Hydroxyls vs. HEPA: Which Is More Efficient for Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s a must-have. Whether you’re managing a healthcare facility, school, office building, or commercial space, clean air directly impacts occupant health, productivity, and peace of mind.

Two technologies often come up in IAQ conversations: HEPA filtration and hydroxyl generators. Both aim to improve air quality, but they work very differently—and one may be a better fit depending on your facility’s needs.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

What Is HEPA Filtration?

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard for capturing airborne particles.

What HEPA does well:

• Captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns

• Removes dust, pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria

• Ideal for healthcare, cleanrooms, and high-risk environments

The catch:
HEPA filters trap particles, but they don’t neutralize odors, VOCs, or viruses floating freely in the air. They also require:

• Regular filter changes

• Strong airflow (and energy use)

• Strategic placement to be effective

Think of HEPA as an excellent air net—but it only works where air is actively pulled through it.

What Are Hydroxyl Generators?

Hydroxyl technology works more like nature’s air cleaner. Hydroxyl radicals are naturally occurring molecules created by sunlight interacting with moisture in the air. Hydroxyl generators replicate this process indoors.

What hydroxyls do well:

• Neutralize odors, VOCs, bacteria, viruses, and mold at the molecular level

• Treat the entire space, not just the air passing through a unit

• Safe for occupied spaces (when properly designed)

• Minimal maintenance compared to filtration systems

Instead of trapping contaminants, hydroxyls break them down—which is a big deal when dealing with lingering odors, chemical fumes, or airborne pathogens.

Efficiency: Which One Wins?

Here’s where the decision gets practical.

The real takeaway:
It’s not always about HEPA vs. Hydroxyls. In many facilities, the most effective IAQ strategy is using both together—HEPA to capture particles and hydroxyls to neutralize what filters can’t.

That’s layered protection, and it’s where IAQ is heading.

What Works Best for Your Facility?

• Healthcare & senior living: HEPA + hydroxyl for comprehensive protection

• Schools & offices: Hydroxyls for continuous air treatment without disruption

• Restrooms, gyms, breakrooms: Hydroxyls to eliminate odors at the source

• Construction or restoration areas: HEPA for particulate control

No two facilities are the same, and neither are their air quality challenges.

Breathe Easier—With the Right Solution

Indoor air quality impacts everything from wellness to worker confidence. Choosing the right technology (or combination) helps you create a healthier, more comfortable environment—without overcomplicating your operations.

Ready to improve the air in your facility?
Talk with our specialists to find the right HEPA, hydroxyl, or hybrid solution tailored to your space, your industry, and your goals. Clean air isn’t a guess—it’s a strategy.