HEPA vs Electrostatic Filters: Which Is Better?
Investing in an air purifier seems like the 'trendy' thing to do these days. Are you even relevant if you don't have one of these bad boys in your minimalist apartment or office space?
Don't lie – you either know a millenial whose air purifier is fulfilling all their aesthetic dreams or you are one. And what screams "We care about you" more than one of these sitting on your accountant's receptionist's desk?
Seriously though. Your accountant might be on to something.
Investing in an air purifier for your home or company goes beyond simply improving the air quality. Running these appliances simultaneously keeps you, your friends, family, and clients in good health. And even if you only wanted one to keep on top of the fads of today, at least this way you know you're getting the most bang for your cash.
Before you make your purchase though, you should know that there are two common kinds of air purifiers: Electrostatic and HEPA. But as with everything in life, they both have their pros and cons. We'll dive into both of these purifiers to help you make the best choice!
Electrostatic Air Purifiers
As dust, pollen, mould, and pet dander flow through the system, an electrostatic filter generates an electric charge that attracts them to the internal magnetic filter. The particles are pulled to the edges of the filter after being charged, which you have to clean every two to three months. The fact that electrostatic filters are reusable may appeal to most, but remember, you're missing out on the benefits of clean, healthy air when you're washing the filter.
After each cleaning, the electrostatic filters diminish in effectiveness as trapped particles cling to the sidewalls of the filter, making it more difficult for fresh charged particles to attach on. Electrostatic filters also create ozone, which can be harmful to one's health and the environment.
HEPA Air Purifiers
HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters catch particles by means of a small mesh material and are far more effective than electrostatic filters. Instead of having to wash your filter every few months, a HEPA filter can simply be replaced once a year. These filters will remove 99.97% of dust particles in the 0.3-micron range, as opposed to 97% for an electrostatic filter.
It may seem insignificant, but that difference is huge in light of the millions of small particles occupying the air we breathe. The HEPA filter is even more efficient in another, possibly more essential way. The first-pass efficiency of a HEPA filter is 87-99 percent, while the first-pass efficiency of an electrostatic filter is just 60-80%. Put simply, this means the HEPA filter collects more particles on the first pass through the system, cleaning the air in your rooms way faster.
What does this mean?
When it comes to air filtration, the HEPA filter is clearly the better option. They save you both time and money in that you don't need to clean them, and replacing them once a year does next to nothing in the way of breaking the bank. They're also miles ahead in cleaning the air more effectively, and you don't have to worry about diminished performance between cleaning and replacement cycles.
Whether you've gotten this far and all you really wanted was a cool, tech gadget to make your space look a little more like the home of your dreams, or you wanted a hassle-free air cleaning system, we've got you covered. It's clear that an air purifier with a HEPA filter is the match you've been searching for. Head on over to our store and make your investment today!
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