When I first started looking for an air purifier, everyone told me to go for options that had HEPA filters. Whether it was my friend, the salesperson, or some person on Reddit, almost every person I went to for advice couldn’t stop talking about HEPA filters.
And while I was ready to listen to their advice, there was one small problem: air purifiers with HEPA filters are expensive.
Don’t get me wrong; I wanted to keep the air in my room clean. However, I wasn’t ready to bust the bank for my air purifier.
On the other hand, when I went on the market, I found tons of cheap air purifiers that don’t have HEPA filters.
They claimed to have an “advanced filtration system” for catching particles and pollutants. After reading about these air purifiers, I quickly researched whether they were worth my time.
And what did I find out?
As expected, these air purifiers weren’t going to perform as well as those with HEPA filters.
I discovered that they might even be a waste of my money since they won’t be able to capture the particles in the air that cause allergies, which is why I was getting an air purifier in the first place.
So, even if it may cost you a bit more, I can’t stress enough the importance of a HEPA filter.
These filters will instantly make your air purifier more functional and allow you to breathe easy, even when allergy season comes around.
And in this article, I’ll explain why you’re better off getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter, what a HEPA filter is in the first place, and whether or not there’s a downside to using HEPA filters.
Read on to learn more.
What Are HEPA Filters?
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. And while this sounds complicated, it isn’t too hard to understand.
HEPA filters are high-quality filters made of a fine fiberglass mesh that can capture incredibly small particles.
These include PM2.5 particles, which are some of the particles that can cause the most problems.
HEPA filters must meet certain requirements and specifications before they classify as a “True” filter.
If they don’t meet these specifications, manufacturers may call them “HEPA-like” filters, which won’t be as functional as their original counterparts.
On top of that, HEPA filters are graded.
HEPA filter grades start at H10 and go up to H14.
For the best results, I recommend getting air purifiers with an H13 filter or higher, as these will be able to capture most of the small particles that can cause trouble.
Should I Get an Air Purifier Without a HEPA Filter?
If you’re wondering if you should spend your money on air purifiers without HEPA filters, I’d advise against it.
This is because HEPA filters are great pieces of technology, and they are the main reason that modern air purifiers are so effective at capturing particles and pollutants that float around the air.
While air purifiers can capture some particles without a HEPA fitler, they won’t be able to capture the same particles as a true HEPA filter.
So, if you get an air purifier without a HEPA filter, you will miss out on the main benefits of getting an air purifier in the first place, which is definitely something to avoid.
Again, it may cost you some money. However, air purifiers with HEPA filters are great investments.
These filters are so effective that they are the same filters used in medical settings to ensure that the environment is clean and sanitized.
On top of that, most air purifiers that don’t have HEPA filters use ionizers instead. And as much as possible, I’d recommend avoiding ionizers.
This is because ionizers can cause dust and other particles to fall to the ground, they also release ozone.
In small spaces, ozone gas can be dangerous and irritating, so it’s best to stay away from them.
Additionally, when the particles fall to the ground, you still have to vacuum them.
And if your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, there’s a high chance that many of these particles will end up back in the air, causing you trouble.
Why Get an Air Purifier with a HEPA Filter?
If you want to get all the benefits of an air purifier, you can’t skip out on a HEPA filter.
Most of the time, people buy air purifiers to clean the indoor air at home or in their offices.
For me, my air purifier was able to eliminate many of the particles causing my allergies, like dust and pollen.
But if my air purifier didn’t come with a HEPA filter, it wouldn’t have been able to do that.
Nowadays, a HEPA filter is the best way to eliminate small particles in the air that could end up in our lungs and cause us trouble.
So, don’t skip out on a true HEPA filter if you want to get the most out of your air purifier.
Is There a Downside to HEPA Filters?
The only downside to HEPA filters is that they are expensive. But considering all the benefits you get from using a HEPA filter, it should be more than worth it.
That said, if you don’t get a permanent HEPA filter, you are going to have to replace the filter every now and then.
So, if you’re looking for the most value for the money, I recommend getting a permanent HEPA filter that you can clean and wash whenever it clogs up.
Air Purifiers Without HEPA Filters: Conclusion
If you’re considering buying an air purifier, I can’t stress enough the importance of a HEPA filter.
Without a HEPA filter, your air purifier won’t be able to capture as many particles as you’d want.
So, you might end up coughing and sneezing because of the particles, even with the air purifier on.
You need a HEPA filter to get the most out of an air purifier.
So, while it can drive up the price of the air purifier, rest assured that you will get your money’s worth if you choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter.