What Are the Benefits of Using HEPA filters in your vacuum?

HEPA filters come as standard equipment on many vacuum cleaners from leading manufacturers in the vacuum industry, such as Beam or PurVac. The choice of using HEPA filters is your personal decision based on your cleaning needs and the health conditions of members of the household.

If you choose these extraordinary filters, it’s important to only use high-quality products or you may be defeating the purpose of having one. The cheapest ones on the market don’t do a good enough job and are not as durable.

While HEPA filters can raise the overall cost of a vacuum assembly, like Beam complete packages, the extra money is well worth it. HEPA filters are an excellent idea for families with young children, those who suffer from allergies, dry eyes, runny noses, or have pets. Reducing the number of allergens in the home is a proactive way to prevent these issues from occurring. Studies have shown that HEPA filtration can reduce allergy and other respiratory issues in the home by up to 50% or more. Find out more about HEPA filter benefits in this review.

How Do HEPA Filters Work?

To understand why HEPA filters are so effective, it’s important to understand how vacuum cleaners operate. Many types of vacuum filters use fabric or mesh to trap any pollutants that pass through the unit. These materials trap some particles, but they have limited ability to stop microscopic particles that are small enough to slip through the pores. HEPA filters use tiny fiberglass particles to create a mesh that traps common allergens and sources of pollution:

• Pollen and other outdoor allergens that come into the home
• Mold, mildew and other fungal spores that can get stuck in carpet fibers
• Secondhand tobacco smoke from smoking cigarettes or a pipe in the home
• Pet dander and hair, which can trigger allergies in visitors

“A HEPA vacuum will remove dust, dust mites, and other allergens with       up to 99.97% efficiency.”

Particles picked up from the floor travel up the vacuum and through the filter at a high speed. This forces the air through the HEPA filter, where the particles get trapped and cannot get into the air traveling back through the vacuum system. As a result, the pollutants are removed from your air supply, and the air that circulates through your home is left cleaner than before. As you  use a HEPA filter more often, the air quality inside your home or business will continue to rise.

When You Need a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

Any home benefits from HEPA filtration and we want to point out three specific situations where they provide the most benefit in your home.

When Someone Has Allergies, COPD, or Other Respiratory Issues

A HEPA vacuum will remove dust, dust mites, and other allergens with up to 99.97% efficiency. Combine this with proper cleaning techniques and an air purifier and your household members will find much relief. Those with severe allergy problems will really appreciate this improvement in home air quality.

When Your Older Home Built Before 1978 May Have Lead Dust

If you live in a house built before 1978 that may contain lead paint residue, you have lead paint chips or dust that can be potentially very harmful, especially in young children. HEPA filters can help remove this ugly dust and are essential if you have any evidence of lead paint in the home. Combine this filtration with wiping down any surfaces exposed to the dust for the best results. If you suspect this problem, contact your local health department for guidance. When Your Home Has Mold or Mildew Contamination If you suspect mold or mildew anywhere in your house, you should use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Mold gives off spores and enzymes that can be toxic to humans and pets. If your mold problem is minor, clean and dry the carpets first and then vacuum them thoroughly. If the situation is serious, call a contractor who specializes in mold and mildew elimination to diagnose and/or correct the problem area.

Note: The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you do not attempt vacuuming up asbestos in your home or workplace. This harmful material’s clean up and removal must be left to professionals who know how to deal with it.

How to Choose A HEPA Filter

Information is power when it comes to choosing a HEPA filter to use with your vacuum. There are many tests done by leading publications like Consumer Reports to compare the vacuums on the market that use HEPA filters. Compare the HEPA filters offered by:

• Its Rating compared to other brands
• Manufacturer’s recommendation
• Price – buy the best you can afford
• Overall effectiveness

You can expect to spend a little more than you would on a paper or fabric vacuum filter, but there are still affordable options that allow anyone to reap HEPA benefits.

If you need a filter to use with your vacuum system, Think Vacuums in Coral Springs can help. Our selection includes HEPA filters for any kind of vacuum, including Beam Central Vacuum Systems and PurVac Systems and other central vacuum brands.

Resources and References:

• Benefits Of A Hepa Filter In A Vacuum Cleaner