From the outside, air purifiers may seem alike, but internally, filtration technology and power can be vastly different between every air system and filter. HEPA filtration is designed to eliminate particulate matter and airborne allergens, while activated carbon filters target gaseous pollutants.
For comprehensive air quality protection, it is important to understand the differences between filter types, the various pollutants they target, and optimal locations for each filtration system.
What are HEPA and HyperHEPA filters?
To address particulate matter and airborne allergens, HEPA filtration systems are the way to go. HEPA filters are made of densely packed fibers that are 99.7% effective in capturing pollutants with a diameter of 0.3 microns or larger. PM2.5 is particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less and PM10 includes particles 10 microns or less. These particles can range from airborne allergens to indoor irritants.
Within the HEPA filtration family, HyperHEPA air purifiers provide the maximum amount of protection against the smallest of pollutants. HyperHEPA filters specifically target ultrafine particles, eliminating 99.5% of airborne pollutants that are as small as 0.003 microns in size. Ultrafine particles and allergens can easily sneak indoors without one realizing through open doors, cracked windows, and clothing transfers. through open doors, cracked windows, and clothing transfers.
What particles do HEPA filters remove?
Through their dense fiber filtration design, HEPA and HyperHEPA filters specifically target fine particulate matter, ultrafine particles, and airborne allergens commonly found indoors, including:
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Wildfire smoke
- Mold
- Microorganisms
Long-term exposure to these pollutant particles and allergens can increase health risks, such as nasal irritation, elevated allergies, lung cancer, and respiratory complications. HEPA and HyperHEPA filters are key to circulating and filtering indoor air pollutants, but they do not address all pollutants.
What are activated carbon filters and how do they work?
Activated carbon filters are designed to have biodegradable porous surfaces—commonly made of coconut shells, charcoal, or wood—that capture gas-phase pollutants. Carbon filters made from activated bituminous charcoal are the most effective in eliminating higher concentrations of pollutants (1). According to a study published in 2022, activated carbon filters were found to have captured and filtered 87.4% of NO2 particles within vehicles and areas of high pollutant concentration (2)(3).
Through its porous structure, activated carbon filters target gases, vapors, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including:
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
- Nitrogen oxide
- Tobacco smoke and odor
- Cooking smoke and odor
- Chemical fumes
Chemical and pollutant gas exposure can occur regularly indoors through cleaning products, paint, air fresheners, and carpets. Activated carbon filters are extremely effective in addressing airborne chemical exposure, but the air system has limitations and does not capture particulate matter.
How do activated carbon filters compare to HEPA filtration?
Activated carbon filters target different forms of airborne pollutants compared to HEPA and HyperHEPA filters. Activated carbon filters are made up of tiny holes that specifically designed to capture chemicals, gases, and odors—pollutants often invisible to the naked eye. HEPA and HyperHEPA filters have a dense fiber design that target fine and ultrafine particles, dust, and airborne allergens.
Another key difference is the materials each filter is comprised of—activated carbon filters utilize biodegradable coconut shells or bituminous charcoal, while HEPA filtration systems use fiberglass or synthetic polymers for filtration strength. Despite their vast differences, employing both activated carbon and HEPA filters in homes ensures comprehensive air quality protection.
Choosing the right air filtration system
Safe indoor air quality relies on the removal of all airborne pollutants to ensure maximum protection. Opening windows and monitoring outdoor air quality are key to maintaining healthy air quality, but are not enough on their own. For comprehensive air quality protection, utilizing both activated carbon and HEPA filters between various indoor spaces can help target direct sources of pollution, including:
- For activated carbon air purifiers: Place in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages where chemical products and gaseous emissions are more abundant.
- For HEPA and HyperHEPA air purifiers: Place in bedrooms, living rooms, and communal spaces where dust and bacteria can thrive.
Since they target different particles, it is key to utilize both activated carbon filters and HEPA or HyperHEPA filters in conjunction to eliminate all airborne pollutants present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do HEPA and HyperHEPA filters last?
HEPA and HyperHEPA filters can last 3 months to 4 years, depending on size, model, and daily usage.
How long do activated carbon filters last?
Activated carbon filters can last 6 months to 3 years, depending on size, model, and daily usage.
What is the difference between HyperHEPA and activated carbon filters?
The main difference between the two filters are the comprised materials and types of pollutant particles they remove.
HyperHEPA filters utilize densely packed fibers to remove airborne allergens and ultrafine particles such as dust, pollen, and smoke. Activated carbon filters utilize porous structures made of coconut shells or bituminous charcoal to filtrate gaseous odors and chemicals such as nitrogen oxide, benzene, and tobacco smoke and odor.
Does air purifier filter type matter?
Yes, air filter type does matter when dealing with different airborne pollutants. Some filter types are ineffective in removing certain particles, so it is important to select the right filter for the right job.
If a space has abundant pollen, dust, or mold, HEPA or HyperHEPA filters will be the best option to remove the particles. If a space is dealing with odor, chemical sprays, or gaseous emissions, activated carbon filters would be the best choice to eliminate the pollutants.
Conclusion
HEPA filtration and activated carbon filters target separate types of airborne pollutants, yet both are essential in providing comprehensively safe air quality. HEPA and HyperHEPA filters ensure airborne allergens and dust are filtrated, while activated carbon filters eliminate gaseous emissions and odors.
Without either HEPA filtration or activated carbon filters, gaps in air quality protection could arise, and hidden pollutants can continue to disrupt indoor air quality.
