfort and health, leaving you breathing easier on all fronts.
How Does a HEPA Air Filter Work?
As air flows through the filter, small particulates are removed that would otherwise be blown about the house, aggravating allergies and sensitive noses. HEPA filtration efficiency is set by governmental standards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to catch at least 99.97 percent of particulates up to 0.3 microns in size. These particles are the greatest health concern because they can easily bypass the tiny hairs in your breathing passages, yet are too large to be exhaled. Dust mites, pollen, tobacco smoke and other allergens are all within the 0.3 micron range that HEPA filters are designed to eliminate.
These filters can be part of a plan to filter allergy-aggravating particles and improve your home's indoor air quality. A HEPA air filter in the HVAC system and in the vacuum can provide defense against airborne irritants. When you vacuum frequently, dust and pet dander are disturbed and can blow around the room, but with a HEPA filter in your vacuum, these fine particulates are picked up and filtered out.
There are other things you can do to keep allergens at low levels, including replacing carpeting with hardwood flooring or tile, but HEPA filters will be the easiest first line of defense.
If you would like help improving your home's indoor air quality, contact our experts at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We've been in business since 1928 and serve the Route 495/128 area of Norfolk MA.
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