What is the difference between HEPA and Electrostatic Air
Cleaners?
Air purifiers are designed to reduce air pollutants that
contribute to poor indoor air quality. Many of these pollutants are
common allergens like dust, pollen, molds and dust mites. Air
cleaners provide a great benefit for people suffering from asthma or
allergies.
HEPA Air Purifiers provide excellent relief from allergies and
asthma. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. These
filters are designed to remove 99.97% of all airborne pollutants 0.3
microns or larger from the air that passes through the filter (these
include tobacco smoke, household dust, pollen and chemicals with
some models). HEPA is considered the world's best technology and
provides excellent quality at an affordable price. HEPA have the
capability of handling large areas of a house (1500 sq. ft) or the
entire house depending on total square footage.
Hepa products are consistently the best rated products in Air
Purifier America.
Recommended HEPA/ULPA brands are: IQAir, Alen™ and BlueAir.
Electrostatic air purifiers remove airborne particulates with
static electricity. They utilize a static charge on the metal plates
to attract airborne particles to "stick" to the plates, just like
static-charged clothing sticks together. Electrostatic purifiers
cover smaller areas such as bedrooms and small living quarters. The
usage of electrostatic purifiers is very limited as increased air
flow reduces the unit's effectiveness in removing air borne
particles. The faster the air flows through the electrostatic
plates, the less chance the particles will stick to the plates.
Electrostatic units are acceptable in removing large dust particles
and pet dander but is not recommended for removal of chemicals,
smoke, molds and certain smaller pollen particles. This type of air
cleaner is not recommended as they produce ozone which is harmful
for the body.
Recommended electrostatic brands are: None at this time.
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