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What Hypoallergenic Really Means

What does the term hypoallergenic really mean?Hypoallergenic is a term seen everywhere these days. From pets to cosmetics and everything in between, there seems to be a new, hypoallergenic alternative available. But what does that mean? Targeted at allergy sufferers, hypoallergenic products make otherwise unusable or unattainable products seem appealing. With promises of fewer health risks and allergy attacks, these products provide the ability to do things one may not be able to do otherwise – such as owning the pet you’ve always wanted or wearing the perfume you love the smell of so much. But is this actually true? Can products, even animals, truly be hypoallergenic and safer for those who suffer from allergies?

What Is The Definition of Hypoallergenic?

Its important to first understand what the term hypoallergenic actually means.

According to the FDA, hypoallergenic products are those that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with “normal” skin, may be led to believe that these products will be gentler to their skin than non-hypoallergenic cosmetics. In literal terms, the word hypoallergenic actually means “less allergenic” or in more friendly terms, “allergy friendly”. Products labeled as such are reportedly ‘less likely’ to cause an allergic reaction because they are supposed to contain less allergens (the substances and particles that cause allergy sufferers to have a reaction).

Interestingly enough, there are no Federal standards that govern the use of the term hyper-allergenic or its definition. It basically means whatever the company producing the product wants it to mean. There are also no regulations in place that require manufacturers that use this label to submit substantiation of their products hypoallergenicity claims to FDA. This provides a huge loop hole in promoting hypoallergenic products on the retail level, thus increasing the market value; however, dermatologists say it has very little meaning.

Hypoallergenic Cosmetics

So where did this relatively meaningless term come from? The term was invented in a 1953 cosmetics campaign to promote a new line of make-up and has no medical or scientific meaning. It has since blown up in the cosmetic world. Mascara making your eyes red and irritated? Lotion causing redness and itchy skin? Try this hypoallergenic formula! As it turns out it’s all just a marketing ploy to sell more cosmetics to those consumers manufactures would’ve otherwise lost a sale to. Over time, there have been many agencies and organizations that have tried to get some sort of regulation in place for the term, but so far the attempts have been unsuccessful in the US Court system.

The main reason for the lack of regulation for the hypoallergenic label is the perplexing nature of allergies themselves. What causes allergic reactions when comparing one person to another is not completely understood yet. Two people can have the same allergy, but react to it differently, so no allergies are exactly the same. This is why hypoallergenic products mean “less allergenic” and not “allergy free”. The cosmetics industry, nor federal regulations, can not ever guarantee that a particular product will never cause an allergic reaction in every individual person. Rather, it can only be taken to mean that the product would be less likely to cause a reaction when compared to another similar product with different ingredients known to cause allergic reactions in many individuals.

Hypoallergenic Pets

Another popular place you’ll see the term hypoallergenic is with pets. According to Wikipedia, the definition of “hypoallergenic pets” is: breeds of pet animals (e.g., some breeds of dogs) that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitized to the pet species (e.g., in people generally allergic to dogs).

This sounds like the best bet for those who have pet allergies – enabling them to have a pet in their home where a fur-baby would otherwise never be possible. The breeds promoted as hypoallergenic are those that do not shed their hair, or shed very little hair, but this is not where the entire allergy stems from. The proteins that cause the allergic reactions are not only in the animal’s fur/hair, but are also in their mucous, urine, saliva and in the dander sloughed from the animal’s skin. A recent study also showed that the amount of allergens found in homes with supposed hypoallergenic breeds were no different than those found in homes with pets considered non-hypoallergenic.

US Home Filter Offers AC Filters to Help Reduce Allergens

Family owned and operated for four generations now, we may not be doctors, but we certainly know about allergies and air filters! Over the years our experienced staff has help thousands of customers by answering the same questions that you may have.

