HEPA Air Purifier Australia 2025: Buyer's Guide, Uses & Where to Buy
HEPA air purifiers remove fine particles—allergens, mould spores, dust and smoke—from indoor air. In Australia, they’re used in homes, offices, mould remediation and water damage restoration. This guide covers how HEPA works, types of units (portable, air scrubbers, commercial), how to choose by use, and where to buy in Australia from Thorair.
Why Use a HEPA Air Purifier?
Allergens and asthma
HEPA filters capture pollen, pet dander, dust mites and other particles that trigger allergies and asthma. Running a purifier in bedrooms and main living areas can reduce exposure and improve comfort.
Mould spores
During and after mould growth or remediation, spores can stay in the air. HEPA filtration helps remove them and supports cleaner air in affected rooms and during cleanup.
Dust, smoke and odours
HEPA traps fine dust and many smoke particles. Units with activated carbon or additional filters also help with odours from smoke, VOCs and chemicals.
Commercial and restoration
In restoration, construction and healthcare-style environments, HEPA air scrubbers clean the air, support containment and help meet higher air-quality requirements.
How HEPA Works and Why It Matters
What is HEPA?
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters capture at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size. They also trap most larger and many smaller particles—pollen, spores, bacteria, fine dust and some viruses. True HEPA meets defined test standards; "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-like" filters are generally less strict.
HEPA grades: H13, H14 and beyond
HEPA is often classified by grade. H13 is common in room purifiers and many scrubbers. H14 and higher offer slightly better retention for demanding environments. For most homes, mould work and light commercial use, H13 is sufficient when the unit is correctly sized and maintained.
HEPA vs other filters
Standard fibre and mesh filters capture larger dust but let finer particles through. HEPA targets the small particles that affect health and air quality. Carbon or charcoal layers add gas and odour reduction; HEPA alone does not remove gases or VOCs. For particles, HEPA is the benchmark.
Types of HEPA Air Purification in Australia
Portable HEPA air purifiers
Standalone room units with a fan and HEPA (and often carbon) filter. Used in homes, offices and small spaces for allergies, dust, pet dander and mild mould. Choose by room size (m³ or m² and ceiling height) and clean-air delivery rate (CADR) or equivalent.
- Designed for one or a few rooms
- Often include carbon for odours
- Check filter life and replacement cost
- Sized by room volume and recommended airflow
Air scrubbers with HEPA
Larger, more powerful units used in water damage restoration, mould remediation, renovation and fire cleanup. They move more air, support negative pressure and containment, and often have HEPA and sometimes carbon. Suitable for commercial and trade use.
- Higher airflow for bigger spaces and restoration
- HEPA (and often carbon) for spores, dust and odours
- Used with ducting for containment and targeting
- Portable but heavier than typical room purifiers
Commercial and industrial HEPA
Larger fixed or mobile systems for workshops, clean areas, healthcare-style settings and large commercial builds. Higher capacity, longer filter life and often built for continuous or heavy use. May include pre-filters to extend HEPA life.
- For larger rooms, open plan and commercial spaces
- Often compatible with ducting and flexible setup
- Built for sustained or 24/7 operation
- Pre-filters and HEPA; some add carbon
Choosing a HEPA Purifier by Use
Match the unit type and size to your main use. Room purifiers suit home and office; air scrubbers and commercial units suit restoration, mould work and larger spaces.
Home & allergiesBedrooms, living, office
Portable HEPA purifier sized for room volume. Run during peak allergen times or continuously. Add carbon if odours are a concern. One unit per main room or a larger unit for open-plan areas.
Mould & remediationCleanup, containment, spores
HEPA air scrubber with sufficient airflow for the space. Use during and after mould removal, in containment, and when opening cavities. Pair with dehumidifiers for humidity control. Ducting helps direct clean air and support negative pressure.
Commercial & restorationWater damage, construction, trade
Air scrubbers or commercial HEPA units for water damage, fire, renovation and construction. Size by room or zone; use several units or ducting for larger jobs. Ensure filters are HEPA (H13 or H14) and replace as recommended.
