What Do HEPA Filters Remove?

18.03.2025

Akshay Sadiora

Having clean and fresh air to breathe has become one of the most important things in everyone’s life. However, there are a large number of people who do not realize that the air indoors is even more polluted than the outdoor air. Most of the people spend the majority of their time indoors, whether they are in their homes or offices. Because of this, they get exposed to a large number of airborne pollutants like dust, dirt, debris, pet dander, mold spores, and many other kinds of harmful pollutants. These pollutants not only reduce the indoor air quality but can also cause harm to your health.

It can cause respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma. Other than that, poor air quality can also be the reason for headaches, fatigue, irritation in the eyes and throat, and trouble breathing. It can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Because of all of these reasons, it is important that a person should use an air filter in their HVAC system to create a healthier home or work environment. There are many different types of air filters available, like fiberglass filters, activated carbon filters, electrostatic filters, and HEPA filters.

Among these, HEPA filters are considered quite popular because of their ability to trap extremely small particles. If you are wondering what is a HEPA filter then in this blog, you will gain complete knowledge about what is a HEPA filter, the things that HEPA filters can remove, such as dust and dust mites, pollen and allergens, bacteria and viruses, smoke and odors, and lastly, mold spores. You will also learn about the things that HEPA filters cannot remove and the amazing benefits that you get by using HEPA filters.

What Is A HEPA Filter?

The complete meaning of the HEPA filter is the “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” filter. These types of air filters are specifically designed to trap the tiniest of particles that are not visible to human eyes. HEPA filters are made by using fine mesh materials such as glass and synthetic fibers. These materials help in creating a dense barrier for airborne pollutants. Because of this amazing quality, HEPA filters meet strict standards and can trap pollutants with an impressive efficiency of 99.97 percent. Even the smallest airborne pollutants that are as small as 0.3 microns. The HEPA filter particle size ratings are based on their efficiency in trapping particles. This makes sure that both small and large particles are easily captured. HEPA filters can improve your indoor air quality by reducing dust, allergens, and other kinds of harmful pollutants from your air. HEPA filters are used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, air purifiers, and even vacuum cleaners. Because HEPA filters offer great air filtration, these air filters are a popular choice in homes, hospitals, and workplaces.

The HEPA filter is specially designed for trapping airborne particles that can affect indoor air quality. These extraordinary filters can capture many different types of HEPA filter pollutants. This quality eventually helps in creating a cleaner and healthier environment in your indoor space. Read on to discover the different kinds of contaminants that HEPA filters can effectively remove from the air.

1. Dust And Dust Mites

The very first thing that gets trapped by HEPA air filters is the tiny dust particles, which include dust, dirt, skin cells, and fibers of fabrics. All of these contaminants can easily become circulated in the air. Using a HEPA filter can help you trap these particles and prevent them from getting airborne and circulating in your indoor environment. Even microscopic pests like dust mites get trapped by HEPA filters. These pests mostly thrive in beds, furniture, and carpets. People who constantly suffer from allergies should use HEPA filters in their HVAC system.

2. Pollen And Allergens

HEPA filters are also quite efficient in trapping pollen, pet dander, and other kinds of allergens. These pollutants can trigger sneezing and watery eyes and can even cause trouble breathing. The HEPA filter makes sure to trap these particles before they get the time to settle on a surface or get inhaled. This quality makes HEPA filters highly beneficial for people who suffer from allergies. It becomes especially useful during the time of seasonal changes when the level of pollen is high. An HVAC system with HEPA filters can create a safe indoor space and reduce common allergens.

3. Bacteria And Viruses

There are microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses that are so small that they can easily pass through certain filters. HEPA filters, on the other hand, can capture these airborne germs and prevent them from spreading indoors. However, it is important to know that not all viruses can be removed, as there are some viruses whose size is too small for the HEPA filter particle size rating. So, to enhance the protection, you can use a combination of air filters like HEPA filters with UV air filters. This will provide you with additional filtration and kill or neutralize bacteria and viruses.

4. Smoke And Odors

Smoke contains tiny particles that can stay in the air and can cause indoor air pollution. HEPA filters can help in trapping these tiny smoke particles and stop them from spreading throughout the home. However, odors, on the other hand, are harmful gases that the HEPA filter can also eliminate on its own. So, to deal with odor problems, you need to combine air filters by using activated carbon filters along with HEPA filters. This will not only help in absorbing smoke but can also absorb chemical fumes. So, if you want to remove both smoke and unpleasant smells from your indoor space, then it is highly recommended to use HEPA filters with carbon filters.