At US Home Filter, we appreciate each and every one of our customers. We are here to help you choose the best solutions for your individual needs. Whether you need help with one of our standard stock size air filters, a Whole House Air Cleaner replacement filter, Grille filters, or if you are overwhelmed by choosing the right custom size air filter, we will be happy to personally work with you to help ensure you order exactly what you need and clear up any misconceptions! For personal assistance or questions about your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to help you in selecting the perfect filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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Energy Efficiency and IAQ

Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air QualityThere ‘s a very good chance that you’re reading this indoors right now. In fact, indoors is where the average American spends 90% of their time. When you think about air quality, you may immediately think of outdoor pollution, pollen and allergy seasons; however, the EPA reports that air pollution levels are upwards of two to five times higher inside than they are outside. Not only does indoor air pollution affect us greatly, it can also increase energy use and costs, thus lowering our overall energy efficiency.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is the largest source of energy consumption in the USA. In fact, the EPA reports that HVAC usage alone consumes 43% of all energy used in the United States. As a homeowner, the goal is to reduce HVAC usage and lower the overall energy costs at the same time. This can be done numerous ways, such as adding some additional insulation and sealing any small holes with weather stripping and caulk. You’ll see energy costs go down when you are letting less warm air out and cold air in during the winter – or vice-a-versa in the summer.

While taking steps to make your home “airtight” to conserve energy does work, it also traps indoor air inside of your home. Recirculating within this “trapped” air can be pollutants and contaminates from paints, cleaning supplies, etc. among other airborne particles. When there isn’t proper ventilation in place, the contaminants from these products can result in “sick building syndrome” where a person’s health is adversely affected due to the amount of time spent indoors. The most important thing to remember is that it’s essential to balance the energy efficiency with your indoor air quality by making sure there is proper air exchanges and ventilation. According to ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy), “Efficient HVAC systems should ensure that occupants get adequate, filtered, fresh air. They should deliver the correct amount of air to the desired locations. Typically, inefficient systems are not only energy-inefficient, but also ineffective at doing their intended function.”

Steps to Improving Your IAQ

1. Change your furnace filter and air filters regularly. Clean air filters are extremely important to not only maintain a fully functioning system, but also for capturing those indoor airborne pollutants effectively.

2. Take care of your home’s HVAC system. Scheduling a professional inspection twice a year and regularly changing your air filters (as mentioned above) ensures your HVAC system operates at full efficiency and rids your home of any harmful pollutants.

Common sources of indoor air pollution include:

  • Combustion – Heating your home with oil, gas, kerosene, coal or wood can generate pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Man-made items such as carpets, furniture, cabinetry, building materials, and paint within a home can release VOCs.
  • Household Chemicals – Personal care products (hairspray, cosmetics), glues, cleaning products, and air-fresheners can all be respiratory irritants.
  • Natural Sources – Environmental contaminants such as pollen, mold, mildew, dust and pet dander are all natural sources of indoor air pollutants.

3. Ensure your home is properly ventilated. It is important to vent contaminated air and excess humidity out of your home year round. Kitchens and bathrooms should have operational exhaust fans that vent contaminated, moisture-laden air from your home.

4. Add a touch of green life throughout your home. Houseplants are very effective at cleaning indoor air as they remove contaminants from the air and emit fresh oxygen. For max efficiency, add one houseplant per every 100 square feet of home.

Additional Steps to a More Energy Efficient Home

  • Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LEDs.
  • Install and use a programmable thermostat.
  • Wash clothing in cold water.
  • Use ceiling fans to supplement heating and cooling system operation.
  • Replace older appliances with ENERGY STAR-qualified models.
  • Unplug unused electronic devices or place them on a power strip that can switch off multiple appliances simultaneously.

US Home Filter Carries AC Filters to Fit All HVAC Units

No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly in order to keep your indoor air quality clean and your unit running at its maximum efficiency. US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filters, grille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs.We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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Green Cleaning Tips to Reduce Home Allergens

Green Cleaning Tips to Reduce Home AllergensAllergies are everywhere and as the seasons change, new allergens emerge causing allergy sufferer’s a multitude of symptoms. In fact, as many as 50 million Americans have some sort of allergy – most of which are not caused by the change of seasons, but are from substances found in their own home. In a research study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology  it surprisingly stated that over half (51.5%) of all US homes had at least 6 detectable allergens and 45.8% had at least 3 allergens exceeding normal levels. These indoor allergens included mold and mildew, dust mites and pet dander among many others which can affect both a person’s nasal passages and eyes. Outdoor pollutants (pollen, outdoor mold spores) can also enter the home as well, thus increasing the unpleasant side effects that allergy sufferers often times experience. While experts agree that anti-histamine medications may help lessen the effects of these symptoms, removing or reducing exposure to the allergens proves to the be the best way to manage allergy conditions by prevention. In other words: Stop treating the symptoms and start treating the cause!

