Here at All Pro Cleaning Systems, we take tremendous pride in going above and beyond to provide the absolute best service we can. Where floors are concerned, one of our most important strategies is using HEPA and ULPA vacuums. We believe they are better vacuums that result in better air quality.
HEPA and ULPA vacuums have specialized filters designed to catch airborne particles that standard vacuums don’t touch. They are built on the premise that all vacuums can transfer particles back into the air due to the way air circulates through them. We can cut down on pollutants and improve air quality by using the specialized vacuums.
High Efficiency Air Filters
It is actually a misnomer to refer to HEPA and ULPA vacuums. Why? Because the two acronyms refer to filters rather than a particular vacuum technology. Here is a bit more detail to make things clearer:
- HEPA – High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to capture airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. A properly working HEPA filter captures more than 99% of such particles. Think dust, pollen, and mold spores.
- ULPA – Ultra Low Penetration Air (ULPA) filters are also high efficiency filters capable of capturing even smaller particles. They are ideal for particles as small as 0.12 microns. Bacteria and viruses immediately come to mind.
As a side note, a micron is equivalent to one millionth of a meter. That is incredibly small. The most impressive thing about HEPA and ULPA filters is that they can capture particles that are less than one micron in size.
They Have Their Quirks
One would expect that a vacuum filter capable of capturing such tiny particles would have its quirks. HEPA and ULPA filters do not disappoint in this regard. For instance, not every off-the-shelf vacuum is powerful enough to maximize HEPA and ULPA filtration. You need a lot of raw power to suck air through such fine filters.
For the record, this is why we refer to HEPA and ULPA vacuums instead of filters. The vacuums have been designed for use with these particular filters. They have been designed with the raw horsepower necessary to maximize their effectiveness.
A couple of other things to consider include:
- Filter Costs – HEPA and ULPA filters do not have to bust the budget, but they are more expensive than standard filters. They are worth the extra money, though. When you consider how important indoor air quality is, spending a bit more on better filters makes sense.
- Filter Replacement – Due to the small size of the particles HEPA and ULPA filters capture, you cannot always see with the naked eye when a filter needs changing. By the time you can see something, the filter may already have lost most of its efficiency. Therefore, filters should always be changed according to manufacturer specifications.
- Vacuum Noise – The extra power required to use HEPA and ULPA filters dictates that the vacuums themselves are louder than normal. This generally isn’t a concern for professional cleaners who come in after hours, but it may be a concern for in-house cleaning staff looking to vacuum during the day.
All Pro Cleaning Systems takes air quality seriously. Air quality has always been a concern of ours, but it is even more important now in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. That’s why we insist on HEPA and ULPA vacuums for interior carpets.
We would be happy to give you a free quote for cleaning your commercial building. If you would prefer to keep cleaning in-house, at least consider the benefits of HEPA and ULPA vacuums and filters.
