What air filters are, how they work and how air purification can benefit you
Don't let bacteria, mold spores, allergens, and other pollutants contaminate your homes air. Get the latest in air purification technology designed trap and even kill the bacteria and pollutants that float through your air. Learn about the different filtration products available and how they work so you can find the right one to clean the air in your home.
TYPES OF AIR FILTERS
High efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters are a unique type of air purification systems that must remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns to meet guidelines set by the US Department of Energy. Because of their power to remove a majority of airborne particles and allergens, HEPA filters come highly recommended by allergy and asthma experts.
AIR FILTER BUYING GUIDE
Shopping for an air filter for your furnace or air conditioning system is complicated. From size to rating, contaminants to media, there are a number of factors to consider. Cut through the confusion and get what you need at a good price with this step-by-step buying guide.
Using the correct air filter size is very important. The wrong size can drastically reduce the effectiveness of filtration and put a burden on the systems hardware. To find the correct size for your application, check your heating or cooling system for a tag or sticker specifying the recommended air filter size. If you are unable to locate such a tag, remove your existing filter and look for a label on the outer frame.
Measurements
The air filter size will include three measurements: The length, width and depth (for example: 16 x 14 x 4). The air filter size can be listed in two different ways nominal or actual. Nominal size, also called advertised size, is the most common. Its the air filters measurements rounded up to the nearest whole inch (for example, 16 x 14 x 4). Other times, the actual size is used. Just as the name suggests, the actual size is the precise measurements of the filter (for example, 15 ¾ x 13 ½ x 3 ¾).
Thickness
Filters are made in a variety of thicknesses, typically ranging from one to four inches. A thicker air filter will help to trap more particles, but it may also impede airflow. Check the thickness of your current filter or look at the user manual to be sure what your system can support. If your system will only accommodate a one-inch sized filter, you can increase its effectiveness by getting a pleated filter, checking it at least every 30 days, and replacing it when it's getting dirty even if the timing differs from the manufacturers recommendation.
While there is a right or wrong air filter size, air quality is a personal decision based on individual factors and health needs. If you or a family member has seasonal allergies, choosing a filter that captures pollen and mold will be the right decision for you. Similarly, if dander, mites or tobacco smoke are concerns, select the air filter designed to trap those allergens.
Ratings are key
The MERV, FPR or MPR air filter ratings are designed to help you quickly identify the filter that will best trap the allergens you want out of your indoor air. Look for the allergens on a ratings chart to find the one that meets your air quality needs. And while some filters might have allergens in their name, it's important to read the package carefully to make sure the allergens it captures are the ones you're concerned about.
Air Filter Ratings
When it comes to air filters, spending more money does not mean you're buying a better product. Beneath the labels and eye-catching packaging, the products are essentially the same. Two filters with the same rating, made of the same material will perform the same, no matter the brand or price. Aftermarket brands like Tier1 air filters can be a cost-saving option because the filters are made of the same materials and have been quality tested to perform to the same standards.
Exceptions to the rule
There are two key features that will make a difference in performance: pleated and electrostatic charge. While the rating of a flat filter and a pleated one can be the same, the pleated filter will perform better and last longer. Similarly, an electrostatically charged filter will attract particles while a non-charged filter will simply catch particles as they pass by, so even though the rating is the same, the electrostatic charge will remove more from the air. Because of these nuances, it's important to read the product features carefully and compare identical features to find the best value.
Value packs are valuable
Buying in bulk is not only cost effective, but it's time saving and helps to ensure your home will have a uninterrupted flow of clean air. When you have a few spare filters on hand, you can replace the old dirty filter right away, before sneeze-causing allergens have a chance of making their way into your home.
WHAT'S REMOVED: Common Household Air Pollutants
Air filters work to reduce common airborne particles from our indoor air so that allergy sufferers spend less time experiencing symptoms like sneezing, scratchy throat, and itchy eyes. The typical allergens air filters can capture include:GET ADVICE
For answers to any filter-related questions, recommendations on the best air filter for your home or general air quality questions, contact us.