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How Often Should I Switch Out my HEPA Filter During COVID-19?

coronavirusCOVID-19 and the virus that causes it, SARS-CoV-2, will continue to capture America’s attention as businesses, policy makers and researchers navigate how to mitigate a virus that has impacted the entire world.

Throughout most of the nation, face masks have become a mandatory precaution to protect humans from an environment that contains infectious particles and the topic of clean air has gained more traction for business that rely on clean air solutions.

Whether your business is deemed essential or not, several industries are considering HEPA filtration systems to keep infrastructure running properly, their employees safe – and in healthcare industries, their patients alive.

In this blog, we will discuss the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) definition of a HEPA filter, how often our manufacturers recommend you should change your air filter doing this pandemic and industries that require pollution-free air to function appropriately.

How Do Air Scrubbers Work?

Air quality systems, also known as air scrubbers, contain purification filters to remove contaminants that circulate within a space. Air scrubbers draw in polluted air through a series of filters while  pumping fresh air out several times an hour.

Most air scrubbers contain the following components:

Pre-Filters

In the first stage of filtration, the pre-filters capture the larger particles that are sucked in. Removing these particles helps the unit maintain airflow, process more cubic feet per minute, and increase filtration efficiency.

Optional Medium Filter

Some filtration systems offer a medium filter, also known as a 2nd-stage filter. Usually medium filters have a pleaded design that works to trap particles and protect the carbon filter.

Optional Carbon Filter

Carbon filtering is achieved when pollutants enter an activated carbon filter, undergo absorption, then leave the filter purified. Enabling this in conjunction with an HEPA filter can help extend the life and efficiency of the HEPA system.

Primary Filter or HEPA Filter

The final stage of filtration works to trap the smallest of particles, like dust, mold, bacteria and other irritants that cause asthma, lung conditions or prolong illness.

According to the CDC, high-efficiency particulate air systems, short for HEPA systems, are specially designed to capture 99.7% of dust particles that are greater or equal to 0.3 microns in diameter. The average human hair is about 50-150 microns in diameter, so HEPA filters work to trap microns that are up to 5,000 times thinner.

Blower

Air scrubbers require a dependable blower, which pulls air through the filters and exhausts the filtered air out of the unit.

Learn more about how air scrubbers work.

How Often Should You Change Your Filters During a Pandemic?

Usually, air scrubber filters can be changed about once a month; however, during heightened measures where clean air is a top priority, upgrading your system with a new filter at least once a week is considered a good practice.

There is still a lot of information we don’t know about COVID-19, but we know that droplets carrying the virus can linger in the air for several hours and have a longer life span depending on the surface they are occupying.

To err on the side of caution, we decided to get on a Zoom call with one of our manufacturers to understand how often businesses should change out their air filters during this pandemic.

Pre-Filters Should be Changed Once a Week

Pre-filters enhance air quality by capturing the larger particles, so it makes sense that these would become dirty quickly. These should be switched out on a weekly basis to ensure the system works effectively and in tandem with the HEPA filter.

HEPA Filters Should be Changed Almost Bi-Weekly

HEPA filters focus on the smaller particles and are often the final step in the filtration process. As long as you are maintaining your pre-filter appropriately, the HEPA filter should be switched out every 2-3 weeks.

It’s important to note that if the unit is moved from one room to another, all of your systems filters should be automatically changed. If not, you may run the risk of contaminating the new area.

Industries that Benefit from HEPA Filtration Systems

Let’s take a look at a few ways HEPA filtration systems benefit these key industries:

Medical Facilities

HEPA at Hospital

Healthcare centers, hospitals and retirement homes require properly regulated, clean air. Without clean air, the healthcare industry would run the risk of contaminating staff, patients and the general public.

Medical environments, like surgical rooms, research labs and isolation rooms require HEPA solutions to keep air clean and free of dangerous pathogens.

Disaster Relief

Similar to medical facilities, temporary medical tents and mobile healthcare operations should follow strict guidelines for clean air.

Buildings that require emergency attention due to water damage, mold infestations, or storm relief need a variety of drying equipment rentals to restore the space and clean the air. Not only do HEPA filters work to trap fine particles, but they work to eliminate unnecessary humidity on sites that suffer from sick building syndrome caused by mold or from serious water damage.

Retail Industries & Commercial Buildings

Restaurants, food processing factories and office buildings that are fully staffed are at risk of becoming hot-spot areas for viruses and contaminants to spread.

Air filtration systems in places where food and large populations are present must take precautions to keep areas sanitized and air quality healthy.

Construction Sites

Construction and demolition projects can be a dangerous setting for several reasons, including the potential exposure to dust, toxic gases and chemical fumes. HEPA equipment is often used to contain dust and protect on-site workers from:

  • Paint and other chemical fumes
  • Sewer odors
  • Cleaning-chemical odors
  • Other hazardous bio-contaminants

Rent HEPA Spot Coolers

Looking for a product that works to cool and filter simultaneously? Our CT-12 HEPA spot coolers offer commercial grade HEPA filtration, premium dehumidification and cooling capabilities. This three-in-one rental is specifically designed for medical settings that need a steady flow of cool air while regulating humidity and pollution control.

Our HEPA spot cooler works to eliminate the most common airborne bacteria, fungi and molds associated with MRSA, infections and respiratory ailments.

CT-12 HEPA Spot Cooler Features

  • Removes 98% of airborne bacteria, fungi and mold
  • 2 Stage Filtration: Pre filter/HEPA Pre Coil filtration
  • 400/355L CFM Evaporator

To get started, contact us today and we can determine the right system for your industry so you can operate efficiently while maintaining a contaminant free environment.

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