HEPA: What It Stands For, What It Means to You

Lots of things can impact the quality of your indoor air: pollen, humidity, pets, mold and mildew – the list is long. Having clean air is an important aspect of your overall comfort when you are indoors, and if the air quality is poor, your comfort and health can be compromised. Air filtration systems in Raleigh can help alleviate discomfort from airborne particles and contaminants, and there are a number of filters from which to choose. Raleigh Heating & Air offers multiple air filtration products, with one of them being HEPA filters.

What Does HEPA Stand For?

The acronym HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air. Developed during World War II to help keep scientists protected from radioactive dust particles, HEPA filters are 99.97% effective in capturing contaminants and particles in the air. HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns; to give some perspective on this size, the average human hair ranges in size from 70-100 microns.

What Does This Mean for Customers?

HEPA filters are the “gold” standard of mechanical air filters. They are particularly helpful for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Other benefits include:

• Better overall indoor air quality – because HEPA filters strain such small particulates from the air, your overall indoor air quality can improve significantly.

• Better energy efficiency – a HEPA air filter removes much more dust and dirt than the standard air filter which comes with your air conditioning system. As a result, much more dirt and dust is removed by the HEPA filter before it can enter your AC. This helps keep your AC clean and running efficiently.

How Do I Maintain a HEPA Filter?

HEPA filters need to be changed about every 3 months to be effective; otherwise, they can clog.

Ready to Breathe Better Air?

A HEPA filter can help significantly improve your indoor air quality, which can help improve your health and comfort. However, some HEPA filters can be so strong that they restrict the air flow in your air conditioning system. To avoid this, it’s best to work with a professional who can recommend the correct HEPA filter for your system. Raleigh Heating & Air has been helping customers with their air filtration needs in Raleigh for a long time. Call us today and schedule an appointment with one of our indoor air quality specialists.