You might be of the view that air filtering is a recent development. Although we typically think of air filters, furnace filters or air conditioning filters as a relatively new technology; air-filtering dates much farther back than you would ever imagine. Even though they are not outdated, various types of air filtering have existed for over 200 years. Ever since the initial 1800s, various scientists have been experimenting on several ways of making our air healthy and clean to breathe.

The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) furnace filters and air conditioning filters became prevalent during the '70s and '80s as more customers showed concern for air pollution. Initially, the first HEPA air purifiers were large, difficult to operate and usually used only in hospital, pharmaceutical settings and among various computer hardware manufacturers. In due course, various businesses started taking notice of the indoor air quality that mattered among various residential customers.

Given that there was an ever-growing need for cleaner, healthier air, the HAMMES brothers formed the INCEN AG Company in Switzerland in 1971 for remodeling and producing residential air purifiers. After many years of international success for INCEN AG, the filters were sold as add-on accessories for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. In the early 21st century, IQ Air purifiers became the first air cleaners that incorporated the H13 class certified HEPA filters that captured about 100 times more particles compared to the standard HEPA filters. Up to that point, HEPA filters that were H13 class certified were used only for hospital clean rooms.

In 1991, with the help of True Medical, HEPA and Activated Carbon, Richard Taylor created a filter that concentrated on the issues of chemical toxicity, environmental particulate contamination, and various odors. It was then that the Austin Air Systems Limited was founded. Austin Air introduced a pre-filter, which guaranteed a HEPA filter life incomparable to any filter in the industry. The Air's 360-degree Austin intake system draws air into all the sides of the air purifier, delivering clean air faster and maximizing competence. Being the founder of the largest air cleaner manufacturing facility in the world, Austin Air filters continues to create all the parts for their air purifiers.

In 1992, ALLER Air rapidly developed into a trusted name for air purifying. Using the combination of a MAC-B (mass activated carbon bed) filters and true HEPA filters that contain pounds of carbon particles, ALLER Air created an air cleanser that effectively and safely removed all gases, odors, and chemicals from the air.

In 1996, the BLUEAIR air purifying company was established in Stockholm, Sweden, and Chicago. Their main motto was to create a healthier environment both outdoors and indoors. BLUEAIR rapidly developed into a reputed company that delivered high performance, quality design, and technological innovated air purifier. An innovative combination of electrostatic and mechanical filtration allows BLUEAIR purifiers to arrest 99.97% of irritating gases, odors, and particles.

Even today, air filtering with furnace filters and air conditioning filters is known to be the basic key for cleaner air and healthier environments for many people suffering from asthma and lung allergy. HEPA air purifiers and filters are used for a range of critical filtration applications in electronic, nuclear, pharmaceutical medical fields, and aerospace, as well as in homes around the world.

About the Author

Bill Whitworth writes about home health issues and frequently contributes to WEB Products, Inc. A leading Internet destination for information about home air quality. They offer a selection of high quality furnace filters and air conditioning filters.