HEPA Filter Vacuum
One of the most important features of a pet vacuum is what filtration it has, looking through any vacuum cleaners ratings and information you will easily see if this is a part of the pet vacuum. So what are HEPA filter vacuum cleaners? HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing, which means that the small particles of pet dander, dust and other particles in the air, rushing through the vacuum at an incredibly high speed are efficiently absorbed into the HEPA filter. HEPA filter vacuums will catch these particles right down to 0.3 micrometers (or microns) and will remove at least 99.97% of them. If this efficiency isn’t reached then it isn’t a HEPA filter vacuum, less able and cheaper ones are usually called things like ‘99% HEPA’, ‘HEPA-type’ and ‘HEPA-like’.
To get an idea of the size of these particles, think of a human hair. This is about 50 micrometers in diameter, but can in fact range from about 20 to 180 micrometers. The dust particles that you may see on a sunny day dancing in the sunlight are generally about this size, although with great eyesight and a particularly bright clear day you could possibly see them as small as 10 micrometers. Pet dander however can be just less than 1 micrometer and so at this size can remain in the air for about 8 hours after a vacuum. You can see why then vacuum ratings and places that review vacuum cleaners should make it clear what kind of filter exists in your pet vacuum.
The size of the filter can vary considerably but they are generally very thin. You will find the larger diameter filters in the HEPA canister vacuum and quite small but equally efficient ones in the portable vacuum cleaners, like handheld vacuum cleaners, lightweight vacuum cleaners, where they can be washed easily and quickly. A point to remember though is they do not last forever. Instructions on when they need replacement should be found in your pet vacuum specifications or manual.
So when you are comparing pet vacuums pay attention to the vacuum rating and technical specification. A HEPA filter is a standard feature of a pet vacuum and other than the suction power, the most important part.
Feb 12, 2010 | 0 | Hepa filter Vacuum