The highest classes of HEPA filters are H13 and H14, which are considered medical grade filters, since they can capture significant percentages of particles smaller than 0.3 μm in size. HEPA H13-H14 are within the highest level of HEPA air filtration and are considered suitable for medical use. We usually choose purifiers with authentic HEPA filters. In the North American definition, “true HEPA” means that a filter removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles of 0.3 microns in diameter in a single pass.
Human hair, as a reference, is usually between 20 and 180 microns wide. A diameter of 0.3 microns is the most difficult particle size to remove using HEPA-type physical filtration, so both larger and smaller particles are captured more efficiently. As we know, H13 and H14 are two classifications of HEPA filters. The difference between HEPA H13 and H14 filters is simple; HEPA H14 filters are better because of their higher efficiency and lower penetration rate.
When considering the implications of using HEPA H14 filters instead of H13 in air filtration devices, it's important to note that the only manufacturer currently offering residential HEPA H14 air purifiers is Medify Air (only one model is powerful enough for a HEPA H14 filter). The weaker filter lets a little more air pollution through the first pass, but it processes more air. Now, using HEPA H14 filters will require a large amount of air flow and air pressure before the filter for the HEPA H14 to do its job properly. Investing in a HEPA filtration system, if properly sized for the space, will go a long way to providing clean air and peace of mind to everyone inside the building.
Many “experts” argue that the real key to identifying a good purifier is to look for a high-quality HEPA or a “real HEPA”. If you suffer from allergies or simply have questions about the air quality in your home, a HEPA air purifier can help. Medical HEPA filters are used in hospitals, operating rooms, and pharmaceutical factories. The prefilter traps larger particles, such as pet hair, and keeping it clean helps the HEPA filter work unhindered on fine particles.
If you try this trick, carefully seal the filter around its entire perimeter with transparent, heavy-duty adhesive tape, through any space that might have let unfiltered air through, just like in special air purifiers. The problem is that a HEPA is a filter medium too fine to implement in existing air conditioning systems and the only way to add one to an installation is through a separate or portable HEPA air filtration system with its own dedicated fan designed to increase the resistance of this type of filter. In conclusion, it's essential to understand that HEPA H14 filters are superior to H13, as they offer higher efficiency and lower penetration rate when it comes to trapping airborne particles. The only manufacturer currently offering residential HEPA H14 air purifiers is Medify Air (only one model is powerful enough for a HEPA H14 filter). However, it's also difficult for many existing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to adopt a MERV 13 due to the increased load on the fan due to the finer filtering material.
Investing in a properly sized HEPA filtration system will go a long way to providing clean air and peace of mind to everyone inside the building.
