HEPA Filtration: One Option For Optimal Air Quality

A major component of home comfort is indoor air quality. Your HVAC system contains an air filter that traps many types of particulates and other contaminants. There are times, however, when standard levels of filtration aren’t enough. If you or someone in your family has a health or respiratory condition that would be made worse by poor indoor air quality, HEPA filtration may be the answer you need.

Standard air filters trap airborne particles, microorganisms and other pollutants as the air in your home flows through the HVAC system. Higher-quality filters, indicated by higher MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) numbers, will stop more of these contaminants from reaching your indoor living spaces. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters provide the best level of filtration possible, removing most of the airborne material that can cause or aggravate disease, respiratory conditions or other medical problems.

HEPA filtration systems are sealed, self-contained units that are designed to be installed alongside your heating or cooling system. All of the air flowing through your furnace or air conditioner is routed through the HEPA unit, where extremely efficient filters capture and hold at least 99.97 percent of the particles of 0.3 microns or larger. After passing through the filter, the air continues on its normal route through your HVAC system.

Since HEPA filters can remove most of the airborne contaminants in your home, they’re effective at keeping indoor air quality at levels consistent with medical facilities, clean rooms and other environments where airborne pollutants must be minimized. They can remove dust, pollen, mold, fibers, pet dander, microorganisms and even odors and vapors.

Before installing a HEPA filtration system, make sure your furnace or air conditioner can handle it. HEPA filters are very thick and dense, which means they can interfere with the airflow your HVAC system needs to function correctly.

For more information on HEPA filtration and how it can improve your home’s indoor air quality, contact us today at Sobieski Services. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

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