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HEPA
filters are one of the most widely-known methods of air cleaning.
In fact, when most people think of an air cleaner, they think
of a HEPA filter. However, HEPA filters - and ALL filters, for
that matter - have limitations that must be taken into consideration
when choosing an air-cleaning unit for your home or office.
Because filtration systems (HEPA
and other filters) dilute contaminated air with cleaner air,
their effectiveness depends largely upon how much filtered air
they deliver over a given period into a specified space. Consequently,
most filtration-type air cleaners (they are NOT air purifiers!)
have large, often loud fans because they only clean the air
they can actually filter through them.
The History
of HEPA Filters
HEPA is an acronym for High Efficiency
Particulate Air Filter, which was used in U.S. military specifications
beginning around World War II. The precise definition of a HEPA
varies somewhat from country to country and from specifier to
specifier with respect to the efficiency for a particular test
method.
A conventional HEPA filter consists
of a continuous sheet of a special paper-like, glass-fiber filter
medium which is pleated into a "V" configuration with
corrugated aluminum separators between the pleats. This forms
the filter element, which is then bonded into a rigid frame using
a special polyurethane compound. Standard filters are produced
in a range of face dimensions and in two standard depths of nominally
150 mm and 300 mm.
Drawbacks to
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters cannot be cleaned
to remove particulate and dust loading and must be replaced
as a complete assembly, often at significant yearly cost. As
the particle load increases, so will the resistance to flow and
hence the pressure drop across the filter. In some applications,
uneven filter loading will cause non-uniform airflow through
the filter and decreased effectiveness. Some manufacturers will
void your warranty on filtration systems if you do not replace
the filter according to a very specific schedule, and most will
not cover damage caused to the unit by clogged filters, which
can cause the fan motor to burn up.
Even the larger HEPA air filters
cover only a single room, or at most a small apartment. This
is because in order for the air to be cleaned, it must pass through
the filter. As a result, they can only clean the air that is
nearby. While some filtration systems do incorporate charcoal
or other filtration media which can absorb odors, they have little
effect on odors and virtually none on bacteria, viruses, germs
and fungi like mold.
Biozone's
Filterless Air Purification technology uses a broad spectrum
of ultraviolet light to produce a unique gas plasma that uses
a synergistic blend of ozone, purifying hydroxyls and negative
ions to seek out odors and contaminants throughout your home.
Our In-Duct
units use your HVAC system ductwork to provide whole-home
purification. (AC systems also remove beneficial negative ions
from the air; Biozone units replace them, giving you better
sleep quality, enhanced mood and superior air purification).
Other Disadvantages
to Filtration Systems:
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HEPA
filters are extremely fragile and can easily be damaged during
installation, cleaning, and even when the unit is moved. |
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HEPA
filters should be tested at least annually. |
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Replacement
filters can cost as much as $200 (average is $75 - $150). |
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HEPA
units are usually loud - often sounding like a window air conditioner.
Some even sound like small lawnmowers! |
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HEPA
filters are costly to operate - from $100 - $300 annually. Biozone
units cost, on average, approximately $50 per year to operate. |
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HEPA
filters may cost less "up front," but actually purify
less air, less effectively. Cost per square foot of filtration
with a HEPA unit ranges from .35 cents to as much as $1.10 (or
more); Biozone units average .18 - .25 cents per square foot
(not including electricity costs). |
A key
point to consider is that HEPA filters are simply that -- filters
-- and are designed ONLY to FILTER larger (0.3 and above) micron-sized
particulates from the air. Some models offer optional filters
for smoke and odors, but these simply trap odor vapors in activated
charcoal and are not highly effective. Biozone Units actually
oxidize odors and vapors, removing them permanently, and Biozone
units are effective on even microscopic particulates, bacteria,
and viruses up to .001 microns.
HEPA filter effectiveness significantly
diminishes as the particles become smaller. Most airborne allergens
and contaminates are smaller than .3 microns. This prevents the
HEPA filter from removing fumes, viruses, most dust mites, most
bacteria, most tobacco smoke and most mold spores.
Particulate
Air Pollution
Check
this chart to see the actual micron size
of common particles found in your home.
Many HEPA filters on the market
now require that you change the filters at least once and often
twice a year in order to validate the unit's warranty. With
Biozone, all you ever replace is the UV lamp once every 12 to
15 months, at a cost of less than $40.
Say goodbye to your HEPA Filter
- choose a Biozone Air Cleaner!
Cutting-Edge
Science from Biozone Scientific
Biozone's
high-performance air cleaners not only remove particulate matter
like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and pollen, they'll
even remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that come from
such sources as cleaning solutions, carpets, paints, building
materials and formaldehyde. Most air filters sold in stores do
not remove gaseous VOCs. Additionally, even if a HEPA filter
traps bacteria, germs and viruses, it doesn't kill them.
Biozone® Air Purifiers use
technology proven to effectively kill germs, bacteria and viruses,
plus molds, dust mites and other "live" organic contaminants,
remove harmful particulates and neutralize all unpleasant odors
in your vehicle, home, office, business, factory or on the road.
SafeZone™
is the ultimate in ozone safety. SafeZone™ will not allow
the accumulation of ozone to exceed recommended, safe levels
when the units are operated as directed. It is a fail-safe method
that does NOT rely on electronic gadgetry or inexpensive sensors
frequently used by other manufacturers to regulate the ozone
output of their units. When operating a Biozone® Air Purifier,
when the ozone level in the environment begins to rise, the amount
of ozone produced by the unit is automatically reduced.
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