6 Important Things To Know About HEPA Filters

HEPA Air Filters & Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

Did you know that the EPA estimates that the air quality inside our homes can be many times more contaminated than the air outside?

There are a number of different things that can impact the indoor air quality in a home or business, including humidity levels, contaminant and particulate matter levels and ventilation issues. To combat IAQ (indoor air quality) issues in your home, the first step may be as simple a change as switching up your air filter. 

You may have heard the term HEPA filter and have a general understanding of the way they work, or you may not know anything about them. In any case, RS Andrews is here to help! We’re going to take a deeper look into HEPA filters and cover what they are, how to determine their ratings, some pros and cons and if a HEPA filter is right for your home.

6 Things to Know About HEPA Air Filters

1) What Are HEPA Filters?

HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air.” These types of filters are made up of many pleated layers of glass or synthetic fibers designed to trap particulate matter in your home’s air. 

2) How Do HEPA Filters Work? 

HEPA filters are inserted into a heating or cooling system. They work like a net, trapping miniscule particles through the air circulating in your home. However, their “netting system” is such that they will trap particles in the air that standard air filters will not. The multiple layers of fibers that air must travel through effectively trap and collect almost every particle that comes through.

3) How Effective Are HEPA Filters?

HEPA filters are incredibly effective at trapping particles in the air because, well, they have to be. In order to be labeled as “HEPA,” there are very strict requirements that must be met. In the US, HEPA filters must be shown to remove 99.97% of particles. 

The particles that HEPA filters effectively remove include:

• Pollen
• Dust
• Pet Dander
• Bacteria
• Mold
• Viruses

4) What Are MERV Ratings?

MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Rating Value.” A MERV rating is a standard associated with HEPA filter ability. The ratings range from 1 up to 16, with the highest rating equaling the most effective filter capability. Some good guidelines to choosing your MERV filter rating are as follows:

1-7: Residences with no pets or people who suffer from allergies 

8-10: Homes with pets or people who have issues with allergies

11-13: Homes with a wood-burning fireplace or people who smoke

13-16: Hospitals or other spaces with high air quality requirements

5) Any Downsides To HEPA Filters?

There are some important things to remember when considering a HEPA air filter for your home:

• HEPA filters need to be cleaned and/or replaced fairly regularly. If they are not, it could clog airflow to your heating and cooling system and cause it to have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. 
• The use of a HEPA filter could require modifications to your system in order for the filter to be installed properly. 

6) Are HEPA Filters Right For My Home? 

HEPA filters have been shown to be quite beneficial in removing harmful particles from the air you breathe in your home. Especially for those who suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies, the advantages to installing a HEPA air filter may include better health and less allergy symptoms. 

To learn more about HEPA air filters and if they are right for you, RS Andrews is here to help. We have a number of air filters and indoor air quality options guaranteed to fit your family’s unique indoor air quality situation.

Contact us today to learn more!