Fast Shipping

Products In Stock

Reliable customer service

HEPA vs. Standard Dust Collector Filters: What’s the Difference?

Author: Lisa Frank

Published: | Updated:


When it comes to deciding between HEPA vs. standard dust collector filters, you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing the right components to meet your application needs. That’s why the team at AirMax Filters has compiled the main distinctions between the two, so check out our guide below!

4 Key Differences Between HEPA vs. Standard Dust Collector Filters

1. Filtration Efficiency

While standard filters tend to have significantly lower efficiency, HEPA filters are known to capture at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size. Along with dust particles, HEPA filters can also trap other particle types, such as those from pollen, bacteria, and mold. These capabilities are especially helpful for operations looking to improve health and wellness within their facilities.

2. Particle Capture

HEPA filters catch particles more effectively because of the configuration of the components themselves. This is because these filter types take a more multilayered approach to the diffusion, interception, and inertial impaction of the particles, which helps trap particles of different sizes and kinds.

On the other hand, standard filters typically capture dust through impaction, which is only effective for larger particles, making them inferior to HEPA filters. Standard filters are less efficient for capturing finer particulates less than 1 micron in size, which can lead to smaller and harmful particles spreading through your workspace, highlighting the importance of using HEPA filters instead.

3. Industry Uses

HEPA filters are incredibly advantageous for industries that require high levels of air purification, making them essential for diverse sectors. Just some of the fields that can greatly benefit from HEPA filters include the following:


Though standard dust collection filters can also be used within these industries, they are not recommended for industrial applications that need to meet stringent air filtration requirements, making HEPA the superior choice.

4. Application Types

Examples of common applications for HEPA filters include maintaining sterile environments (such as those in an operating room), filtering air in residences to reduce allergens, and creating ultra-clean spaces for the manufacture of semiconductors and precision optics.

Standard dust collectors are best used in applications where removing airborne particles is needed. This can include capturing fumes during manufacturing or woodworking processes and collecting dust from agricultural equipment use, to name just a few. As stated previously, standard filters are best applied for trapping larger particles to improve the air quality of a given space.

Why AirMax Is Your Destination for HEPA Filters

Now that you’re aware of the main differences between HEPA vs. standard dust collector filters, you can see why HEPA stands out as the more robust option. AirMax Filters is proud to supply an extensive array of HEPA filters, and our team offers key advantages like:

  • Unwavering customer support – We’re dedicated to providing you with the best customer care imaginable, and we’re here to answer any questions you have about our product line or implementation of equipment in your facilities.
  • Quick and efficient shipping – We keep our large inventory well stocked, making us a reliable choice for operations looking for specific components. Because of this, we’re able to typically ship your equipment the same day it’s ordered.
  • Convenient local pickup options – We’re happy to offer local pickup, which is a great choice for businesses within 50 to 100 miles of our Cleveland, Ohio facility.

Contact AirMax Filters Today

If you need a high-quality HEPA filter for your warehouse, start your order with us today or reach out to our team for more info. We’ll be happy to help, and we look forward to assisting you!

Contact AirMax Today

Contact us using the form below or call us at 216-716-8200.