Air Filters

High-end, Standard and Low-end

Over the years we have had the opportunity to use and replace thousands of air filters by many various manufacturers. These manufacturers all have their “low end filters” and their “top-of-the-line filters”. So, to navigate through them with ease we have separated the filters into several different categories. Please note: This is not a complete list of all the different types of filters available on the market, but this will cover most of the customers we service.

Filters are rated by their performance and their price. As with anything else, the more performance a filter delivers – the higher the cost.

High-End Filters

filter-capacityHigh Capacity Pleated Filters:

These filters are similar to the standard pleated filters except they have more pleats, more surface area and more capacity. These filters work well and are well suited for dusty environments or bi-annual filter changes in normal environments. We choose to use these filters on our accounts with special needs; such as…..

Standard Filters

filter-pleatedStandard Capacity Pleated Filters:

These filters offer better filtration than the low end fiberglass filters but they also offer more resistance and will get dirty faster but they are still a good choice for most applications. These are the filters most contractors choose to use.

filter-ringRing Panels:

Most ring panel filters use a metal wire frame inside and polyester material over the frame. These filters often have a tackifier and sometimes use a microbial tackifier. These filters offer good filtration and a self-sealing surface to prevent leakage around the filter. These filters will get dirty quickly but that is why we use filters – to catch the dirt and dust.

filter-framed

 

 

Framed Filters with Media:

Framed filters have a metal or plastic frame holding the media in-between screens. These filters are comparable to the ring panels when polyester media is used with the exception of the metal racks. In most cases they do not seal as well to prevent filter bypass. Some companies use foam, hog hair, or fiberglass media lowering filtering ability.

Low End Filters

filter-fiberglassFiberglass Standard Panel Filters:

As far as performance, the resistance is very low but their ability to clean the air is not impressive. Our professional opinion is if you can drop a handful of sand on the top of the filter and most of the sand comes out the bottom of the filter – it’s not a good, quality filter.

If air quality is a concern, these filters are not recommended. Beware of contractors that do.

Media filterRoll Media Filter

The Fiberglass Media is constructed of a multitude of fiberglass strands that form a graduated density for maximum dirt arrestance throughout the media.

 

Standard 52.5 Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value

Dust Spot Efficiency

Arrestance

Typical Controlled Contaminant

Typical Applications and Limitations

Typical Air Filter/Cleaner Type

20

n/a

n/a

<0.30 pm particle size

Clean rooms

>99.999% eff. On
.10-.20 pm

19

n/a

n/a

Virus (unattached)

Radioactive Materials

Particles

18

n/a

n/a

Carbon Dust

Pharmaceutical
Manufacturing

Particles

17

n/a

n/a

All Combustion smoke

Carcinogenetic Materials

Particulates

16

n/a

n/a

.30-1.0 pm Particle size

General Surgery

>99.97% eff. On.30 pm
Particles

15

>95%

n/a

All Bacteria

Hospital Inpatient Care

Bag Filter -Nonsupported

Microfine
fiberglass or synthetic media, 12-36 in. deep, 6-12 pockets

Box Filter – Rigid style cartridge
filters 6 to 12 in deep, may use lofted or paper media

14

90-95%

>98%

Most tobacco smoke

Smoking Lounges

13

89-90%

>98%

Proplet Nuclei (sneeze)

Superior Commercial
Buildings

12

70-75%

>95%

1.0-3.0 pm particle size,
Legionella

Superior Residential

Bag Filter -Nonsupported

Microfine
fiberglass or synthetic media, 12-36 in. deep, 6-12 pockets

Box Filter – Rigid style cartridge
filters 6 to 12 in deep, may use lofted or paper media

11

60-65%

>95%

Humidifier dust, lead dust

Better Commercial
Buildings

10

50-55%

>95%

Milled flour, Auto
Emissions

Hospital Laboratories

9

40-45%

>90%

Welding Fumes

8

30-35%

>90%

3.0-10.0 pm particle size

Commercial Buildings

Pleated Filters – Disposable, extended
surface area, thick with cotton-polyester blend media, cardboard frame

Cartridge Filters – Graded density viscous
coated cube or pocket filters, synthetic media

Throwaway – disposable synthetic
panel filter.

7

25-30%

>90%

Mold Spores, Hair spray

Better Residential

6

<20%

85-90%

Fabric protector, dusting
aids

Industrial Workplace

5

<20%

80-85%

Cement Dust, Pudding Mix

Paint Booth Inlet

4

<20%

75-80%

>10.0 pm Particle size,
pollen

Minimal Filtration

Throwaway – disposable synthetic
panel filter.

Washable – Aluminum Mesh

Electrostatic– Self charging woven
panel filter

3

<20%

70-75%

Dust Mites, Sanding Dust

Residential

2

<20%

65-70%

Spray paint dust

1

<20%

<65%

Textile Fibers, Carpet
Fibers

Window A/C Units

Please feel free to call us with questions about the right filter for your needs, or if you need hepa filters, deep pleated filters or special filters.

All Climate Mechanical: Heating, Cooling & Ductwork

763.548.8095