Filtering the air we breathe sounds like a good, simple, common-sense idea. People who suffer from allergies or asthma, the elderly and the very young may benefit most, but clean air is better for everyone in Cincinnati. Investing in a HEPA filtration system can help to address air-quality problems, and create a more comfortable living environment.

If you're not sure if you should invest in a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration system, a working knowledge of how it helps fight indoor air quality problems will assist you with the decision-making process.

• MERV -- MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value; a MERV rating describes filtration efficiency in operation. The reporting scale for filters ranges from 1 to 20; 1 has the lowest efficiency and 20 has the highest. HEPA filters are rated from MERV 17 to 20, outperforming other lower-rated air filters
• HEPA filtration --HEPA filters, similar to those used to “scrub” the air in hospital operating theaters, are made using a much denser material made up of smaller fibers, packaged in a sealed environment that can trap 99.97 percent of all particles larger than 0.3 microns that pass through them. 
• Contaminant targeting action -- HEPA filtration can target two of the most problematic types of contaminants: bioaerosols and particles. Bioaerosols are microscopic living organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold spores, along with segments of dead organisms including dust mites. Particulates are microscopic airborne pollutants that are not biological in origin, such as ash, asbestos and tobacco smoke.
• Whole-house purification -- A HEPA filtration system will generally work alongside your existing HVAC equipment to clean the air. As air moves through your return-ducts and into the air conditioner/furnace, a portion of the air is drawn into the HEPA filtration system, which cleans the air before returning it to the supply ducts. Every time your home's air circulates through this cycle, the air is further purified, removing over 99 percent of the airborne contamination, resulting in negligible levels of bioaerosols and particulates over time.

The technicians at Tri-County Heating & Cooling have a great deal of expertise in all matters concerning HEPA filtration. Use our Contact Us page to ask any further questions, or to schedule a consultation. Serving Butler County and the Greater Cincinnati area, we're always happy to help.