- HEP Heat and Air
- Hospital-grade HEPA Filters

Hospital-grade HEPA Filters
Hospital-grade HEPA Filters | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Niota
Breathe easy in Niota with HEP’s hospital-grade HEPA filters working seamlessly inside your heating and air-conditioning system. Engineered to trap 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, these filters help safeguard your home or business from pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold spores, and even many bacteria. The result is crisp, clean air flowing through every vent—so you can enjoy the comfort you deserve without the lingering worries of hidden pollutants.
Pairing our advanced filters with professional duct sealing and balanced airflow design, HEP delivers a complete solution for ventilation and air quality that stands up to East Tennessee’s humidity swings, spring allergens, and winter inversions. From the first consultation to ongoing maintenance, our local specialists fine-tune your system for peak efficiency, quieter operation, and lower energy bills—all while turning every breath into a refreshing reminder that healthier indoor living starts right here in Niota.
FAQs
What makes a filter “hospital-grade” HEPA and why is that important for homes and businesses in Niota?
Hospital-grade HEPA filters are certified to capture at least 99.97 % of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns—the most penetrating particle size. This is the same standard required in operating rooms and isolation wards, meaning it removes a much broader spectrum of contaminants than standard HVAC filters (MERV 8–13). In Niota, where pollen, agricultural dust, and seasonal viruses circulate, installing a hospital-grade HEPA filter dramatically reduces exposure to allergens, mold spores, bacteria, and many viral aerosols, creating a cleaner, healthier indoor environment for families, employees, or patients.
How effective are hospital-grade HEPA filters at removing viruses, bacteria, and allergens?
True HEPA media removes a minimum of 99.97 % of particles ≥ 0.3 µm and an even higher percentage of both larger and smaller particles by diffusion and interception. That encompasses most airborne bacteria, fungal spores, pet dander, smoke, and pollen. Viral aerosols are often carried on respiratory droplets and droplet nuclei 0.5–5 µm in size—well within the HEPA capture range. Independent laboratory tests show a properly sealed HEPA system can reduce viral load in recirculated air by 90–99 % within a single air exchange, complementing surface disinfection and UV-C strategies.
Will adding a hospital-grade HEPA filtration unit reduce airflow or raise my energy bills?
By design, HEPA media presents more resistance to airflow than standard filters. To overcome this, we install the HEPA element in a specially sized bypass cabinet or an in-line fan-assisted module that re-circulates a portion of the conditioned air through the filter without over-loading your main blower. Static-pressure calculations performed during our site visit ensure your system maintains proper cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM) delivery to every room. Most clients in Niota see a negligible (1–3 %) change in electricity use; any added cost is typically offset by improved HVAC coil cleanliness and reduced sick-day–related productivity losses.
How often do hospital-grade HEPA filters need to be replaced and what maintenance is required?
Replacement frequency depends on run-time and pollutant load. In an average Niota residence, the HEPA cartridge lasts 12–18 months; in higher-traffic commercial or medical facilities, 6–12 months is typical. Our technicians measure pressure drop across the filter at each preventive-maintenance visit—once it reaches the manufacturer’s threshold (usually 1.5–2.0 in. w.g.), we schedule replacement. Aside from swapping the sealed cartridge, upkeep only entails inspecting gaskets, wiping the cabinet, and confirming there are no air bypass leaks, a process that takes about 20 minutes.
Can hospital-grade HEPA filtration help with Niota’s humidity and seasonal pollen problems?
While a HEPA filter does not remove moisture, it captures nearly all airborne pollen, ragweed, and mold spores that surge in the Tennessee Valley each spring and fall, preventing them from recirculating indoors. For humidity, we typically pair the HEPA module with a whole-home dehumidifier or a variable-speed HVAC system. When used together, occupants experience fewer allergy symptoms, less musty odor, and reduced mold growth, even during Niota’s damp summers.
What does the installation process look like and how much does a hospital-grade HEPA system cost in Niota?
Installation starts with a free on-site assessment to measure airflow, duct layout, and contaminant concerns. We then select a bypass or in-line HEPA cabinet sized for your equipment, fabricate any needed duct transitions, and add access doors for future service. Most residential installs take 4–6 hours and do not require major renovation. Commercial projects can often be completed overnight to avoid downtime. Pricing in the Niota area ranges from $1,200–$2,000 for a single-stage residential add-on and $3,500–$7,500 for larger light-commercial systems, including labor, startup testing, and the first filter cartridge.