In 2025, with growing awareness about airborne contaminants, it’s no longer enough to rely on outdated ventilation or mediocre filters that only do half the job. More than ever, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and schools are turning to HEPA filtration — the gold standard of air purification — to tackle dust mites, allergens, and dangerous airborne pathogens head-on.
HEPA filters, short for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, set a high bar for clean indoor air. They’re designed to powerfully capture at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and are tested and certified to consistently neutralize some of the toughest indoor air contaminants.
If you’re noticing more complaints about stagnant hallways, a spike in staff sick days, or increased pressure from new compliance standards around indoor air quality, it may be time to consider HEPA filtration for your facility’s indoor air quality and overall compliance.
What is HEPA Filtration and How Does It Work?
HEPA filtration relies on a dense mat of interlaced fibers engineered to trap even the smallest of particles. The magic happens through three primary mechanisms:
- Interception: Particles drifting close to the filter fibers get caught in the dense weave.
- Impaction: Larger particles collide directly with fibers and can’t continue their journey.
- Diffusion: Extremely tiny particles bounce around erratically, increasing their chances of hitting and sticking to the fibers.
This trio of methods means that HEPA air purifiers can significantly reduce airborne pollutants, from dust to microscopic pathogens. The 0.3-micron size is critical because it is considered the most penetrating particle size (MPPS), meaning that even at the most challenging particle size, HEPA filtration equipment can still powerfully remove airborne contaminants at the same rate at the most difficult size.
Discover why micron size is the key to powerful HEPA filtration.
Choosing a HEPA Filtration Type: The Basics of HEPA Filters
Commercial vs. Residential HEPA Filters
When choosing a HEPA filter, it’s important to start by understanding the circumstances that it’s designed for. Residential HEPA filters are more than capable of improving comfort and reducing common allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander in a home setting. However, the air quality challenges in a private residence differ greatly from those in a healthcare facility, school, or commercial complex. These higher-risk environments have stricter requirements due to heavier foot traffic, more diverse contaminants, and the presence of vulnerable populations, such as immunocompromised patients or young children.
By contrast, commercial HEPA filters are engineered for durability and efficiency in large spaces with high occupancy rates. They must handle more airborne contaminants introduced by frequent comings and goings and maintain consistent performance, even under heavy, continuous use. In hospitals, for example, a commercial-grade HEPA filter helps manage seasonal viruses, harmful bacteria, and irritating allergens, providing the best possible environment for patient recovery and staff well-being. The key takeaway: while a residential filter can improve air quality at home, a commercial-grade HEPA filter is essential for meeting the elevated standards required in sensitive professional settings.
Explore more types of HEPA filtration and how to choose the best one for your facility.
Don’t Settle for Substitutes: True HEPA Is the Gold Standard
When it comes to air filtration, not all options labeled “HEPA” are created equal. Some filters might say “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type,” but they don’t meet the rigorous standards that define true HEPA filters. If you’re overseeing a space where clean air is a non-negotiable, you deserve to know that you’re using a filter that’s truly up to the task.
“HEPA-Like” Filters
Terms like “HEPA-like,” “HEPA-type,” or “HEPA-style” are marketing ploys. These filters don’t meet official HEPA standards, which require capturing 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. While they may do the job in low-risk settings where cost is a bigger concern, they aren’t reliable for environments like hospitals, where strict air purity can make a difference in life and death.
True HEPA Filters
A true HEPA filter undergoes rigorous testing to meet HEPA standards, removing 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. This makes true HEPA filters the go-to choice for facilities that prioritize air quality and the health of vulnerable occupants.
Find the right HEPA filter type to meet your facility’s unique requirements.
Breaking Down the HEPA Rating Scale: H12, H13, and H14
Even within true HEPA filtration, there’s a range of effectiveness that matters, especially in healthcare settings where outcomes hinge on maintaining a pristine environment. The HEPA rating scale runs from H10 to H14, but H12, H13, and H14 are the ratings most relevant to facilities where occupant health is a top priority.
