When it comes to improving the air quality in your home, the type of air filter you choose is essential.
HEPA filters
are the reference standard for air filtration, as they can remove up to 99.97% of particles from the air. However, there are other types of filters, such as electrostatic filters and electrostatic precipitators, that use a small charge to trap particles. It's important to consider the size of the room you're filtering, as some HEPA filters are designed to cover certain spaces and occupy a maximum of square meters.When it comes to selecting an air filter, the Levoit Vital 200S and Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty are two of the top contenders. Both models have been tested for performance and energy efficiency, and both are quiet enough to be used in a bedroom. The Vital 200S is a newer version, so it hasn't been tested in the long term yet. In conditions where air quality is poor, such as when your area is affected by a nearby wildfire, it's recommended that you run air purifiers at a high temperature for one hour and then switch to a quieter setting or medium temperature to create and maintain clean air in the home.
This method has been tested with the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty and Airmega 400 for three hours, one hour at high temperature and two at medium temperature. Air filters also help keep heat exchangers and oven coils clean, which can extend the oven's life and keep it running efficiently. Many states and large cities are required to report their local outdoor air quality index (AQI), which was established by the Environmental Protection Agency and measures the concentrations of major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act. One can rate their air purifiers based on two air changes per hour (ACH), or how many times the purifier can circulate throughout the air in a room, while another can rate theirs based on five ACHs.
Additionally, a thicker air filter with larger pleats doesn't need to be replaced as often. Overall, while no HEPA filter will remove all indoor air contaminants, a high-efficiency filter combined with a well-maintained air conditioning system can be very useful for improving indoor air quality. The Home Depot offers a full range of air filter accessories to help your system operate at peak performance.