Benefits of HEPA Air Purifiers
Fewer airborne particles
HEPA significantly reduces pollen, spores, dust and similar particles in the filtered space, which can ease allergy and asthma symptoms and improve general comfort.
Support for mould and remediation
During mould cleanup and restoration, HEPA scrubbers help capture spores and dust, improve air quality and support containment when used correctly.
Odour reduction with carbon
Units that combine HEPA with activated carbon can reduce smoke, chemical and other odours in addition to particle removal.
Flexible placement
Portable purifiers and mobile scrubbers can be moved between rooms or jobs. Ducting on scrubbers allows targeted delivery and containment setups.
Where HEPA Air Purifiers Are Used
Homes and bedrooms
For allergies, asthma, pet dander and dust. Running a HEPA purifier in bedrooms and main living areas can reduce exposure during sleep and day-to-day use.
Offices and workplaces
In offices, clinics and similar spaces, HEPA can improve air quality, reduce dust and support comfort. Size for the room or zone and consider run time and filter changes.
Mould remediation
During and after mould removal, HEPA air scrubbers capture spores and fine dust. Use in the work area and, where needed, in containment or negative-pressure setups.
Water and fire restoration
In water damage and fire jobs, HEPA scrubbers clean the air of spores, soot and debris. Often used with dehumidifiers and air movers for a full drying and cleaning system.
Tips for Using HEPA Air Purifiers
Size for the space
Check the manufacturer’s room size or airflow (m³/h or CADR). Undersized units won’t turn over the air enough; oversized may be noisier or more costly than needed.
Replace filters on schedule
Clogged HEPA filters reduce airflow and performance. Follow the recommended replacement interval and change pre-filters if fitted. In dusty or restoration work, check more often.
Place for best airflow
Keep inlets and outlets clear of walls and furniture. In a room, central or near the source of particles can help. For scrubbers, use ducting to direct clean air where it’s needed.
Run long enough to matter
For allergies and dust, continuous or extended run time gives better results than short bursts. In remediation, run scrubbers for the full cleanup and as advised for clearance.
Standards and What to Look For
HEPA filters are defined by efficiency standards (e.g. 99.97% at 0.3 µm). For electrical safety in Australia, choose units that meet local requirements. Thorair’s air scrubbers and air quality equipment include HEPA options for restoration and commercial use.
- Prefer true HEPA (H13 or H14) over "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-like" for particle removal.
- Check that electrical equipment is approved for use in Australia (e.g. compliant with local standards).
- For restoration and trade, ensure filters and replacement parts are available and correctly specified.
HEPA Air Purifier: FAQs
What is a HEPA air purifier?
A HEPA air purifier uses a HEPA filter to remove at least 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns—including pollen, dust, mould spores and many bacteria. Room units are used in homes and offices; HEPA air scrubbers are used in restoration, mould work and commercial settings for higher airflow and containment.
Is a HEPA purifier good for mould?
HEPA filtration captures mould spores from the air, which helps during and after mould growth or remediation. It does not kill or remove mould on surfaces—cleaning or remediation is still required. For mould, use a HEPA purifier or scrubber sized for the space and pair with dehumidification to control humidity.
What’s the difference between an air purifier and an air scrubber?
Room air purifiers are built for one or a few rooms and typical home/office use. Air scrubbers are larger, move more air and are used in restoration, mould remediation and construction. Many scrubbers have HEPA (and carbon) and ports for ducting. Both can use HEPA; scrubbers are for bigger, noisier, trade-style jobs.
Where can I buy a HEPA air purifier in Australia?
Thorair supplies HEPA air scrubbers and air quality equipment for restoration, mould and commercial use. See our water damage restoration and air quality range, or contact 1300 263 551 or info@thorair.com.au. Free delivery on orders over $2,000.
HEPA Air Purifiers and Air Scrubbers at Thorair
HEPA air scrubbers and air quality equipment for mould, water damage restoration and commercial use. Explore our range or speak to our team on 1300 263 551 or info@thorair.com.au. Free delivery on orders over $2,000.
View Air Scrubbers & Restoration
