HEPA and ULPA are doing good for our breathing health, while each of them does different to air purification. Do you know which one is more suitable for your home use, HEPA filters or ULPA filters? Today we are going to compare HEPA filters VS ULPA filters. HEPA filter can filter 99.97% of particles with a diameter of smaller than 0.3 microns, while ULPA filter can filter 99.999% of particles with a diameter of smaller than 0.12 microns. Does this mean the ULPA filter is better than HEPA filter? Through the comparison of ULPA vs HEPA filters, in terms of filtration efficiency, application fields, cost, service life, ACH, etc., you will understand which filter is better for your home between ULPA vs HEPA filters.
What Is a HEPA Filter?
A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is a type of air filter that is designed to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size from the air. HEPA filters are commonly used in air purifiers, vacuums, and HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality.
History of HEPA Filters
The HEPA filter was developed in the 1940s. During the Manhattan Project of the United States to develop the atomic bomb, a large number of nuclear material experiments were carried out, and it was found that nuclear radiation particles would often float out of the nuclear material reaction laboratory along with the air. This will expose many unprotected scientists to the shadow of nuclear radiation. The emergence of the HEPA filter allows a large number of radiation particles generated in the laboratory to be filtered through the HEPA filter, and these radiation particles remain on the filter material. So that it will not be blown outside and cause harm to ordinary people, nor will it float out and affect the scientists indoors again.
HEPA filtration technology was allowed for commercial or residential use after world war two. Traditionally, HEPA air filters are used in hospital operating rooms, isolation rooms, and other applications requiring absolute filtration.
Today: It is recommended to use a HEPA filter air purifier at home to effectively improve the air quality in your home.
How Do HEPA Filters Work?
HEPA filters work by forcing air through a dense mat of randomly arranged fibers. These fibers are typically made from materials like fiberglass, and they are designed to capture particles as they pass through.
1. Sieve principle: When the size of the gap between the media components is smaller than the particle diameter, the HEPA filter intercepts and captures this part of the media.
2. Inertia principle: This working principle mainly uses the rapid change of air direction and the principle of inertia to separate a large number of particles from the airflow. When separated, particles at a certain speed will keep going in the same direction until they are captured.
3. Interception principle: The intercepted particles are generally relatively small. During interception, a particle must enter within a fiber radius distance so that the particle comes into contact with the fiber and becomes attached to it.
4. Diffusion principle: Dust particles in the air make an inertial motion or irregular Brownian motion with the airflow. When a moving particle collides with another obstacle, it will cause it to stick to the obstacle. This is the process by which dust in the air is absorbed.
What Is a ULPA Filter?
An Ultra-Low Particulate Air (ULPA) filter is a type of air filter that is designed to remove 99.999% of particles that are 0.12 microns or larger in size from the air. ULPA filters are used in clean rooms, laboratories, and other settings where extremely high levels of air purity are required.
ULPA filters work in a similar way to HEPA filters, but they are made from even finer fibers and have a more complex design. This allows them to capture smaller particles and achieve higher levels of air purity.
ULPA VS HEPA: 6 Difference Between HEPA and ULPA Filters
Although HEPA and ULPA filters are both used for air filtration, they have distinct differences and are suitable for different scenarios. To help you select the most appropriate filter for your home, we will outline the differences between HEPA and ULPA filters. These differences are mainly evident in six aspects, namely: filtering effectiveness, material density, application field, cost, lifespan, and ACH.
What Is the Difference Between HEPA and ULPA Filters?
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HEPA Filter: |
ULPA Filter: |
1. ULPA vs HEPA: Filtration Effectiveness |
HEPA filter is designed to capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. This includes pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens. |
ULPA filters are designed to capture smaller particles than HEPA filters. ULPA filters capture 99.999% of particles 0.12 microns or larger. |
2. HEPA vs ULPA filter: The density of the material |
In ULPA filters, the fibers are packed much denser than in HEPA filters. |
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3. HEPA vs ULPA filtration: Application Fields |
HEPA filters are more widely used, usually used in air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and HVAC systems, and are the best choice for most biological applications, healthcare, etc. |
ULPA filters are often used in special applications such as hospitals, laboratories, microelectronics manufacturing, or medical laboratories to prevent the spread of airborne contaminants. ULPA filters are suitable for use in highly specialized environments where the air needs to be as completely pure as possible. |
4. ULPA vs HEPA: Cost |
ULPA filters are more expensive than HEPA filters. |
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5. HEPA vs ULPA filtration: Service life |
The life of the HEPA filter is about 10 years. |
ULPA filters have an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years, and additional pre-filtration may be required to protect the ULPA filter. |
6. HEPA vs ULPA filter: ACH |
A HEPA filter will circulate the air faster, cleaning your air better than a ULPA filter. (ACH, or Air Cycles per Hour, means the number of times a given volume of air circulates through the filtration system per hour.) |
The denser media of ULPA filters reduces airflow by 20% to 50% for the same size filter, reducing the number of air cycles per hour in your home. This results in a decrease in air quality in the home. |
Which Air Filter Is Better for Your Application – ULPA VS HEPA?
By understanding the difference between HEPA and ULPA filters, you can better determine the best choice based on the needs of a given environment. And expanding your understanding of when and why to use ULPA VS HEPA will enable you to make informed decisions and ensure optimal air quality.
ULPA Filter VS HEPA Filter: When and Why Use a HEPA Filter?
HEPA filters are designed to remove particles that are 0.3 microns or larger with an efficiency of at least 99.97%. This makes them ideal for filtering out airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. HEPA filter is very suitable for air purifiers for homes to remove allergens, cigarette smoke in the air to improve the air quality in your home.
When selecting a HEPA filter, it's important to make sure that it meets the standards set by the US Department of Energy. Look for filters that are labeled as "True HEPA" or "HEPA Certified" to ensure that they meet the standards.
HEPA VS ULPA Filter: When and Why Use a ULPA Filter?
ULPA filters are typically more expensive than HEPA filters, so they should only be used when necessary. ULPA filters are commonly used in cleanrooms, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and hospitals where very high levels of air purity are required.
In summary, HEPA filters are very suitable for home use, while ULPA filters are suitable for some special occasions that require extremely pure air.
HEPA VS ULPA Filtration, Which Is Better to Choose for Home?
HEPA filter is the best choice for your home use. According to the above introduction, by considering its cost, AHC, service life, and other factors, HEPA filter can already filter out smoke, pollen, pet dander and odor in the air for you, so as to help you improve indoor air quality and keep yourself healthy. While ULPA filters can filter out smaller pollutants than HEPA, the low AHC due to its denser media can even reduce your indoor air quality!
Through the discussion of ULPA VS HEPA, we have determined that HEPA filter is a more suitable choice for home use. In our assessment, HEPA air purifiers are a more effective option for removing harmful particles and pollutants from the air in your home. Therefore, if you are looking for a reliable and high-quality air purification product for your home, we highly recommend a HEPA air purifier.
Getting MSPure HEPA Air Purifiers for Home to Make Air Filtration Easier
If you're looking for a reliable and efficient air purifier manufacturer, then look no further than MSPure's HEPA air purifiers. With their 3-in-1 HEPA filter technology, these air purifiers can effectively capture a wide variety of particles and pollutants, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and harmful gases like formaldehyde and benzene.
Overall, MSPure's HEPA air purifiers are an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve the air quality in their home. They are easy to use, effective, and designed to work in a variety of different environments. So no more hesitation! Investing in one today and start enjoying cleaner, healthier air in your home.
