What you need to know about HEPA

What Does HEPA Stand For?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air.  To be considered True-HEPA, an air filter must meet stringent standards set by the DOE (Department of Energy).  Those standards state that the filter must remove 99.97% of all airborne particles as small as 0.3 micrometers (microns) in diameter.  HEPA filter manufacturers test their filters according to a DOP (Dioctylphthalate) test.  ALL Winix Air Cleaner Filters are True-HEPA rated.

Why Should I Get True-HEPA?

Plainly speaking, True-HEPA filters are the most effective means of removing particles that can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms as well as bacteria that can cause odor from the air.  Particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust are physically too large to pass through the small holes and folds of a True-HEPA filter.  Even the majority bacteria and small smoke particles can't get past. 

What About HEPA-Type Air Cleaners?

Be wary of claims of HEPA-Type or other "industry" terms.  Unless the filter adheres to the 99.97% and 0.3 micron guidelines, it is not considered True-HEPA and does not remove particles from the air as effectively.  Quite often, not only will these filters be claim approximately 95% removal rate, but will only be able to make that claim for particles 2 microns in diameter or greater.  That may not seem like much, but keep in mind that a particle with a diameter of 2 microns is actually over 550% larger than one with a diameter of 0.3 microns.