5. Mold Spores

Mold spores are tiny airborne particles that can cause many different kinds of health problems, such as triggering allergic reactions, asthma, headaches, lung infections, and many more. HEPA filters can help you trap these mold spores and prevent them from spreading. This epic air filter also stops them from settling on damp surfaces where they can grow. However, it is also important that you maintain the humidity levels because mold thrives in moisture. You can also use a dehumidifier along with your HVAC system with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor humidity.

What HEPA Filters Cannot Remove

Even though HEPA filters are quite amazing in trapping tiny airborne particles like dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and many more. However HEPA filters do have their limits, so they cannot remove everything from the air. There are other pollutants like VOCs, bad smells, and very small viruses that can pass through the HEPA filter. Below you will learn about HEPA filter pollutants that these filters cannot remove.

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs for short, are chemical compounds that can vaporize at room temperature. These gases are released from many kinds of household products like paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture. HEPA filters cannot trap these gases because they are too small in size to be trapped. However, there is a solution to deal with this issue. You can use an activated carbon filter along with a HEPA filter to absorb these harmful VOCs and improve the air quality.

2. Bad Smells

HEPA filters can effectively capture smoke particles but are not as effective in eliminating bad smells from your indoor space. Stinking smells that come from pet droppings, cooking, and cleaning chemicals can easily pass through HEPA filters. So, to eliminate the bad smells from your indoor space, you can use a carbon filter along with a HEPA filter, as the combined power of these two filters will be able to effectively absorb the odor molecules and prevent them from staying in your space for a long period of time.

3. Extremely Small Viruses

HEPA filters can trap microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses. But there are plenty of viruses that are too small to be captured by HEPA filters. While the larger virus gets trapped, the smaller ones can pass through these air filters. This will help you to improve your protection. There are some air purifiers that combine HEPA filters with UV light or an additional filter to enhance the filtration. However, you will also need to make sure that you maintain proper cleanliness to reduce airborne viruses.

Benefits Of Using HEPA Filters

When you use a HEPA filter in your HVAC system, then it offers you multiple great advantages. Read on to learn about the HEPA filter benefits that make these air filters an ideal choice for your homes, offices, and other places that require to have clean and fresh indoor air quality.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: HEPA filters remove many kinds of harmful airborne pollutants, which helps in making your air safe to breathe.
Reduces Allergies And Asthma Symptoms: This amazing air filter traps allergens such as pollen, dirt, dust, and debris that are majorly responsible for allergies and asthma.
Cleaner Living Spaces: It provides you with a cleaner indoor space with a smaller amount of dust and fewer particles on the furniture and floors.
Removes Harmful Particles: HEPA filter removes harmful particles by trapping bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
High Efficiency: HEPA filters offer you great efficiency and make sure that they capture even the smallest of airborne particles.
Long-Lasting Efficiency: When you provide your HEPA filter with regular maintenance, then it helps in extending its lifespan.

Conclusion

HEPA filters play an important role in improving indoor air quality by trapping many different kinds of harmful airborne pollutants. Here, you have learned about what a HEPA filter is and the things that a HEPA filter removes, like dust and dust mites, pollen and allergens, bacteria and viruses, smoke, and mold spores. You also gained knowledge about the limits of HEPA filters and the things that they cannot remove, like VOCs, bad smells, and extremely small viruses. However, when you combine HEPA filters with activated carbon filters, then you can easily deal with these issues and can have better and more efficient filtration. Lastly, you also discovered the amazing benefits that you get from HEPA filters. So, if you want to improve the air quality in your home or office, then purchasing a HEPA filter can be a great investment.

We at Custom Filters Direct offer our customers high-quality and premium air filters. When you buy an air filter from us, then you can be sure that our air filter will be able to effectively remove dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, mold spores, and other airborne pollutants. This quality will help you to improve air quality for a healthier home. We have a massive variety of air filters. So, you can be sure that you will be able to find the perfect fit air filter for your HVAC system. You can shop for air filters by visiting our website, and if you have any doubts or need help from the experts, then you can contact us by sending us an email at info@customfiltersdirect.com or giving us a call at 877-958-5612. Trust us to improve your indoor air quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should HEPA Filters Be Replaced For Optimal Performance?

