HEPA vs Carbon Filters: Which is Better for Air Purification?

In short, HEPA filters are capable of removing dust and other allergens, such as mold, while carbon filters are capable of filtering smoke, fumes and other chemicals. However, both are necessary to improve air quality in many different industries. Both carbon filters and HEPA systems offer incredible capabilities when it comes to removing hazardous contaminants in your home or office, but there are also some differences between them. Essentially, carbon-based filters are excellent at trapping fumes and odors.

However, they are not as good with particles. Therefore, when you look at HEPA vs Carbon filters, your decision may depend on the pollutants you are working with. You might even need both types of filters. When it comes to indoor fume extractors and air purifiers, charcoal filters are often preferred because they can trap odors in the room. However, carbon-based filtration systems will not remove particles and allergens quite well.

Therefore, a mixed filtration system is often the best in industrial applications. To learn more about your options for welding fume extractors and VOC air purifiers, talk to IP Systems USA. HEPA filters are better at removing larger physical particles, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Carbon filters better eliminate odors, smoke and other gaseous particles. Fortunately, quite a few brands of air purifiers use HEPA and carbon filters, but they can be a little more expensive.

You'd think the HEPA filter is all you need, but you also need an activated carbon filter.Household air contains particles that are as small as 0.3 microns in size. The natural defense system of the human body becomes more vulnerable and due to the inhalation of these pollutants, which is why allergists and doctors strongly recommend purifying household air with HEPA filters. Often, you can peel off the carbon medium and replace it if necessary without replacing the other filters. Some HEPA filters come with antimicrobial coatings, so mold spores don't reproduce inside the filter and further contaminate your home. HEPA filters were originally used in World War II to remove radioactive particles in the air that affected the respiratory system of soldiers.

Ionic and HEPA air purifiers are very common solutions to many homeowners' indoor air quality problems. If you are more interested in eliminating allergens such as dust, bacteria, pet dander and mold, it is recommended to buy a purifier with a HEPA filter, as they are more effective at removing larger particles. To have an effective air purifier that can eliminate all types of bad odors and even some dangerous chemicals, it is necessary to have a large carbon filter that is capable of absorbing significant amounts of bad odor. But if particles such as pet dander, dust, pollen, and mold spores are the most worrying contaminants in your home, definitely HEPA is the way to go. The natural defense system of the human body becomes more vulnerable and due to the inhalation of these pollutants which is why allergists and doctors strongly recommend purifying household air with HEPA filters. Carbon filters are used in the gas mask as a protection if there is any biochemical gas in the air that could harm people's health.

HEPA has a reputation as one of the most effective air filters on the market today because it can filter at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles that are 0.03 microns or larger in size including pollen and pet dander. HEPA air purifiers with charcoal help filter out the smallest contaminants as well as fumes smoke and other odors. Manufacturers inject steam through the carbonaceous material to create numerous tiny pockets that substantially increase the surface área of the filter media. Air filters are typically replaced every 15000 miles but cleaning between replacements can improve your car's performance. To be classified as a true “high efficiency purifier” filters must have an ODOR PURIFICATION SCORE of at least 190 according to ASTM D6675 standards.

Wilbert Cromley
Wilbert Cromley

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