HEPA Filters
The High Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, filter, was designed to keep scientists safe from radiation as they built an atomic bomb during World War II. Today these filters are frequently used in hospitals, science labs and even homes.
HEPA filters are rated to extract 99.97 to 99.99% of particles measuring 0.3 microns and larger. This includes pollen, dirt and dust. A HEPA air cleaner with activated carbon filters can catch chemicals, odors and smoke.
These filters have a MERV rating of 1721, depending on the brand. This rating shows how effectively a filter can pull out pollutants from the air.
Because of their high-efficiency filtration abilities, HEPA filters are dense and can reduce airflow. It’s important to check with Fras-Air/General Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make sure your heating and cooling system can work with one.
Media Filters
Media air cleaners are sturdier than regular air filters. They’re often four to five times wider—or more. This barrier attaches tightly against your HVAC unit.
Because its operational surface is usually around 10 inches, media filters are able to capture about 95 percent of particulates.
These filters work longer too, typically between three to six months.
Electrostatic Filters
There are a few electronic filtering systems you can add in your home.
An electrostatic filter uses magnetically charged material to capture. These washable filters are 97 percent effective at removing tiny particles from your home’s air. Plus, they’re also 30 times more effective than regular filters.
An electronic air cleaner uses a high-voltage magnetic charge to catch particles.
Some can remove the majority of indoor air pollutants—particles, germs, bacteria, chemical odors and vapors—by up to 99.9 percent. And reduce ozone, a known lung irritant, created elsewhere in your home.