Which type of air filter is known for the best efficiency in reducing allergens?

HEPA filters, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are recognized for their superior efficiency in capturing a broad range of airborne particles, including allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. They are capable of trapping at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, which encompasses many common allergens. This high level of filtration performance makes HEPA filters the preferred choice in environments where air quality is crucial, such as in homes for allergy sufferers, hospitals, and laboratories.

In contrast, activated carbon filters primarily focus on removing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air rather than particulate matter, making them less effective at reducing allergens. Fiberglass filters, while inexpensive, typically have low efficiency ratings and do not capture many of the finer particles that contain allergens. Washable filters can be effective, but their filtration efficiency can degrade over time and they often do not match the performance of HEPA filters in allergen removal. Thus, HEPA filters stand out as the best option for minimizing allergens in the air.