If you’re questioning your home’s indoor-air quality (IAQ), perhaps you’re not alone. According to the federal EPA, the vast majority of households contain at least one serious IAQ issue, which may include pathogens, chemicals from building structure or ground sources (radon), and the usual suspects such as allergens and mold spores. HEPA filtration, without question, is the most effective mechanical filtration system available to homeowners.
HEPA filtration systems are used for a variety of applications, including sensitive industrial settings, passenger airc
raft, automobiles, vacuum cleaners and whole-house residential filters. HEPA is an acronym for High-Efficiency Particulate Air [filter].
HEPA filters are defined by their ability to capture a minimum of 99.97 of contaminants down to 0.3 microns in size. HEPA filters are substantially thicker than typical media filters. The thickness of the filter and web-like design of the fibers are the primary elements for their high-efficiency capturing ability and ratings.
Identify airborne contaminants
An IAQ test can prove helpful for identifying which airborne contaminants are common to your home. These may include molds, allergens, auto emissions (from the attached garage), pathogens, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in cleaners, solvents and building structure, odors and even radon. By identifying which contaminants are in your home, you can choose the best method for providing healthful IAQ for occupants.
A whole-house HEPA filtration system may be sufficient for your needs, or you may choose to combine a HEPA filter with a carbon-sorbent to capture gases and odors, or install an air-purification system that utilizes electrostatic attraction, UV lights and/or a carbon sorbent.
Make sure your HVAC professional inspects your cooling/heating system and blower for compatibility. HEPA filtration creates a significant pressure drop, which must be considered before installation.
For more information about HEPA filtration systems, please contact us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ve provided exceptional service, repair and installation of HVAC and plumbing systems for homeowners in the Greater Cleveland area for more than 78 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HEPA filtration systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
For those Do it Yourselfers who would rather take control of your own indoor comfort, you can shop our online store for replacement parts, products and accessories!
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