HEPA filters should usually be replaced every 6 to 12 months for the best performance, but this depends on air quality, how often you use the air purifier, and the environment in your home. If you live in an area with a lot of dust, smoke, or pet hair, you might need to replace it sooner, sometimes every 3 months. If the air is clean, it may last up to 2 years. Signs that your filter needs changing include weaker airflow, a musty smell, or the purifier making more noise. Checking the filter regularly and using an air quality monitor can help you know when it is time for a replacement, ensuring cleaner and fresher air in your home.

Are HEPA Filters Safe For People With Respiratory Conditions Like COPD?

Yes, HEPA filters are safe for people with respiratory conditions like COPD and can help improve air quality by removing dust, pollen, pet hair, and smoke from the air. Breathing cleaner air may reduce irritation in the lungs and make it easier to manage symptoms. When choosing an air purifier, it is best to get one with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter to remove odors and harmful gases. Avoid purifiers that release ozone, as it can be harmful to the lungs. Regularly changing the filter is important to keep it working well. It is always a good idea to talk to a doctor before making changes to your COPD care routine.

Can HEPA Filters Be Cleaned And Reused, Or Are They Strictly Disposable?

Some HEPA filters are reusable, while others are strictly disposable. Washable HEPA filters can be cleaned with water, but they must be dried completely before reuse to prevent mold growth. Some models have vacuum-friendly filters that can be cleaned by gently removing dust. However, disposable HEPA filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced once they become clogged. Washing or vacuuming them can damage the filter material, making it less effective at trapping dust and allergens. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if a filter is reusable or needs replacing. If you want a longer-lasting option, consider getting a washable HEPA filter, but remember that regular maintenance is necessary to keep it working properly.

Do HEPA Filters Affect The Airflow In An HVAC System?

Yes, HEPA filters can reduce airflow in an HVAC system because they are tightly woven to trap tiny particles like dust and bacteria. This thick design makes it harder for air to pass through, causing the HVAC system to work harder. As a result, energy use may go up, and the system may struggle to heat or cool properly. Some units may even wear out faster. Most HVAC systems are not made for HEPA filters, so it is best to check if your system can handle one. If air quality is a concern, a MERV filter or a separate air purifier with a HEPA filter can be a better choice.

Do HEPA Filters Remove Airborne Pesticides Or Chemical Residues?

No, HEPA filters do not remove airborne pesticides or chemical residues because they are designed to trap solid particles like dust, pollen, and bacteria. These filters cannot capture gases or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are common in pesticides and household chemicals. To remove these harmful substances, an air purifier with an activated carbon filter is a better choice. Activated carbon can absorb gases, chemicals, and odors, improving indoor air quality. When buying an air purifier, make sure it has both a true HEPA filter and a high-quality carbon filter for better protection. Be careful of "HEPA-like" filters, as they may not meet real HEPA standards or effectively trap smaller pollutants.

How Do HEPA Filters Compare To MERV-Rated Filters In Air Filtration?

HEPA filters are more effective than MERV-rated filters at trapping tiny particles like bacteria and viruses. HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them ideal for hospitals, cleanrooms, and high-purity environments. MERV filters, rated from 1 to 20, are commonly used in HVAC systems and offer different levels of filtration depending on their rating. A higher MERV rating means better filtration, but not as high as HEPA filters.
HEPA vs. MERV Filter Comparison:

Feature	HEPA Filters	MERV Filters
Efficiency	Very high, removes tiny particles	Good, it depends on the MERV rating.
Particle Size	99.97% at 0.3 microns	Varies by MERV level
Applications	Hospitals, cleanrooms, air purifiers	Residential and commercial HVAC systems
MERV Rating	Not MERV-rated	Rated 1 to 20
Cost	More expensive	More affordable

Can HEPA Filters Help Reduce Pet-Related Odors In The Home?

HEPA filters can help remove pet dander and other tiny particles from the air, but they do not effectively remove pet odors. Pet smells come from tiny gas molecules, known as VOCs, which are too small for HEPA filters to trap. To reduce pet odors, an air purifier with an activated carbon filter is a better choice. Activated carbon filters absorb odors and VOCs, making the air fresher. For the best results, you can also clean your pet’s bedding regularly, vacuum often, and let fresh air circulate in your home. If pet smells are a big concern, a HEPA filter combined with an activated carbon filter will help improve both air quality and odor control.

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