HEPA
Definition
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A true HEPA filter is designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size under specific test conditions. In vacuum cleaners, HEPA or HEPA-type filtration aims to retain fine dust and allergens rather than exhausting them back into the room.
Why it matters
For households with allergies, asthma, or pets, filtration quality affects indoor air during and after vacuuming. Not every vacuum marketed with “HEPA” meets the strict standard; look for clear specifications. Good filtration is one of the higher-leverage upgrades for residential cleaning systems.