Solutions

To HEPA or Not To HEPA…

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), “HEPA filters on vacuum cleaners may not be necessary. Many commercial vacuums are not HEPA Filter units, yet are very effective in dust containment”.  Good filter bags capture most harmful particles without HEPA filtration. HEPA filters often simply add to the operational cost.

Effective filtration, (again according to CRI), falls within the 1 – 3  Micron range. Green Klean filter bag media has been independently tested to filter up to 99% efficiency at 1 Micron (using ASTM 1215 test protocol). In some cases this even exceeds the OEM efficiency. Most particles smaller than 10 Micron are invisible to the human eye.

Always change the filter bag when it is 1/2 to 2/3 full. This will allow sufficient free air flow for the vacuum to maintain suction. Over filling a bag can reduce suction, cause damage to the vacuum and cause the bag to break.

Reusing a filter bag will also cause problems. The pores of a vacuum bag  capture smaller particles and cannot be cleaned out by simply “emptying” the bag. For best performance, always use a new bag.

Another reason to always change vacuum bags is because a used bag is a great place for mold and bacteria to grow.

Using Green Klean replacement bags which have better filtration can mean longer secondary filter life, longer HEPA (when used) filter life, less time dusting, and cleaner air.

Many better distributors suggest Green Klean filter bags as  replacements for OEM bags. Often a cost savings without sacrificing quality or performance.