What’s a Pre-Filter and Why is it Important for an Air Purifier?

A pre-filter is an integral part of almost any air purifier that you see on the market. It’s the first stage of filtration, and it essentially helps to capture large particles. This prolongs the life of your filter, and it makes your system much more efficient. The pre-filter is great because it helps to collect pet and carpet hair, which can cause blockages. HEPA filters are able to retain bigger particles, but they do get dirty incredibly quickly, and you have to change them often. With a pre-filter, you can catch these particles without having to worry about the extra strain being put on your HEPA filter, saving you time, energy, and ultimately money.

Pre-Filters and HEPA Filters

Some pre-filters on the market are connected to a carbon filter and a HEPA filter. This is the case with a lot of 3-in-1 filters that you see on the market. Other filters are completely separate, meaning that you have to adopt a specific cleaning procedure when maintaining them. It’s important to know that the pre-filter is not as efficient as the HEPA filter as well. The efficiency of a standard pre-filter is between 20% and 70%. They are able to capture particles between 3 and 10 microns and it is ideal for those who have pets. A HEPA filter can remove 99.97% of mold, bacteria, pollen, and dust from the air, up to 0.3 microns in size. If possible, you should think about buying a unit that comes with a standard filter and a pre-filter, but never use a pre-filter alone without some form of HEPA filter.

Types of Pre-Filters

There are many types of pre-filters out there, and the one you choose will largely depend on the system that you have.

Washable Pre-filters

This type of pre-filter tends to be the most practical. It is very easy to maintain, and it can go a long time without having to be changed. You can put it in the washing machine, in the sink, or you can vacuum it up.

Carbon Pre-Filters

This is the standard on the market. It’s a filter that has been coated with carbon and it is often sold alongside the HEPA filter. It is a first-stage filter, and it is placed in front of the HEPA filter to trap bigger particles.

Want to Buy An Air Purifier? Hunter Has the Solution

Do you want to buy an air purifier that comes with a solid pre-filter? Maybe you just want to make sure that the unit you are buying is going to be suited to its purpose because you have a lot of pets. Either way, our team has the ability to advise you on just about anything you need, and we have a vast range of units available for you to choose from. We are also proud to say that we are specialists when it comes to replacement filters and upgrades, so if you have a unit and want to upgrade, we can help you with that too. Give us a call at 855-887-1440 to find out more.