What is a HEPA filter and what is not a HEPA filter?
Many people do not know what the difference between a HEPA filter and a normal furnace (media) filter. Many products on the internet or in stores claim to be “HEPA rated” or “HEPA type” filters. There are some specific definitions for HEPA that may disqualify many filters being represented as “HEPA.” This article will help you in spotting true HEPA filters versus regular media filters. Background: HEPA stands for: high efficiency particulate air filter. The first HEPA filter that was ever introduced was in 1940 for the Manhatten Project to help reduce the spread of airborne radioactive contaminates. They did not hit the market until the 1950’s for residential and commerical use. Over time HEPA filters have changed many times to meet the demands of improving air quality in medical or aeronautical applications. There are some true HEPA products that are available for use in your home – but most of them are NOT the furnace or AC filters you change in your mechanical room: Neither of the e
