Air filters help to filter solid or gaseous particles from the air in order to improve air quality. Examples of two of the most common types of air filters are HEPA filters and activated carbon (or charcoal) filters. HEPA filters capture particulate pollution, and carbon filters capture gases. Learn more about the different type of air filters, their uses, and how to select the best here.
The term “HEPA filter” can be confusing. What does HEPA stand for? What is a HEPA filter made from, and what actually makes it a HEPA filter? What is a HEPA Filter? “HEPA” stands for “high-efficiency particulate air” (filter). It sounds complicated, but HEPA air filters are nothing fancy. They …
3M has been selling air conditioner (AC) filters that can be added to the inlet of ACs for some time now. 3M markets them as being simple and easy to attach, and a great way to reduce PM2.5 in homes without an air purifier. But do they actually work? How …
Cigarette smoke smell and the dangerous pollutants in secondhand smoke can be extremely unpleasant. The health danger is serious, with a study showing one cigarette produces 10-times the amount of dangerous particulates than a diesel car. So how can we remove cigarette smoke smell and the cancer-causing pollutants in it? …
Many air purifier companies market their air purifiers as “True HEPA” air purifiers. For example, Philips touts the True HEPA filters in their air purifiers and its filtration efficiency. Even some so-called “experts” claim you need a True HEPA filter in your air purifier. So what exactly are True HEPA …
When buying an air purifiers, the terms ‘airflow’ and CADR are often used interchangeably to describe an air purifier’s performance. But what’s the difference between CADR (clean air delivery rate) and airflow? Are they the same thing? Or which one – CADR vs. airflow – should be used when buying …
Research is abundant on the health benefits of air purifiers. Pollution is everywhere, and using HEPA air purifiers at home to reduce the amount of pollution you breathe in is one of the most underrated health hacks. In this article, we share six benefits of air purifiers that can significantly …
Wondering what the EN1822 HEPA filter standard is, and when to use it? This article covers the scope and history of the EN1822 standard, the different EN1822 filter classifications, and the test methods used. Jump to the relevant section: EN1822 Standard Overview & History Performance Classifications of the EN1822 Standard. …
We know that air pollution is bad for our health, causing heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer. But how about the more day-to-day impacts of air pollution including productivity, tiredness, and alertness? A recent Harvard study shows that poor indoor air quality is affecting employees more than once thought, and …
Companies sell activated carbon filters (also called “charcoal filters”) to remove chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, but does carbon really work? The Smart Air lab put real-world carbon filters to the test. Who Needs Carbon Filters Anyway? I wrote early on that my number one concern in China is particulate …
Data shows face masks can protect you from COVID-19, but how about air purifiers? Can an air purifier with HEPA filters remove COVID-19 and other viruses? Can HEPA Filters Remove Viruses Such as COVID-19? To answer this question, we need to first answer if HEPA filters can capture particles as …
