A pre-filter: What exactly is it?
What a pre-filter air filter is the subject of this article.
This tutorial also offers all the information you need if you’ve ever questioned what an air purifier pre-filter is, how it functions, or what it can do for you.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have all the information you need to choose an air purifier pre-filter that will effectively clean the air in your home.
What exactly is a Pre-Filter?
A pre-filter is a type of air filter that removes large particles from the air, such as dust, dirt, and hair. Pre-filters are the first step in an air purifier’s air filtration process. A pre-filter keeps the main air filters from becoming clogged with debris, allowing them to trap microscopic pollutants.
Pre-filters are used in air purifying equipment installed in homes, commercial buildings, transportation systems, and public areas.
Because there are so many different technologies and manufacturer requirements for pre-filter air filters, there are no standardized regulations regarding performance and effectiveness.
What Is the Function of a Pre-Filter?
A pre-filter captures large particles before they enter the air purifier unit. Pre-filter air filters function similarly to sieves. Air flows through the pre-small filter’s pores or netting, while dust, dirt, and hair become trapped on the pre-surface. filter’s
What is the purpose of a pre-filter?
A pre-filter serves two purposes: it captures large particles and extends the life of the main internal filters. Pre-filters are used to protect the main internal filters so that they can filter out smaller contaminants, extending the life and efficiency of the main filter.
On the other hand, an air purifier pre-filter is used to trap particles 2 microns and larger (i.e. dust, dirt, hair, and some pollen).
As you can see, HEPA filters and pre-filters serve two distinct functions, and each is dependent on the other for improved efficiency.
The following was discovered in this research study on improving indoor air quality with air filters: The air in the air cleaners was filtered first by a coarse pre-filter, then by a Rota filter, which captured small dust particles through high-speed rotation. The final filter was a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that filtered 70% of 0.3-m particles and 95% of 1.0-m particles. The air cleaners in this study clearly demonstrated the ability to capture significant amounts of airborne dust particles and allergens.”
The efficiency ratings for the air purifiers in that research study would have most likely been different if a pre-filter had not been used.
Pre-Filter Varieties
Mesh and carbon pre-filters are the two types of pre-filters. Only solid particles are trapped by a mesh pre-filter. A carbon filter captures both solid particles and gases. The type of pre-filter in an air purifier is determined by the other internal filters.
A mesh pre-filter air filter works like a sieve. It is composed of small pores or netting that allow air to pass through while blocking large particles such as dust, dirt, hair, and other debris. A mesh pre-sole filter’s purpose is to capture large contaminants before they enter the air purifier unit.
Do I Need a Pre-Filter?
A pre-filter is an essential part of an air purifier because it sieves large particles that can impede or shorten the life of the filtration system. A pre-filter is good to have because it protects the main internal filters from damage.
With that said, you don’t necessarily need a pre-filter on an air purifier; however, it does improve the efficiency of the unit. Therefore, we always recommend that you choose an air purifier that has at least an activated carbon filter that acts as a dual pre-filter and odor remover.
The next best option would be an air purifier with its own dedicated mesh pre-filter that works to protect the main HEPA air filter and activated carbon filter.