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What is a HEPA vac?

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air (filter) and this type of filtration can remove 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns and larger. This is the size range of a lot of very nasty stuff (see chart below). HEPA vacuums are essential for mold clean-ups and they can make an exceptional difference in the quality of your institution's air. Less pollen and less dust also mean less abrasion to collections.

There are also vacuums with ULPA filters. These remove 99.9995% of all particles 0.12 microns or larger. While these are essential for hazardous materials, they really aren't worth the money for normal museum, library, or archives work.

How should a HEPA vacuum be selected?

It helps to know a little about HEPA filtration and vacuums. Normally, the power of a vacuum is rated by its suction force (in inches of water lift) and by its air flow (in cubic feet a minute or cfm). Anything above 90 cfm is considered a powerful model.

You should also distinguish between a "true HEPA" filter or bag and "HEPA-like." The former are more expensive, but they have been tested and you are assured of their filtering quality. All of the models review here are true-HEPAs.

There are also some differences between where the filter is placed — either before or after the motor. There are some studies that suggest a filter after the motor also serves to catch the fine carbon brush dust generated by the motor. While good seals, to prevent leakage, are always important, they are especially important in vacuums that have the filters after the motor.

We have tried to keep a list of HEPA vacuums, providing essential information on model, style, filtration, power, and other details. Models change too frequently and a few of our readers even thought this meant we sold vacuums (which we don't). So, instead, do a web search (use the term "HEPA vacuum" to take you to lists, comparisons, resellers, and manufacturers. We have still included the web sites (below) for a few of the principal manufacturers. What we want to emphasize is that HEPA vacuums are far easier to find (and far less expensive) today than only five years ago. For museums, libraries, and archives there is no longer any excuse not to have a HEPA vacuum.

Miele

Electrolux

Nilfisk

Euro-Pro (Fantom)

Other Sources of Information

Another source of information is Consumer Reports. They provide ratings of consumer vacuums, many of which today have HEPA filters. The main difference between consumer HEPA vacuums and industrial quality HEPA vacuums is that the former will have more plastic parts and are not likely to last as long under heavy use. In addition, some consumer grade HEPA vacs don't have filter bags, relying instead on collection containers. If you are dealing with mold, you might prefer a bag for easier disposal.
 

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Last modified: 02/10/08