HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air and HEPA air filters are used in a wide range of different appliances and devices in and around the home and office to reduce the number of pollutants in the air. Experts say that a HEPA filter will eliminate up to 99.97% of particles that are airborne and are 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This size of particle is thought to be the most difficult to filter and are known as the most penetrating particle size or MPPS. Any particles that are either bigger or smaller than this size are filtered with a better efficiency.
A HEPA filter is made up of a mat of fibers that are randomly distributed across each other forming a mesh of different sized fibers all placed on top of each other many times to form a filter. Air that passes though the mat is filtered as particles are trapped within it and the filter, after a certain period of time can be changed and all trapped particles are disposed of. A HEPA filter targets small particles and sticks them to fibers by one of three methods:
-Impaction: This works by the larger particles being unable to pass through or swerve past fibers even when using air stream contours. The higher the air flow and lower the fiber separation the more particles will stick to the filter.
-Interception: This happens when particles are airborne and follow the stream of air and stick to a fiber when they come into close contact with it.
-Diffusion: This works by the smallest particles colliding with gas molecules, which in turn will slow them down, making them stick to the filter and not pass through it.
Together this mixture of methods means that the majority of particles from 0.1 micrometers upwards will adhere to the filter and be taken out of the air. HEPA filters can be used in different ways such as in generating nuclear power (they are used in the housing filters to eliminate contaminants from getting in to the air), air conditioning units (which when used to eliminate airborne bacterial can be up to 99.995% effective) and vacuum cleaners (to rid the air of dust mites, pet dander and other irritants).
Using a HEPA filter can drastically cut down on the amount of pollutants that are in the air and today their use is not just limited to commercial ventures. You can easily have HEPA filters put into your air conditioning or ventilation systems both in residential and commercial properties. And using a vacuum cleaner with a removable HEPA filter can vastly improve the air quality in the home and can make all the difference if you suffer from allergies.
To make sure that you have HEPA filtration working for you make sure that you change your filter at the recommended time and only use filter appliances that can use a HEPA filter. If you would like more information on installing HEPA filters into your air conditioner or ventilation system speak to your local HVAC professional who can assist you with all your filtering and air conditioning needs.
Today more and more people suffer from allergies such as hay fever, sinus problems, running eyes and noses, congestion and headaches to mention a few, and this is on the increase. Experts believe that the number of people who are effected in this way is rising by almost 5% per year, which is an incredible amount.
There are various causes to this increase in airborne illness but one of the main causes is poor ventilation and air conditioners in buildings. Years ago people spent more time outside and as a result breathed cleaner air and did not suffer from the problems associated with long periods indoors. Now with the hours spent at work in offices and other enclosed areas increasing each year more and more people are feeling the effects of breathing poorly filtered air.
Luckily there are things that you can do to rid the air you are breathing from contaminants. One of the easiest ways to do this is by simply opening the windows and doors in your home of office to increase the air flow through the building, letting in fresh air as you do so. However this is not 100% effective and doing this will not rid the air of pollutants such as pollen which can enter the building even more with open windows and doors.
Air conditioners and ventilation systems are a very good way of ensuring that there is a good circulation of air within a building and these can fitted residentially and commercially. Once installed these systems need to be maintained and one way of ensuring that they work well is to use HEPA filters. HEPA filters are a mat or mesh of fibres which are intertwined to create a filter which is then placed inside the air conditioner.
HEPA filters work by trapping even the smallest particles that are in the air, once the filter has been in use for a certain period of time and becomes full it is disposed of along with all the trapped particles. HEPA filters differ from any of the other filters available as they trap more particles than any other due to their construction. Even particles as small as 0.1 micrometers are trapped inside a HEPA filter meaning that the only thing that will come out of one is fresh, clean air.
If you suffer from a dust allergy one way of seeing for yourself just how good HEPA filters are is to invest in a HEPA filters for your air conditioner. Within days you will be experiencing the difference, if not immediately as your symptoms will reduce and your breathing becomes easier. You will be astounded at what a difference HEPA filters can make and how much better your quality of life becomes when you start using them.
Your local HVAC professionals are the experts in providing HEPA filters for your air conditioner and ventilation systems. Speak to them about your needs and they will ensure that your home or office is soon basking in the benefits brought about by clean HEPA filtered air. Why suffer from the effects of poor air filtration when you can use HEPA filters and breathe with confidence.
Ray Toofan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Home Management and Air Filters. Giant Mechanical is a leading Chicago area company that provides Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and a variety of other services. Find out how Giant Mechanical can help you with your commercial, residential, or institutional needs b. Ray Toofan's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.