Keeping Your Air Quality High
Whether you have asthma, indoor allergies, or are just concerned about what is in the air you are breathing in, there are different ways to purify the air in your house. One of the most effective ways is with HEPA filters, either as part of your HVAC system, an air purifier, or even inside your vacuum. Here are some tips to improve your indoor air quality with HEPA technology.
What are HEPA Filters?
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and HEPA filters remove the smallest airborne particles and pollutants from the air. These filters are used in various environments, from laboratories to residential homes. While there are filters that claim to be similar, to be considered a true HEPA filter, it must meet the standards set by the EPA and remove 99% or more of airborne pollutants 0.3 microns or larger.
What are the Benefits of Filters?
There are many different benefits of using HEPA filters in your home, including:
- Helping reduce allergy symptoms by removing common pollutants and allergens from the air
- No byproducts of filtration, unlike other types of air treatment
- Affordability, especially when compared to the cost of suffering from asthma and other respiratory symptoms
- Lowering the impact of air pollution or impurities from wildfires in your area
- Removing foul odors or cooking smells from the air
- Reducing pet allergy symptoms
HEPA technology helps with such a broad range of issues, even beyond those suffering from indoor allergies or asthma.
How are HEPA Filters Used in the Home?
HEPA filters are versatile and often integrated into HVAC system filters, air purifiers, and vacuum cleaners. Both HVAC filters and purifiers will constantly filter the air as it circulates throughout your home. They are very effective at lowering the levels of dust, debris, pet dander, dead skin cells, and mold spores that might be in your indoor air.
HEPA vacuum filters are designed to remove the smallest contaminants that are not always airborne, like dust mites and dirt.
Are There Contaminants That HEPA Technology Cannot Remove?
A HEPA filter traps particles that are bigger than 0.3 microns. Some of the contaminants that your HEPA filter might not be able to get rid of include some viruses, specific types of bacteria, and volatile organic compounds. Those substances are common in many households and are found in cleaning products, hairspray, and even candles.
District Home Inspection provides inspection services in the Washington D.C. area. If you’re buying a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.