When we talk about indoor air quality, there are two main ways to address it using modern equipment: one way is to filter the air to remove harmful particles, and the other way is to disinfect the air, killing as many harmful pathogens as possible.

These two approaches to improving air quality are vastly different, and in this week’s blog post, we’re going to explain why.

What is HEPA?

HEPA is probably the most commonly used acronym in modern air quality control. It stands for High-Efficiency Particle Absorbing, and it’s used to describe filters, air conditioners, and other air handlers that are specifically designed to remove particulate matter from the air.

Most HEPA technology is filter-based, meaning there is a physical membrane through which air is forced. This membrane is composed of special material that ‘traps’ airborne particles larger than .3 micrometers in size. This accounts for the majority of things like allergens, pet dander, and other particles.

While HEPA filtration is, on the whole, a very effective technology, it doesn’t do anything to disinfect, which is a task that requires much more sophisticated hardware to accomplish.

Seek and Destroy Germs

Air disinfecting equipment picks up where air filtration equipment leaves off.

Take, for example, the air disinfecting/filtering system available from Healthway. This all-in-one unit makes good use of both HEPA filtering technology as well as disinfecting technology that first traps and then destroys harmful living organisms.

Disinfecting the air you breathe is very different from simply filtering it. Filtering air doesn’t kill pathogens. Disinfecting the air, however, does.

Many of the microscopic airborne offenders that are killed in the disinfecting process include:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Mold spores
• Fungi

Many people find that once they’ve installed a high-quality air filtration/disinfecting system, they’re able to breathe easier and the frequency of allergy symptoms drops significantly. This effect can be especially remarkable in homes where multiple pets and/or small children live.

Get Cleaner Air—Contact The LeverEdge

At The LeverEdge, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful air disinfecting systems can be. If you’re curious about how your home or business might benefit from an expertly installed air disinfecting system, contact us today.