HEPA filter terminology misuse
The term HEPA filter has been loosely used as a term for most secondary and final filters for many years. Although this in itself is not a big deal, the fact that many facilities believe they have HEPA filters when they actually don’t, is a bit alarming!
The first step in this issue, is to know either what is required by the regulating body in your industry or what you are trying to achieve. Then reach out to a professional that can help identify what filters you have or what you need.
True HEPA filters are typically identifiable by a rating on the filter that says it is a 99.97% efficient or higher and will not have a MERV rating listed on the tag. If the filter is a 98% or lower, it is not considered a HEPA. Normally HEPA filters would have a face gasket of of either a foam rubber or a gel material in a track that a knife edge imbeds into for a air tight seal.
To summarize:
- A HEPA Filter will have a tag on it that states its a 99.97% efficient or higher.
- It will have a gasket to achieve an airtight seal.
- It will not likely have a MERV rating on the tag.