HEPA filter: what it is, how it works and how it differs from others

Modern vacuum cleaners are equipped with a multi-level filtration system. This greatly improves the quality of the tidy. A HEPA filter is used for fine air purification; it stands at the last line between dust and the environment. This is an effective element. The abbreviation HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Absorption, which in English means “highly effective dust retention.” Manufacturers of modern high-quality vacuum cleaners use technologies that provide different air filtration systems. This article describes the principle of operation of a HEPA filter, its main purpose, types and instructions for proper use.

First of all, you need to understand the types. The Nera filter for a vacuum cleaner can be disposable - based on paper with an admixture of fiberglass, and reusable when it is possible to wash with water (made from fluoroplastic fibers).

Capabilities of hepa filters

A high-quality vacuum cleaner should have such a cleaning system. To create the least resistance to air flow, the device must have the largest filtered area at its disposal. To achieve this result, it is made from a material that can be folded like an accordion and glued into the largest frame.

The small-sized Nera filter has a small cleaning area and quickly becomes clogged with debris, as a result of which it interferes with the air flow, and this reduces the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, which leads to its overheating.

Rating of vacuum cleaner manufacturers

Devices manufactured under the following trademarks are traditionally in great demand:

• Thomas - the company produces the best vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter; is the developer of the innovative superfiltration system “Aqua-box” (100% cleans the space from pollen and 99.99% from dust).
• Philips - products are distinguished by excellent assembly and high reliability.
• Dyson makes the most convenient filters.
• Karcher – produces the best models for professional cleaning; The range of home models is varied.
• Samsung is the most famous brand.
• Bosch vacuum cleaners have great functionality and a beautiful appearance.
• LG devices are optimal in terms of price-quality ratio.

What does a HEPA filter eliminate?

It is used to purify the air from small particles, the size of which is 0.1–1.0 microns. Microfibers trap such particles using certain mechanisms:

• Interception effect. Particles of any size passing near the microfibers cling to them and remain on the filter or are held by particles already attached to the filter.
• Inertial effect (impact). Retention of large particles that have high inertia and move with air flow until they come into contact with the barrier.
• Diffusion effect. Air filtration from the smallest particles, the size of which is 0.01–0.1 microns. They constantly bump into air molecules, because of this they begin to move chaotically to the sides of the air flow line. Such curvilinear motion maneuvers increase the likelihood of the particle stopping due to the mechanisms described above.

This effect dominates when operating at low speed and low air flow, a clear example of this technique is an air purifier with a Nera filter.

Division into classes

The Nera filter for the vacuum cleaner produces fine cleaning. The effectiveness of fine filters is determined by tests in the laboratory based on the percentage of microparticles stopped. To carry out tests in laboratory conditions, aerosols are used, which contain synthetic microparticles 0.3 microns in size. Fine filters are divided into classes according to EN 1822/DIN 24183:

• HEPA 14 - 0.3 micron particle, 99.995% delay;
• HEPA 13 - 0.3 micron particle, 99.95% delay;
• HEPA 12 - 0.3 micron particle, 99.5% delay;
• HEPA 11 - 0.3 micron particle, 95% delay;
• HEPA 10 - 0.3 micron particle, 85% delay.

Purpose of a HEPA filter

It consists in the fact that it cleans the air of dust. This filter is different from the usual one because it is placed instead of a barrier at the exit of the air flow from the vacuum cleaner, and not at its inlet. Thus, this system is the last point of air purification from the smallest dust particles. These can be different types of allergens, insects, pet hair and other small elements.

Using a HEPA filter, you can almost completely remove the dust that flies everywhere during the cleaning process. In some cases, such cleaning is simply necessary. For example, a fine filtration system is required in rooms where there are people suffering from allergic diseases.

Separator vacuum cleaner and its features

As already mentioned, the main feature that distinguishes a separator vacuum cleaner from a number of its fellows is the complete absence of filters. A vacuum cleaner without a bag and a filter uses ordinary water as a dust collector. The design of this useful home appliance uses the principle of separating dust from air in a liquid medium. Passing through the centrifuge, the air is effectively cleaned of dust, while the smallest particles safely sink in the water. As a result, humidified, clean air enters the room, which is formed after passing through the separator. In addition to this undeniable advantage, the separator vacuum cleaner has a number of other important advantages:

• The device will do an excellent job of cleaning mattresses, pillows and carpets. The exclusive nozzles that separator vacuum cleaners are equipped with will allow you to knock out all the soft surfaces that need cleaning.
• A vacuum cleaner without a Hepa filter does not require consumables, so you do not have to spend money on buying them.
• During cleaning, the air is effectively cleaned and ionized.
• Using a separator vacuum cleaner, it is possible to perform both dry and wet cleaning without improvised means - shampoos, defoamers, etc.
• The simplicity and ease of maintenance of a separator vacuum cleaner will make your life much easier.
• As a rule, high-quality separator vacuum cleaners have a long warranty.

