<h1>HEPA Air Filters: Read The Label--They're Not All The Same</h1>

Most quality air purifiers on the market now include HEPA filters. That’s because true HEPA filters are able to remove or stop over 99.97% of allergens from circulating in the indoor space where the air cleaner is located. What isn’t always clear, however, is what size of particles will be removed, and there are other things to watch out for when you're buying an air cleaner or buying replacement filters, to make sure you’re getting the clean air you want.

 

The first thing to consider when looking at HEPA air purifiers or replacement HEPA filters is the size of the particles the filter claims to remove. For a filter to be classified or certified as true HEPA, it must be able to remove at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns or better. If you don't see these numbers, we don't recommend buying that air cleaner. This is an efficiency that works well for most people.

 

Some HEPA filters, by way of smaller ‘pores’ or air channels in the filter, are able to remove particles down to 0.1 microns, which is even better, but will often tend to increase noise due to increased air resistance. Blueair air cleaners and some Winix models use OH- ions to increase the efficiency of HEPA filters to 0.1 microns, as well, which provides better filtration and other benefits, such as fresher smelling air, odor reduction, increased alertness in work environments, etc. So, if you choose an air cleaner or filter that removes smaller particles, check the noise ratings and reviews to se if it's going to be an acceptable noise level for you. 50 dBA is the level of a human conversation and not really bothersome to most--anything less than that is better, of course.

 

There are also ‘hepa-style’ air cleaners out there, that have efficiencies close to HEPA, but aren't certified HEPA filters. Alen, for example, removes about 98% on the first pass, which allows for less noise and better air flow, but isn’t up to the 99.97% standard. Does it matter? It depends on how important certain things are to you, such as air purifier noise and getting rid of as many pollutants on the first pass.

 

If you have severe allergies, you may want only true HEPA and the highest efficiency possible. If you aren’t quite as sensitive to allergens, but would like an air cleaner that is quieter, a HEPA style or HEPA Silent (Blueair’s term for their ‘hepa style’ filters) type filter or air cleaner might be better. You do want to buy manufacturer-made replacement filters, however, whenever possible as these will work best for your air purifier, not void the warranty, etc.

 

Air Purifiers and Cleaners.com sells replacement HEPA filters for many different brands of portable air cleaners, such as Aller Air, Blueair, Austin Air, Winix, and more, with free shipping and cheap discount prices due to low overhead. And if you have any questions, our indoor air experts are just a phone call way—call us today at 1-800-701-2513. We’ll make sure you get the right air quality information the first time, and the best filter prices anywhere—guaranteed.

 

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