The vacuum cleaner market in the USA is huge with over 2 billion dollars per year spent by consumers. Almost every household has a vacuum cleaner and many households have more than one. However, consumers need to give careful consideration to the kind of vacuum they buy, especially if they suffer from asthma or allergies. A vacuum with HEPA filtration will help remove allergens from the air and create a healthier environment for those in the household.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and it is a particularly high level of air filtration. HEPA filtration has had longstanding use in the biomedical industry and (in conjunction with UV) helps to inhibit the spread of mold spores as well as airborne bacteria and viruses. It has also found practical uses in the aerospace, semiconductor, food, nuclear and pharmacological industries. HEPA filtration removes 99.97% of all particles in the air with a diameter of 0.3 microns or larger. In the case of a typical household this will include dust, pet dander, dust mite feces, pollens and other allergens. So a vacuum with HEPA filtration should exhaust much cleaner air than one without.
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However not all HEPA vacuum cleaners are created equal. Many vacuum cleaners advertise their HEPA filter feature but do little to ensure that the air sucked into the vacuum is passed through the filter. If a vacuum is not properly sealed it will allow leakage around the filter and/or leakage to the outside air prior to the filter. Some manufacturers, like Miele, provide a "sealed system" vacuum cleaner that ensures all of the air sucked into the machine is forced through the HEPA filter. This approach produces very high quality exhaust air from the vacuum. Tests have shown that sealed system vacuums typically produce better quality exhaust air than those that don't have a sealed system.
One can also find HEPA filtration in many vacuums certified as asthma and allergy friendly. For example, many of the Dyson vacuum cleaner models have certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (in conjunction with Allergy Standards Limited) launched the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program in 2006. The certification involves independent testing in accredited laboratories and ensures that the certified product is suitable for those with asthma or allergies. In the case of Dyson all the accredited vacuums use HEPA filtration.
Before buying a HEPA capable vacuum it is also important to check the longevity of the filter and the cost of replacing it. The lifespan of some filters can be extended via filter washing but only certain kinds of HEPA filters are washable. Many HEPA filters simply have to be replaced, often every 6 to 12 months depending on the amount of vacuuming. Also some HEPA filters can be pricey so it is a good idea to check the costs for the specific filter that fits your machine. You don't want to have to buy expensive filters frequently.
If you have pets you may wish to use a HEPA filter that comes with activated carbon. These are available for some vacuum models but not for others. Activated carbon is usually made from basic charcoal but it is extremely porous and has an incredibly large surface area that helps it trap odors. Filters with activated carbon leave the air smelling clean after vacuuming.
Things to Consider When Buying a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Hepa
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