Speaking about the guarantee, one important point should be noted. Often, when purchasing a vacuum cleaner, the buyer does not pay attention to the warranty period. And completely in vain. After all, in this way the manufacturer lets us know how long the uninterrupted service life of the equipment we can count on. The average warranty period for conventional filter vacuum cleaners is two years, while their real separator colleagues in the shop have a minimum of 5 years. As they say, feel the difference. During this time, let’s face it, the expensive cost of a separator vacuum cleaner will more than pay off. After all, you will not need to purchase expensive consumables and worry about replacing prematurely failed parts. Another huge advantage will be the tangible effect of cleaning, which you can now constantly enjoy.

What is harmful to a HEPA filter?

The service life of any device is affected by proper operation. The air filter best captures particles from 0.1 to 1.0 microns; it will not be able to catch smaller ones. Larger debris can adversely affect the performance of both the filter itself and the vacuum cleaner. The retained small particles constantly knock down larger ones, and this reduces the filtration efficiency. Large debris clogs the channels very quickly, which increases resistance to air flow. This can lead to overheating of the vacuum cleaner motor and damage. Therefore, particles that are not suitable for fine filters according to calculations, namely more than 1.0 microns, should not enter the device. As a rule, consumers do not have to think about this issue, since to prevent this from happening, modern vacuum cleaners have a multi-level air purification system.

How to choose a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter

Aqua filters come in different types.

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Hookah bar is the simplest. Air is drawn into the system and passed through a water tank, which traps dust. It effectively removes large debris, while small debris, despite the “labyrinths” inside the system, can come back to the surface.

In this regard, manufacturers began to use additional filters - sponge, synthetic, carbon, paper. Moreover, there can be several filters.

HEPA filters made of synthetic material or fiber are considered the most effective. Additionally, they can be treated with chemicals to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Hookah-type vacuum cleaners are cheaper than other types, but are quite effective.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the small capacity, so the water will have to be changed during cleaning. After each cleaning, the filter must be washed and dried.

Scope of application

For the first time, HEPA filters began to be used in the West for high-quality cleaning of medical institutions. Afterwards they began to be used in modern household appliances, where they are still used today. Purifiers with a HEPA filter use:

• in pharmaceutical and medical institutions;
• in the electronics manufacturing industry, where equipment rooms need to be cleaned;
• for air filtration in hotels and inns;
• in the aerospace industry and mechanical engineering;
• at food enterprises;
• for cleaning radioactive aerosols at nuclear power plants;
• and, naturally, in household vacuum cleaners.

HEPA filter service life

The new HEPA filter is capable of capturing microparticles (from n10 to n14), but only until they stick to the filter fibers. Long-term operation depends on the area of ​​the room being cleaned, on the frequency of use of the device, and on the size of the cleaning device. So what will the job be like if there are dust particles stuck to all the places on the filter fibers?

Subsequently, particles of debris entering the filter cling to each other and stick together. This process continues until the adhering particles reach a critical mass. Then these lumps break away from the filter fibers and, flying away, collide with other accumulated dust particles, tearing them off. This action resembles an avalanche. Based on the results of operation, a filter that works longer than the period suggested by the manufacturer retains dust much worse than the manufacturer indicated. It begins to poorly retain particles passing with the air flow. If you vacuum with a clogged HEPA filter, a strong smell of dust appears.

To fix this problem, you first need to try to clean the dirty accessory, wash it under running water (in the case of reusable models) or replace it with a new one. The service life is always indicated in the instructions for the vacuum cleaner.

Built-in vacuum cleaner - fashionable or convenient?

Built-in vacuum cleaners appeared on the cleaning equipment market relatively recently and gradually began to displace their weaker predecessors. Such models are produced only by a few brands that guarantee decent quality of their products.

A feature of built-in models is their stationary installation. That is, when cleaning a room, you no longer have to drag around a clumsy unit; you just need to connect the vacuum cleaner hose to a special air inlet. Due to the fact that the device exhausts outside the building, there will not be even a hint of dust left in your home after cleaning. A powerful vacuum cleaner can clean all contaminated surfaces in the house in a matter of minutes, without giving a single dust particle a chance. Due to the fact that the purified air goes outside, a fresh, rarefied atmosphere is created in the room.

The main unit is usually located in places remote from living rooms (pantry, garage, basement). Therefore, the built-in vacuum cleaner operates almost silently. Of course, such cleaning equipment a priori cannot be cheap, but it is worth spending once to save yourself from serious problems and significant financial expenses in the future.

How to make the right filter choice?

