Indoor air quality is important to homeowners, especially when there are household members who are allergy-prone. Most homes just have the standard equipment installed, which unfortunately is inadequate for keeping your air as pure as it should be.
This is where HEPA filters come in. HEPA filters are an HVAC component often recommended by AC repair experts, and are considered the gold standard when it comes to keeping your indoor air pure. With that in mind, it’s best to learn as much as you can about this type of filter. In this post, Cooper Brothers, Inc. discusses the history of the HEPA filter and where they’re usually used.
HEPA Filters: A History
HEPA filters were first designed in the 1940s, but weren’t actually used in homes at that time. Instead they were created to protect nuclear facility workers from breathing in irradiated airborne particles. By the 1960s, they moved to hospitals, where they were used to help prevent the spread of airborne germs. Finally, HEPA filters made their way to American homes, particularly in household appliances. In fact, they’re so efficient and effective that the Environmental Protection Agency says they can remove more than 99% of airborne pollutants.
According to furnace replacement experts, having HEPA filters in your home is a good thing because they allow those who suffer from allergies or asthma to finally receive get some form of relief. This is because the HEPA filter easily traps the airborne particulates that can trigger respiratory symptoms, allowing them to live in relative comfort indoors.
Applications of the HEPA Filter
HEPA filters can be found in three common home appliances: the HVAC system itself, portable air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. Having one or all of these appliances can aid in keeping your indoor air clean and pure and help alleviate any allergy symptoms. Portable air purifiers can reduce airborne contaminants such as dust and dander by drawing air into the unit and blowing it back out via the HEPA filter.
A whole-house HEPA purifier, meanwhile, can remove allergens from the air through your HVAC system, and is more effective than a portable air purifier. Finally, there are also HEPA vacuum cleaners. These allow you to collect and trap any harmful particles that may be on the floor before they have the chance to become airborne.
Turn to Cooper Brothers, Inc. for your home furnace repair needs. We’re your number one provider of air conditioner installation and duct repair services. Give us a call at (408) 659-8879 for a free new systems estimate.
