acronyms

At first glance buy a purifier air can be a simple task, but as soon as we start reading the specifications… we can easily get involved, especially with some of them such as the type of filter. Here we must be especially careful because it is possible that we find HEPA filters or HEPA type filters, and they are not the same. In fact, with each of them we will have a totally different experience. How a HEPA filter works HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Airor air with high efficiency particles) is a quality standard for filters, so if we see it in a purifier we can know that it meets rigorous tests to guarantee efficiency in retaining particles such as dust, pollen, mold and even bacteria or viruses. If we get a little more technical, bacteria measure between 0.5 and 5 microns while viruses measure between 0.02 and 0.3 microns. HEPA filters must be capable of retain at least 99.97% of particles having a size of 0.3 microns (particle size most difficult to physically filter). If it is not capable of this, it is not a HEPA filter. However, you have to be careful because this is where HEPA type filters come into play. What is a HEPA type filter If we see that a purifier has a HEPA type filter, we may think that it meets the standard we have discussed. But this is not the case, and they can be much less efficient. The expression “HEPA type filter” is usually used as a claim for some purifiers, generally inexpensive, although it is more normal to see them in other devices such as robot vacuum cleaner. These filters They are not as effective because they have not been tested with the tests that HEPA filters are subjected to, and it is possible that they do not even comply with the European standard that defines the different kinds of HEPA filters that we can find. Can they retain bacteria? Yes, but they do not have certified efficiency. How purifiers work The purifiers have a fairly simple structure: Inside there is a motor, a fan and a box where the filter is located.. Its operation is summarized in that the motor makes the fan move to attract particles and deposit them in the filter. However, it is worth mentioning that the filtering process is more complex. Inertial impact: affects large, heavy particles that travel at high speed. The particles cannot change direction quickly, so they continue straight until they collide with the fibers until they become stuck. Direct interception: some medium particles that follow the air flow pass very close to the fibers until they come into contact with them and remain adhered, which is known as direct interception. Brownian diffusion: on the contrary, small particles do not follow the air current in a straight line, so they continually collide with the gas molecules in the air. This movement increases the probability that the particle ends up hitting a fiber and becoming stuck. HEPA-type filters can retain certain particles, but they do not have certified efficiency. It’s not that they are useless, but they simply may not be as effective as HEPA filters. The good and the bad of both options, face to face hepa filters hepa type filters THE GOOD 🟢 They are capable of better filtering dust particles, bacteria or viruses. They are usually found in cheap purifiers, being interesting for devices whose purification function is secondary. THE BAD 🔴 They are found in more expensive purifiers, so they are aimed at devices whose purification function is the main one. They are less efficient than HEPA filters. Ideal for: People looking to improve the air quality in their home. Economical devices whose purification function is secondary. What purifier should I buy then? At this point you may have wondered whether or not it is worth buying a purifier with a HEPA type filter, and the truth is that it is, although it depends on what we are looking for. 👉 Choose a purifier with a HEPA filter if: You want to retain large and small particles for a cleaner home, from dust to viruses and bacteria. 👉 Choose a purifier with a HEPA type filter if: You only want to retain large particles such as pet hair, dust or lint. Recommended models Philips 2200 Series He Philips 2200 Series It is an air purifier with a HEPA filter that has a fairly small format. It incorporates a three-layer system composed of a prefilter, a HEPA NanoProtect and active carbon to capture 99.97% of particles up to 0.003 microns (3 nanometers) through NanoProtect technology, a technology that allows even smaller particles to be captured thanks to electrocharging. It can be controlled from your mobile phone to program routines and is capable of capturing odors, bacteria, viruses and larger particles. Philips 2200 Series Air Purifier The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Dyson purifiers are quite well known for the format that many of their models have, such as the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1. This purifier with a HEPA filter is capable of capturing particles down to 0.1 microns thanks to its H13 filter and can also be controlled from a smartphone. In addition, it also has a function to heat the air in winter or cool it in summer. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 The price could vary. We earn commission from these links If neither of these two models convinces you and you want to explore other options, you can take a look at our air purifier guide. Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. 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