Modern vacuum cleaners, which are sold in all household appliance stores, have a high degree of cleaning not only of surfaces, but also of air. But there are also vacuum cleaners in which a HEPA filter is built in as an option - there is a place for it, but you need to purchase and install it yourself.

But, unfortunately, there are a huge number of inexpensive models whose filtration system is quite primitive. If you want to purchase a vacuum cleaner without a Nera filter, it is better to think about your decision several times. Because when cleaning your home with such equipment, it is impossible to be sure of the cleanliness of the surrounding air.

When choosing a device such as a vacuum cleaner with a Nera filter, reviews from those who already use it should be the starting point. They can be found online on forums and in comments in online stores. After all, this is the most truthful information about the device. You can also make a successful purchase if you know the basic selection criteria that an important element of the vacuum cleaner – the Nera filter – must meet:

• The number of dust particles it collects and its service life depend on the area and size of the accessory.
• The folds on the surface of a mandatory attribute of a vacuum cleaner must be evenly spaced at a certain distance from each other.
• The high purification class Nera filter type is distinguished by plastic protection because it is made from very fragile materials.
• The surface of the high-quality filter must be treated with a special chemical solution to better clean the air from microorganisms.

The consumer must understand that the presence of a HEPA filter in a vacuum cleaner is not a luxury or something out of fashion - it is created to preserve the health of the family it serves.

Cleanliness in the house is in your hands

If you decide to opt for vacuum cleaners without a filter, re-evaluate your options. Which model is suitable for use in your conditions? Built-in vacuum cleaners certainly have a number of undeniable advantages. However, think about whether you are ready to carry out serious installation work that will be required to install such a miracle of technology in your home and spend money on maintaining the unit itself?

Not being prepared for serious expenses does not mean that you will now be forced to swallow dust accumulations and breathe polluted air. A separator-type vacuum cleaner will be an excellent alternative for such serious equipment as a built-in unit.

A convenient and maneuverable separating vacuum cleaner will allow you to maintain cleanliness and order in your home at the proper level. You will now be able to clean twice as often, and you will be able to evaluate its quality the first time.

When choosing a separator vacuum cleaner, remember that its main feature is the absence of HEPA filters. If the seller offers you a separator model with a filter, then most likely you are looking at a fake or a not very successful imitation. Also pay attention to the warranty periods. Separator vacuum cleaners are guaranteed for at least 5 years, and in especially high-quality samples even for 10 years. Armed with this knowledge, you can make an unmistakable choice and once and for all change the quality of your life for the better.

Cleaning the HEPA filter

Proper care can extend the life of the device several times. Often, people whose vacuum cleaners have a disposable HEPA filter clean it by blowing compressed air in the opposite direction. This cleaning method can remove 80% of clogs, this only applies to particles larger than 1.0 microns. Because it is they that lead to clogging of the HEPA filter, and their elimination restores air throughput to 80%, thereby reducing resistance to air flow.

Also, compressed air can remove about 30% of particles with a size of 0.1-1.0 microns, which do not adhere well. The rest of the debris cannot be removed because it is held very tightly by the fibers of the HEPA filter. As a result of such cleaning, it turns out that the air passage resistance is restored by 80%, but the passport filtration efficiency is not restored even by half. It is worth remembering that after several procedures of blowing with compressed air, the HEPA filter will no longer be restored at all.

The above method also applies to washing waterproof filters. The difference in the procedures is that a reusable HEPA filter is easier to clean at home. The main thing is to dry it thoroughly after contact with water. Any cleaner with a Nera filter requires timely maintenance. This is the main way to extend the life of the device.

Conditions for the effective operation of a HEPA filter

Before starting work, you must carefully read the instructions for use. An air purifier with a Nera filter is protected from large debris, this also applies to vacuum cleaners.

And when particles larger than 1.0 microns enter, the pores of the material become clogged. A sharp increase in the resistance of a clogged filter will lead to a decrease in the suction ability of the vacuum cleaner.

Therefore, a coarse filter must be installed in the vacuum cleaner, for example, a garbage bag, because it is the one that is capable of trapping debris larger than 1.0 microns. The fact that the pre-filter will also retain other types of blockages will also have a positive effect on performance. Then the HEPA filter will meet the passport properties declared by the manufacturer over a long period of operation, and its cleaning and complete replacement will be avoided. Buying a new filter is not always easy. Many models of vacuum cleaners are no longer produced, and accordingly, the manufacturer stops the manufacturing process of their components.

Types of pre-filters

There are several of them:

• multilayer synthetic bag;
• fabric bag;
• cyclone filter;
• paper bag.

A bad combination would be a Nera and AQUA air filter. This is explained simply. With water, many dust particles, including large ones, reach the HEPA filter, which negatively affect its performance. Fungus also develops well in a humid environment. Therefore, if the vacuum cleaner has a combination of these two filters, after each cleaning all components of the device must be thoroughly dried.

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