Which Air Filter is Better: Carbon or HEPA?

Both HEPA filters and charcoal filters have their own unique capabilities that make them stand out from the rest. HEPA filters are better at removing larger physical particles such as pollen, dust mites, mold and other allergens, while carbon filters are better at eliminating odors, smoke and other gaseous particles. You would think that the HEPA filter is all you need, but you also need an activated carbon filter to get the job done. Carbon filters are excellent at trapping fumes and odors, but they are not as effective with particles.

Therefore, when analyzing HEPA vs. Carbon filters, your decision may depend on the pollutants you are working with. You may even need both types of filters for optimal air purification. Smoke, gas and bad odor are eliminated by carbon, which reacts with the unwanted odor and simply absorbs it.

The outlet is clean, fresh air with a bad smell removed. But there is a small problem. Both carbon filters and HEPA systems offer incredible capabilities when it comes to removing hazardous contaminants in your home or office, but there are also some differences between them. In HEPA filters, the fiber is brought together to trap, intercept, and trap air particles moving through the filter.

But in carbon filters, there is no entrapment. When it comes to fume extractors and indoor air purifiers, carbon filters are often preferred because they can trap odors in the room. However, carbon-based filtration systems do not remove particulates and allergens very well. Therefore, a mixed filtration system is usually the best in industrial applications.

To learn more about your options for welding fume extractors and air purifiers for VOCs, talk to IP Systems USA. Carbon air filters are commonly used in air purifiers but must be used in conjunction with another air filter such as a HEPA air filter for the purifier to remove microorganisms and related contaminants. It is not uncommon for air purifiers to have what is called a 3-stage purification system with a traditional air filter, a charcoal air filter and a HEPA filter. The first step is to identify which contaminants you are trying to remove so you can choose the most effective air filter to do it.

For example, if you smoke cigarettes, a single HEPA filter will not be enough; an activated carbon filter will be more effective at eliminating odors. If you are more interested in removing allergens such as dust, bacteria, pet dander and mold, it is recommended to buy a purifier with a HEPA filter because they are more effective at removing larger particles. Air purifiers with UV filters are often used in sterile environments such as hospitals, kitchens, nurseries and laboratories; UV air filters kill these particles without any real filtration but instead use ultraviolet light rays to remove them as they pass. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the filter to release some of the trapped organic pollutants into the air.

What many people don't realize is that there are differences between HEPA and charcoal filters (also known as charcoal) in terms of air purification because these two air filters are made differently and work differently to do completely different things. These filters are commonly used in industrial air cleaning systems and stand-alone units for domestic use. Activated carbon filters are rarely used alone to purify air and are often used in conjunction with other filters; this 3-in-1 cartridge filter consists of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter and a carbon filter in the same medium. Some filters that are simply labeled “carbon” are made with blocks of powdered carbon that are compressed and heated to create the filter. It is best to use a direct manufacturer such as Filterbuy which allows customers to order custom-sized air filters online; some air purifiers only have carbon filters that are too small which can cause problems when the air purifier does not remove all bad odors from the room. The natural defense system of the human body becomes more vulnerable due to inhalation of these pollutants so allergists and doctors strongly recommend purifying household air with HEPA filters. In today's society, HEPA filters have become a common method of filtering household air as in vacuum cleaners since they work well with small or small particles in the air.