We have come a long way to uncovering the secrets of a virus that, not so long ago, was totally unknown.
More than a year into the pandemic, we are able to figure out a lot of things about the COVID-19 virus, how to slow down its rate of transmission, and even developed several vaccines with the hopes of putting an end to a disease that claimed millions of lives all over the world.
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Rising Concerns
Ontario based HVAC company, Morconnect, is concerned about the steady increase of people in the area who succumbed to COVID-19.
In fact, in Ontario alone, almost 6,000 COVID-19 related deaths were reported as of January 2021.
Many countries have already started their vaccination efforts but COVID-19 still remains a huge threat in our everyday lives.
While we have come to terms with social distancing and wearing masks in public, the risk of spreading the COVID-19 at home remains very high.
In fact, according to the CDC, it can be spread easily by exposure to the virus in small droplets and particles that can linger in the air for minutes to hours.
This is the reason why using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter at home is a popular choice for Canadians right now.
Why HEPA?
According to Epa.gov, “HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).
The diameter specification of 0.3 microns responds to the worst case; the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Particles that are larger or smaller are trapped with even higher efficiency.
Using the worst-case particle size results in the worst-case efficiency rating (i.e. 99.97% or better for all particle sizes).”
On the other hand, HVAC expert, Morconnect explains that the effectiveness of home HEPA filters in capturing the COVID-19 virus varies depending on several factors.
Which HEPA?
First and foremost, there is a never-ending debate whether HEPA filters can capture the COVID-19 virus. Scientists explain that the approximate size of a coronavirus is around 0.125 microns.
HEPA filters, on the other hand, can only capture approximately 0.3 microns of airborne particles.
However, a NASA study found out that HEPA filters can effectively catch particles as small as 0.1 microns, which is about the size of the coronavirus.
The location and size of the room where the HEPA air filter will be installed also plays a big part in its air cleaning efficiency.
In fact, one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a HEPA air filter is whether the space you want to put it in already has good ventilation.
If the room already has a good airflow, an air filter may no longer be needed. However, for closed rooms like bedrooms and basements, HEPA air filters are beneficial to capturing viruses and other harmful airborne particles.
In general, air purifiers are most effective when installed in smaller rooms with all the doors and windows shut. Air filtration is also difficult to manage in living spaces with open floor plans.
When buying a HEPA air filter, Morconnect recommends choosing one with an above 350 clean air delivery rate (CADR) rating. CADR value is the measure of how many particles are removed from the air. In short, it indicates how fast an air purifier can clean the air in a particular size room.
On the other hand, the size and capacity of the HEPA air filter also need to be considered to ensure its efficiency.
It is highly recommended to talk to an HVAC expert like the ones at Morconnect to ensure that the model you wish to buy is appropriate for the size of the room where it will be installed.
Last but not the least, it is highly advised to purchase your unit from a reputable supplier to ensure that you’ll get a “true” HEPA filter.
“True” HEPA air filters are effective in removing even the finest particles with up to 99.97% efficiency. Beware of filters that are claiming to be “HEPA-like” and “HEPA-type” for they are most likely ineffective in capturing viruses and other airborne particles.
Conclusion
Having a HEPA air filtration system inside your home is just another layer of protective measure for your added peace of mind.
It is still best to closely follow medical experts’ advice, including social distancing, wearing of face masks, washing of hands more frequently, and using sanitizers and disinfectants in order to avoid contracting COVID-19.
