Air Filtration Options:

 

Five Stage Air Filtration Product, Includes:  1” pre-filter for capturing larger dirt particles, a 2” pre-filter for smaller visible particles, an activated carbon filter for capturing odors, a 99.97% efficient true HEPA filter, and an ozone-free germicidal UV disinfection lamp.  This model is ducted into and out of the return duct between the inside of your home and your HVAC equipment in a bypass configuration with it's own fan system.  Definitely the most expensive option, but definitely worth the investment for the clean air aficionado or for larger homes and offices.

Amana HEPA and Photo Catalytic Air Cleaner, Includes:  Carbon pre-filter for protecting the HEPA filter while removing odors, lint, hair, and larger particles, a 99.97% efficient HEPA media filter removes particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger,two germicidal UVC lights enclosed in an anodized UV reflector to intensify the UV rays, a Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) filter to decompose organic materials into basic molecules such as H20 and CO2, and Carbon / Potassium Permanganate final filter for removal of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and light gases.  This model is also ducted into and out of the return duct between the inside of your home and your HVAC equipment in a bypass configuration with it's own fan system.  We have one of these installed in our office, definitely worth the investment for the clean air aficionado or for medium to smaller homes and offices.

 

GeneralAire TERSus Whole House Air Purification System, Includes MERV13 Electrostatic Particle Filtration that arrests allergy causing mold spores, pollen, and lung-damaging dust, Ultraviolet Disinfection by Dual UV Lamps that kill disease-causing airborne virus, germs, fungi, bacteria and mold on contact – also destroys toxic chemicals and odors, and PhotoCatalytic Purification oxidizing catalytic technology that converts and neutralizes stubborn odors, gases, fumes, and toxic chemicals to harmless water and carbon dioxide by prodocts.  This model and the ones below are installed in the return duct of the HVAC system using the system fan.  This is a new product we are recommending for removal of VOCs (Volatial Organic Compounds) in commercial and residential applications.    

 

Honeywell Enhanced Whole-House Air Cleaning System (TrueCLEAN), three step filtration technology that results in a MERV 15 efficiency that actually improves over time (full ASHRAE testing performed at 492 FPM).  Step 1 CHARGES the particles as it enters TrueCLEAN, Step 2 CAPTURES the particles as it travels into the media filter, and step 3 DESTROYS the particles with deactivation rates exceeding 99%.  Great Filtration product for Residential and Small Offices.  5 Year Warranty.

 

Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaner, Captures both microscopic particle like dust and smoke in addition to larger contaminants like mold spores and pet dander.  Advanced Technology places an electric charge to collect up to 99% of airborne particles (based on independent lab testing) – up to 30 times more efficient at capturing airborne particles compared to a standard one-inch filter.  Equivalent MERV 12-14.  This was the best residential air cleaning option for many years and it is still a very good option for those wanting improved clean air.  5 Year Warranty.

 

Amana Media Filter, 5" pleated filter, MERV 13 and 11 available.  Residential or Commercial Air Cleaning Upgrade.  Perfect for hard to reach filter locations such as attics or crawlspaces, due to the longer periods between filter replacement.

 

Honeywell Media Filter, 4” pleated filter, MERV 13 and 11 available.  MERV 11 is up to 14 times more effective than a standard one-inch filter, capturing up to 96% of airborne particles.  Upgradeable to Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaner.  Residential or Commercial Air Cleaning Upgrade.  Perfect for hard to reach filter locations such as attics or crawlspaces, due to the longer periods between filter replacement.

 

Filter Grille Media Filter, we have many options for central filter grilles from MERV 13, 11, 10, and 8 in 4" pleated filters to fit various filter grille sizes.

 

Standard Filter, we recommend a minimum of 1" thick, MERV 6 or above, preferably pleated, and sized per ACCA guidelines, for all residential and commercial applications.

 

 

Available Filters, filters are technically available from MERV 20 down to MERV 1.  

MERV 1-4 are usually seen in retail stores, the ones you can usually see through – catches less than 20% of particles 3 to 10 microns.

MERV 6 is recommended by ANSI and ASHRAE – catches 35-50% of particles 3 to 10 microns.  

MERV 8 is an upgraded filter that catches greater than 70% of particles 3 to 10 microns.  

Above MERV 11 you will usually see in thicker sizes (4" and above – some 1" models are available but are not recommended – due to increased cost and increased frequency of replacing them).  

MERV 11 catches greater than 85% of particles 3 to 10 microns and 65-80% of particles 1 to 3 microns.  

MERV 13 catches greater than 90% of particles 3 to 10 microns, greater than 90% of particles 1 to 3 microns, and less than 75% of particles 0.3 to 1 micron in size.

Above MERV 13 gets into specialized filters

MERV 15 catches greater than 90% of particles 3 to 10 microns, greater than 90% of particles 1 to 3 microns, and 85-95% of particles .03 to 1 micron in size.

MERV 16 catches greater than 95% of particles 3 to 10 microns, greater than 95% of particles 1 to 3 microns, and greater than 95% of particles 0.3 to 1 micron in size.

MERV 17 catches greater than 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.

MERV 18 catches greater than 99.99% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.

MERV 19 catches greater than 99.999% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.

MERV 20 catches greater than 99.999% of particles larger than 0.1 microns.   

 

Air Filtration: HVAC Air Filters are a hotly contested area of our industry.  Air Filters are rated in MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.  Some people think the cheapest filter made (you know the kind – that you can see through and definitely won't hold something as simple as table salt – which is 70-11 microns in size, depenind on the brand) are good enough.  We know it is tempting to buy a filter of a MERV 4 or less, but if you have seen as many stopped up indoor coils as we have – you would use a better filter also.  Just think about a MERV 4 filter catching less than 20% of the dust that goes through your HVAC system… it adds up quickly.