Which type of filter is often used in HVAC systems for optimal air quality?

A HEPA filter is often used in HVAC systems for optimal air quality due to its ability to trap very small particles, including allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is designed to filter out at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger. This high level of filtration makes HEPA filters particularly effective in environments where indoor air quality is a priority, such as hospitals, laboratories, and homes with individuals who have respiratory issues or allergies.

The effectiveness of HEPA filters in capturing a wide range of airborne pollutants makes them a popular choice for improving indoor air quality compared to other filter types. Fiberglass filters, while less effective and primarily used for protecting the HVAC equipment itself rather than improving air quality, do not provide the same level of filtration as HEPA filters. Variable speed filters are not a recognized filter type but rather refer to a system's capacity to modulate fan speed, which impacts airflow but does not directly correlate to filtration efficiency. Carbon filters are good for absorbing odors and some volatile organic compounds but are not as effective in filtering out particulate matter as HEPA filters. Thus, when it comes