- H12 Filters: These capture about 99.5% of 0.3-micron particles. While superior to many standard filters, H12 may not provide the level of protection required in high-risk healthcare areas. They can be suitable for non-critical spaces but aren’t the top choice where patient safety is at stake.
- H13 Filters: Often considered the ideal balance for healthcare facilities, H13 filters capture at least 99.95% of 0.3-micron particles. They achieve this without overly restricting airflow, making them an excellent fit for patient rooms, labs, offices, and other areas where both filtration and ventilation matter. H13 is the “sweet spot” for healthcare, offering robust protection against pathogens and allergens while keeping your HVAC system running smoothly.
- H14 Filters: With a capture rate of 99.995% for 0.3-micron particles, H14 filters deliver the highest level of protection. However, their denser composition can reduce airflow. They’re best suited for operating rooms or specialized cleanrooms where extreme purity outweighs concerns about airflow restrictions.
Explore each type of HEPA filter and when to use (or not use) each one.
What HEPA Filters Remove: 4 Common Contaminants in the Air
By effectively capturing a range of airborne particles — both visible and invisible — HEPA filters help transform indoor spaces into healthier, more welcoming environments.
Most commonly, HEPA filters will remove:
- Dust and Dust Mites: These tiny particles and mites can trigger allergies and asthma. With a true HEPA filter, you’re removing one of the most common causes of respiratory irritation.
- Allergens (Pollen, Pet Dander, Mold Spores): Reducing these allergens leads to a more comfortable environment for occupants, cutting down on sneezing fits and itchy eyes.
- Airborne Pathogens (Viruses, Bacteria): HEPA filtration supports infection control by removing many pathogens that spread through the air. Healthcare facilities especially value this benefit.
- Chemical Pollutants (VOCs): While HEPA alone may not capture all gases, it significantly reduces particulate matter. When combined with other filtration technologies, the reduction in harmful VOCs and pollutants becomes even more effective.
Discover which is the highest risk in your facility and how to mitigate the threats.
HEPA Filters in Action: Where HEPA Filtration Shines
Whether you manage a hospital, airport, school, office building, or any other high-risk or high-traffic environment, HEPA filtration has you covered with air filtration you can confidently rely on each day.
Some of the best environments to use HEPA filtration include:
Healthcare
In hospitals, operating rooms, and specialized care units, true HEPA filters help create cleaner, safer environments. By capturing airborne pathogens before they can circulate, they lower the chances of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), ultimately protecting patients, staff, and a facility’s reputation for quality care.
Schools
Classrooms are where students and teachers spend most of their day, so clean air matters. HEPA filters remove common irritants like pollen and dust, as well as airborne viruses, leading to fewer sick days and a more productive learning experience.
Cleanrooms and Labs
In labs and manufacturing cleanrooms, even the smallest particles can sabotage experiments or compromise product quality. HEPA filters ensure these spaces stay as uncontaminated as possible, giving researchers and technicians the controlled conditions they need for accurate results and high-quality outcomes.
Commercial Buildings
From bustling offices to busy retail spaces, HEPA filtration improves indoor air quality for everyone who works and shops there. With fewer airborne contaminants, employees tend to feel more alert and productive, and customers enjoy a more pleasant experience. Over time, these benefits can turn into substantial savings and a healthier, happier company culture.
Find out why HEPA filtration is the gold standard for any high-risk environment.
Prioritize Clean Air in 2025 With HEPA Filtration
In 2025, maintaining healthy indoor environments is not only the expectation but is a baseline requirement for staying compliant. Facility managers like you face rising standards and increasingly strict regulations for indoor air quality.
Selecting the right HEPA filter and confirming that you’re installing them properly as well as regular testing can dramatically improve indoor air, reduce health risks, and support comfort in any environment. When you invest in genuine HEPA filtration, you’re taking a critical step toward better health, compliance, and peace of mind.
Take the next step and download our HEPA vs. ULPA Guide to understand the differences and choose the perfect filtration solution for your environment.