How Do HEPA Filters Work and What Are They?

How Do HEPA Filters Work and What Are They?

Many people do not realise the importance of indoor air quality. Do you know that indoor air is five times more polluted than outdoor air? This is because all of the activities that we do indoors like cooking, cleaning and even just moving around can release pollutants into the air. These pollutants can range from dust and pollen to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to several health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic and acute respiratory illnesses like asthma. And the problem of contaminated air is even reinforced during the post-COVID -19 situation. As a result, homeowners, businesses and factories have increased their dependency on air purifiers with HEPA filters to clean the indoor air and prevent the spread of the virus.

With that, the need to purchase a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter from top-quality suppliers like XPOWER can make all the difference.

What Is a HEPA Filter?

HEPA is an acronym that stands for ‘high-efficiency particulate air’. HEPA filters are designed to trap and remove tiny particles from the air, making them incredibly effective at improving indoor air quality.

To be classified as a true HEPA filter, a filter must be able to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size from the air that passes through it. To put that into perspective, human hair is about 100 microns in width, so these filters are designed to remove particles that are much, much smaller.

What Makes a Filter a HEPA Filter?

The primary distinction between a standard filter and a HEPA filter is that the former is composed of glass fibres and activated carbon-based materials. Normal filters are composed of porous materials, such as cotton paper and polyester. Furthermore, HEPA filters are superior to standard filters at trapping particles and capturing much smaller particles.

The density of the material and the smallness of the pores in HEPA filters work together to trap and remove the particles from the air. When air is forced through the filter, the larger particles are unable to pass through the pores and become trapped.

The smaller particles can pass through the pores, but they become caught in the web of material that makes up the filter. This effectively traps these small particles so that they cannot pass back into the air.

How Do HEPA Filters Work?

HEPA filters are made of random-placed borosilicate glass or plastic fibres. HEPA filters don't work like a sieve, which captures larger particles and lets smaller ones pass. They trap particles by diffusing, intercepting or impaction.

  • Tiny particles are captured by diffusion, which uses Brownian motion to slow particles as they collide with gas molecules and stick to fibres.
  • Small particles are ‘intercepted’ and stuck when they follow the airflow through the filter and pass within one particle diameter of a fibre.
  • Larger particles can't ‘impact’ fibres and are captured. Electrostatic attraction collects particles.

How to Buy an Air Purifier with a HEPA Filter?

There is some nuance to picking out an effective air purifier. Can you get by without one? How big of one do you recommend, if you do decide to get one? Which qualities stand out as must-haves? Just how efficient will it be at removing pollutants from the air? Or where and when you can get your hands on one?

Unlike some other appliances, the majority of air purifiers are accompanied by a recommended room size, making it simple to determine the optimal room size for optimal performance. To determine which air purifier is ideal for your home, you must first determine the size of the room or rooms you intend to use the appliance.

Here are the features to look out for:

  • Noise—Look for quiet air purifiers if you plan to use one in your bedroom at night.
  • Life-indicator filters—Your air purifier may need new filters. If so, look for filter life indicator lights or displays that tell you when to change the filter.
  • Fan speeds—A multi-speed air purifier gives you more control over its use. A higher speed setting can quickly purify a room's air, whilst a lower speed setting is quieter.
  • Sensors—Your air purifier's air quality sensors monitor the air. They adjust settings and fan speeds to meet the needs of the space.
  • Timers—If you use your air purifier daily, timer functions let you program when it runs.
  • Antibiotics—These prevent mildew and mould on air purifier filters.
  • Controllers—Not all models come standard with remote controls, which make it easy to adjust settings remotely. Modern air purifiers can be controlled via a smartphone app, eliminating the need for a remote.
  • Weight—Air purifiers are heavy. If you plan to use your air purifier in multiple rooms, make sure it's easy to move. Look for portable air purifiers with handles or wheels.

XPOWER: The Best-Selling Air Purifiers in Australia

Finding the right purifier for your home is absolutely important to attain clean air. One is to research a quality HEPA air purifier filter that not only eliminates common airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, smoke and pet dander but also viruses and bacteria.

Air purifiers with true HEPA filters are most effective at capturing and removing these tiny particles from the air. However, they can be expensive, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase.

At XPOWER, we offer a wide range of air purifiers with true HEPA filters that are sure to suit your needs. Reach out and learn more about the best HEPA air purifier that you can use for your home.