Are HEPA Filters Ideal for Your Home?
Mark J. Biel • June 18, 2019
Many of today’s air conditioning systems are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which efficiently trap particulates and impurities that pass through them. These filters do have their limitations, however. In this blog, air conditioning repair contractor R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating discusses the limitations of HEPA filters.
Advantages of HEPA Filters
HEPA filters use finer filtration material than typical filters to catch smaller particulates. For comparison, common paper filters can capture particulates up to 2 microns, whereas HEPA filters can capture those as small as 0.3 microns. Instead of a single flat filter medium that works like a sieve, HEPA filters feature pleated material, which increases the filtration area.
This makes HEPA filters ideal for facilities that require the purest air possible, such as hospitals and electronics plants. In addition to inorganic dust, it can also filter out microorganisms such as bacteria, pollen and mold spores. HEPA filters are also necessary for those who work in conditions where they may come in contact with asbestos.
Limitations of HEPA Filters
The high filtration efficiency of HEPA filters make them the least suitable filter type for residential systems. This efficiency restricts airflow, which means the air conditioning system output will have to be increased to meet the usual indoor cooling requirements. Even an air conditioning system that’s sized just right would need to increase its output to meet minimum cooling requirements, which means increased energy consumption. For reversible heat pumps/air conditioners, this increases the chances of unplanned cooling and heating repair due to leaks, overheating or icing up.
Alternatives to HEPA Filters
If you need better air filtration than that offered by typical air filters, there are other options available, such as high-efficiency AC filters. At first glance, it may be confusing given that both products have “high-efficiency” in their names, but high-efficiency AC filters are designed for residential use. Studies have shown that there’s a negligible difference in the filtering capabiliies of high-efficiency AC filters and HEPA filters. Alternatively, electrostatic filters—which utilize static electricity to attract particulates—are also proven to be efficient upgrades to standard air filters.
R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating is your leading provider of heating, air conditioning and drain and sewer repair services. Give us a call at (505) 278-5112 or (505) 278-5112 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
Our Recent Articles
Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed
By Mark J. Biel • June 21, 2023
Protect your home from water damage with a well-maintained sump pump. Learn key signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement to keep your basement dry.
How to Prep Your AC for the Summer
By Mark J. Biel • June 14, 2023
Keep your AC running efficiently all summer with proper prep. Ensure optimal performance, save on energy bills, and stay cool. Read more for expert tips!
Signs That You Need a New Sump Pump Installed
By Mark J. Biel • June 21, 2023
Protect your home from water damage with a well-maintained sump pump. Learn key signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement to keep your basement dry.
How to Prep Your AC for the Summer
By Mark J. Biel • June 14, 2023
Keep your AC running efficiently all summer with proper prep. Ensure optimal performance, save on energy bills, and stay cool. Read more for expert tips!
SOS: My HVAC Filters Get Dirty Too Quickly
By Mark J. Biel • April 28, 2023
Are you constantly finding yourself with dirty HVAC filters, even after just changing them? Not only can this be frustrating, but it can also affect your system’s efficiency and your home’s air quality. In this blog post, we discuss the importance of clean filters and the common reasons why they might be getting dirty too quickly. HVAC Filters: The Basics Before we dive into the reasons behind your HVAC filters... Continue Reading The post SOS: My HVAC Filters Get Dirty Too Quickly appeared first on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc..
Should You Upgrade Your AC This Spring?
By Mark J. Biel • April 21, 2023
Stay cool this summer with a reliable AC system. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade—watch for signs that it’s time for a new unit!