Can HEPA Filters Help Prevent Spreading Disease

What would you do to keep your family safe? What actions would you take to ensure your family stays well?

What if HEPA filters were shown to prevent disease, and keep you free of harmful germs that can make your family sick?

New evidence shows this might be the case. According to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, having an air/UV filtration system operating in a hospital ward significantly reduced microbial bioaerosols, suggesting that air filtration devices may help reduce the risk of certain pathogens. 

Other studies listed in the journal Nature reported that researchers installed HEPA filters and found they helped reduce the pathogens within the ward when they were operational. The filters significantly reduced microbial bioaerosols both in the ward and the ICU. 

While the research has a long way to go, it is proving that the right air filter can help reduce pathogens circulating in an air supply. And if places like hospitals are relying on them to create cleaner environments, imagine what it can do for your home. 

When changing the air filter inside your HVAC unit, pay attention to selecting one that can do the most good at removing pathogens and other contaminants from your home’s air supply. 

HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. It stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and can remove up to 99.97 percent of the particulates in your air supply. 

You’ll find HEPA filters are rated by MERV ratings. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing smaller particulates. While a MERV rating of 1-4 could have less than 20 percent chance of efficiency for a particle size of 3.0 to 10.0 microns, a MERV rating of 16 would have a 75 percent or greater chance with 0.3 to 1.0 microns. Quality matters when it comes to selecting a HEPA filter. 

In addition to installing and changing out HEPA filters regularly, you may also consider ultraviolet light. UV light has been shown to kill off things like mold and bacteria, and can even neutralize some viruses. UV lamps can be installed inside the HVAC equipment, typically near the evaporator coil where bacteria and germs often live. 

Are you looking for ways to make your home cleaner, safer? HEPA filters may help prevent disease and can create a healthier living environment for you and your family. When was the last time you had your HVAC equipment inspected? We can help. Give us a call today.