HEPA-grade Filters
HEPA-grade Filters | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Altamont
Step inside a home in Altamont that breathes easier than the outdoors. HEP’s HEPA-grade filters are engineered to trap 99.97 % of airborne particles—a microscopic net that snags pollen, smoke, pet dander, and even the bacteria that standard filters miss. Paired with precision-tuned heating and air-conditioning systems, they circulate clean, temperature-perfect air from basement to attic, so every room feels freshly laundered and mountain-crisp.
Our technicians focus on one promise: raise your ventilation and air quality without raising your energy bill. We’ll evaluate your ductwork, seal hidden leaks, and install whisper-quiet fans that keep fresh air moving while your HVAC hums at peak efficiency. The result is less dusting, deeper sleep, and a healthier family—plus the peace of mind that comes from knowing Altamont’s most trusted indoor-air specialists are just a phone call away.
FAQs
What makes a HEPA-grade filter different from the standard HVAC filters found in most Altamont homes?
A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is certified to remove at least 99.97 % of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns—the most penetrating particle size. Standard pleated or fiberglass HVAC filters typically capture only 10–60 % of particles and often miss the fine dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, and pathogens that aggravate allergies and respiratory issues. Upgrading to a HEPA-grade filter turns your heating and cooling system into a high-capacity air purifier, dramatically improving the cleanliness of the air that circulates throughout your home.
How does HEPA filtration help with Altamont’s specific air-quality challenges?
Altamont’s semi-arid climate and proximity to agricultural areas mean residents experience high levels of dust, seasonal pollen, and occasional wildfire smoke. A HEPA filter captures these fine particulates before they reach your living spaces, reducing eye, nose, and throat irritation as well as long-term exposure to lung-damaging contaminants. Because HEPA filters trap particles as small as many bacteria and some viruses, they also help lower the risk of airborne illness during the winter heating season when windows stay closed and indoor air recirculates more frequently.
Will adding a HEPA-grade filter restrict airflow or overwork my heating and cooling equipment?
True HEPA media is denser than a typical filter, so airflow resistance is higher. To avoid reduced performance, we install HEPA filters in a bypass or dedicated filter housing that incorporates its own fan and pressure sensor. This design cleans up to 30 % of the system’s return air on each pass without blocking your main duct. Our technicians also check static pressure and may adjust blower speed or add return vents if needed. When installed correctly, a HEPA system actually protects your equipment by keeping coils and ductwork cleaner, extending overall HVAC life.
How often should HEPA filters be replaced and what maintenance do they require?
For most Altamont households, the main HEPA media cartridge should be changed every 12 months. Homes with pets, smokers, or severe allergy sufferers may need replacement every 6–9 months, especially during high-dust summers. In addition to annual media changes, pre-filters (which capture large debris and extend HEPA life) should be checked quarterly and vacuumed or replaced as indicated. Our maintenance plans include static-pressure testing, gasket inspections to prevent bypass leaks, and verification that the HEPA motorized unit (if applicable) is drawing the proper amperage.
Are HEPA filters effective against allergens, wildfire smoke, and airborne viruses?
Yes. HEPA media captures common allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and mold fragments with near-HEPA or HEPA efficiency. During wildfire events, it removes the majority of smoke particles that give off odor and trigger asthma flare-ups. HEPA filters also trap bacteria and many viruses that travel on respiratory droplets or attach to dust particles. For maximum pathogen control, homeowners often pair HEPA filtration with a UV-C light in the ductwork, which deactivates microorganisms trapped on the filter surface.
What does it cost to upgrade to a HEPA-grade filtration system, and are there local incentives?
A professionally installed whole-home HEPA filtration package in Altamont typically ranges from $1,100 to $2,500 depending on the size of your HVAC system and whether a dedicated fan/bypass cabinet is needed. Annual filter media replacements run $120–$350. Pacific Gas & Electric and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District periodically offer rebates ($75–$200) for high-efficiency indoor air-cleaning upgrades; our staff can help you complete the paperwork. HEPA filtration also qualifies as an eligible expense under many Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts when prescribed for allergy or asthma relief.