In Singapore’s humid and urban environment, clean indoor air is essential. Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool the room — it also helps purify the air you breathe. However, not all filters are the same.
When choosing or servicing your aircon, understanding the differences between HEPA, carbon, and electrostatic air filters can help you achieve better air quality and efficiency.
Let’s break down what each filter does, how it works, and which one is right for your home.

1. HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Air Cleaning
What Is a HEPA Filter?
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. It’s designed to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns — including dust, pollen, mold, and even bacteria.
How It Works
As air passes through the filter, fine fibers capture tiny pollutants. Therefore, HEPA filters are great for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues.
Pros
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Removes the smallest airborne particles.
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Improves indoor air quality dramatically.
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Ideal for households with pets or allergies.
Cons
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Needs regular replacement or cleaning.
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Slightly reduces airflow if not maintained properly.
Best For
HEPA filters are ideal for aircon servicing Singapore customers who want cleaner, healthier air in bedrooms and living spaces.
2. Carbon Filters: Odor and Gas Removal
What Is a Carbon Filter?
A carbon air filter uses activated carbon — a form of charcoal with millions of tiny pores — to trap gases, odors, and chemical vapors.
How It Works
When air flows through the filter, the carbon absorbs and neutralizes odors and pollutants like smoke, fumes, or VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Pros
Removes unpleasant smells from cooking or smoking.
Reduces harmful gases and chemicals.
Works well alongside HEPA filters.
Cons
Doesn’t trap dust or allergens.
Must be replaced often for best performance.
Best For
Carbon filters are perfect for homes in Singapore’s city areas where air pollution or cooking odors are common. They pair well with ductless AC Singapore systems for compact spaces.
3. Electrostatic Filters: Smart, Reusable Filtration
What Is an Electrostatic Filter?
Electrostatic air filters use static electricity to attract dust and particles — much like how hair sticks to a balloon.
How It Works
As air passes through, the filter’s charged plates capture dust and allergens. Since they are washable, you can clean and reuse them multiple times.
Pros
Reusable and cost-effective.
Captures large particles like lint and dust.
Eco-friendly — no need for frequent replacements.
Cons
Less effective for microscopic particles compared to HEPA.
Requires regular cleaning to stay efficient.
Best For
Electrostatic filters suit homeowners who want a low-maintenance option and care about sustainability.
In summary, the right filter depends on your home’s needs. For instance, a combination of HEPA and carbon filters offers the best air purification. On the other hand, electrostatic filters are a great long-term choice if you prefer reusable options.
Why Air Filter Maintenance Matters
Even the best portable aircon Singapore or ductless AC Singapore won’t work efficiently with dirty filters. Clogged filters reduce airflow, increase energy use, and strain your system.
Therefore, regular aircon cleaning Singapore and aircon servicing Singapore are vital to keeping your unit efficient and your air healthy.
At Lion City Aircon, we go beyond basic cooling. Our team ensures your air filters, coils, and components are spotless — so your aircon performs at its best.
Whether you use a HEPA, carbon, or electrostatic system, we’ll recommend the best setup for your home and family’s needs.
📞 Call us today at +65 8818 5781 or visit lioncityaircon.sg for expert aircon servicing Singapore, cleaning, and installation.