With the pollution levels rising drastically in every metropolitan city, the need for an air purifier is imperative. There are many brands of air purifiers and air purification technologies available today. Among many, two filters are the most common and popular. One is a HEPA filter and the second is HVAC filter (i.e. the normal filter). HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. HVAC is a abbreviation of Heating Ventilation and Air Condition. Before buying an air purifier, you should know which one is better. Before that, you should know about HEPA filter and HVAC or regular filter
HEPA Filter
HEPA filters are very efficient at filtering air particles greater than 0.3 microns. It is a benchmark for filters that can filter more than 99.7 per cent of all air particles. As it is a very dense filter, it can’t be used with standard air conditioning or heating systems. To use it, you will need a heavy fan to maintain airflow. Here are a few benefits of HEPA filters:
- Better quality of air
- Fewer allergy-related particles like pollen
- Overall fewer airborne dust particles
Most of the advanced HEPA air filters come with an antibacterial coating, which helps in trapping 99-percent Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) up to the size of 0.3 microns. These filters trap indoor carcinogens such as pollen, PM 2.5, mold, allergens and cigarette smoke particles.
If you buy HEPA air filters that have an activated carbon filter as well, it is an added advantage. This carbon filter is highly efficient at trapping contaminants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), foul smell or odour, gases such as formaldehyde, hydrocarbons and hydrogen supplied. Furthermore, the activated carbon helps in increasing the filter’s life.
HVAC Filter
HVAC filters are traditional filters that are typically used in air conditioners and heaters. They are also used in air purifiers nowadays. They are not as efficient as HEPA filters, but they do a decent job in filtering the air. There are higher efficiency HVAC filters that can improve the air quality in the room, along with protecting your HVAC equipment. A few benefits of traditional filters are:
- Don’t require high power fan
- Can be used in HVAC appliances
- No additional filters needed to complement this filter
- They are more pocket-friendly
Verdict
HEPA filters are best suited for domestic purposes as they are cost-effective and remove more than 99.7 per cent of all air particles. The can be maintained very easily and require minimal attention from you. Nowadays, many air purifiers are fitted with a HEPA filter to achieve maximum worth for money. There are a few air purifiers, which use complementary technologies like ionic filters and activated carbon filters to achieve even higher efficiency.
Before buying an air purifier, it is vital that you know the technology and the rating of the purifier. It is also essential to know the size of the room and buy an appropriate air purifier that fits your requirements.
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