Air Purifier (HEPA H13 + Activated Carbon, 300–500 m³/h)

HEPA H13 Filter Media: Grade Verification Matters

Not all HEPA filters are equal. The EN 1822 standard classifies filters from E10 to U17 — “H13” specifically means 99.95% particle retention at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS, typically 0.12–0.25 μm). However, suppliers routinely label filters “HEPA H13” based on the filter media spec sheet without testing the assembled unit. The filter bypass around the frame seal can reduce effective efficiency below H11 levels.

Require a filter efficiency test report on the complete assembled unit, not just the loose filter media. Activated carbon quality is similarly inconsistant: virgin coconut shell carbon (CTC value above 60%) outperforms coal-based carbon on VOC adsorption capacity. Request the carbon spec sheet and weight (grams per unit) — effective VOC control requires at least 150g of activated carbon for a 500 m³/h unit.

CADR Verification and CARB Certification

CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) is measured per AHAM AC-1 test method, conducted in a 1,008 cubic foot room. Factories often provide CADR figures measured in smaller test rooms or under non-standard conditions — these inflate the apparent rating by 20–40%. For US market products, AHAM certification provides third-party verified CADR figures and is recognized by CARB (California Air Resources Board).

CARB certification is mandatory for air purifiers sold in California — the CARB Regulation limits ozone emissions to 0.050 ppm. This is the key reason most ionizer-equipped air purifiers cannot be sold in California without disabling the ionizer. For EU market products, CE compliance covers the Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive, but does not address ozone emissions. If your product targets both California and the EU, have it tested for ozone output before sampling.