Carbon Air Filters

Carbon Air Filters

Carbon air filters are natural, non-metallic filters particularly effective at removing gases and odors and used largely in residential or commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, systems. Also called active or activated carbon filters, the carbon material is particularly suitable at removing unwanted chemicals or particles from the air as carbon can absorb up to 60% of its own weight in gas. Odors, contaminants, gases and even potentially hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals can be absorbed by carbon filters and removed from the air within a system. Like other air cleaner filters, carbon filters are also effective at removing small particulates such as allergens and other common irritants from the air by trapping them in their fibers. Poor air quality can be caused by dusts, pollens, pet hair, mites, fumes and smoke and persistent unpleasant odors. All of these factors contribute toward aggravating allergies or breathing conditions in people. Filters are an important element of many ventilation systems as improving the air quality of buildings and public areas promotes good health and is able to improve living conditions for those persons with allergies or asthmatic tendencies. The surface area of carbon is able to absorb large amounts of unwanted materials and can be further combined with HEPA filter materials to create the most efficient air purification available.

Other types of filters such as electrostatic filters are also effective at removing unwanted particulates from the air - especially larger particles such as dust or pollen, but they are not as effective at removing fumes and gases as activated carbon fiber is. Filter efficiency is determined by a number of variable factors, the primary of which is the size of the filter fibers. Depending on both the level of filtration desired and the quality of the carbon material, filters can vary in effectiveness accordingly and can be manufactured to meet specific filtering needs. In addition, the density of the fibers and the velocity of the air that moves through the filter both affect the final cleanliness of the filtered air. Filtering air can be equally beneficial to not only humans, but also mechanical equipment. The automobile industry uses exhaust filters and air compressor filters extensively in vehicles to help promote engine hygiene. Some domestic and industrial appliances house their own internal air filters to increase air quality or to remove odors. Clean air within individual machines also ensures longer life to the units. Use of carbon air filters is approved by the EPA.