Tips for Reducing Indoor Allergens In Your Home or Office

Go “Green” With Your Cleaning Supplies

According to The American Lung Association, many cleaning supplies or household products contain dangerous chemicals that can irritate the eyes or throat, cause headaches as well as other health problems, including cancer.  Some of these products even release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other dangerous chemicals. VOCs are found in cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaner, detergents and air fresheners and have been shown to exacerbate asthma-related symptoms. To combat this, choose green cleaning products that contain natural and plant based ingredients. You can even make your own!

Reduce Pet Allergens

We love our pets, but it’s true, our four-legged fur babies make a huge contribution to allergens in our homes. In fact, up to 30% of all people with allergies have reactions to cats and dogs. Luckily, there are steps you can take to cohabitate with your pets without sneezing every time that they come into the room. First off, create a specific area in your home for your pet and make sure that its easy to clean. Keep soft furnishings to a minimum and make sure that they’re machine washable. You may also want to invest in a filter with a MERV rating of 8-13 to keep the air free from pet allergens – these filters can reduce pet allergens in the air substantially. We recommend our highest-rated MERV 13 pleated filters for your home or business if you are looking for the highest level of air quality and suffer from severe allergies such as those that can be triggered by your loving pets. Vacuum regularly and bathe your dog twice a week – don’t forget to find a pet shampoo that contains natural and plant based ingredients!

Control Your Heat and Humidity

Keeping your house at the right temperature and humidity level can make a huge difference in allergy control. Your house should be kept nice and dry, using a dehumidifier if needed. Dust mites and mold both thrive in moist, humid conditions. Another way to remove humidity is to open your windows for one hour per day (on dry days only), but be sure to check the pollen forecast first. On the flip side, if the humidity in your home is too low, other allergens can start to circulate in the air. Make sure to keep your home between 68°F-72°F with 40% humidity whenever possible.

Change Your HVAC Filter Regularly

The most important thing you can do to reduce allergens in your home is to choose the right filter for your HVAC system and change it regularly. The filter’s primary function is to trap and hold all the different kids of particulates and contaminants in the air that circulate through your heating and cooling system. All of the air that circulates through your HVAC system, to either heat or cool your home, will eventually pass through the air filter. This is why it is so VERY important to keep your air filters clean and change them regularly. Air filters should be checked at least once a month – if they are dirty they should be changed with a fresh clean filter to ensure home allergens are kept to a minimum.

US Home Filter’s is Here for YOU

Determining the size that your system requires and choosing the MERV rating that is best for you can be a little overwhelming, especially if you have never purchased air filters for your home or if you have a new unit or home to buy filters for. You can take a look at our air filter measurement guide to help you pick the right size or call us and we can easily assist you with ordering the exact air filter size you need and recommend the best rating for you depending on the level of filtration you want. Whether you need AC or furnace filters, a specialty Whole House filter, a Grille filter, or even a custom air filter size, we have a professional and helpful staff ready to take care of you!

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Spring Cleaning Your HVAC Unit

Spring Cleaning your HVAC unitSpring is around the corner and “Spring Cleaning” has become a tradition in many households throughout the country. As you open up your windows, both letting the fresh air in and dusting off everything that has been in winter hibernation, it’s important not to forget your HVAC system! The weather will gradually get warmer, and when it does, you’ll want your A/C unit working at its peak performance. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system ensures that your unit is running efficiently and doing its job. When this is done, you’re able to maximize your use of energy which is not only good for the environment, but also good for your monthly power bills.

Steps To Take To “Spring Clean” Your HVAC System

Change Your Air Filter

We cannot stress enough the importance of a clean air filter, as you may have noticed from several of our previous blog posts (like winterizing your HVAC unit). Clean air filters keep the air in your home free from harmful pollutants that are potentially hazardous to your health and that of your family. Since all of the the air that circulates through your HVAC system eventually passes through the air filter, it’s so VERY important to keep your air filters clean and change them regularly. Dirty, clogged air filters can:

  • Cause severe HVAC system malfunctions and equipment damage.
  • Reduce airflow inside the HVAC system.
  • NOT remove particulates and contaminants as effectively as they should. (These are then released back into the air that you breathe).
  • Result in duct work build up and damage.
  • Cause the HVAC equipment to work harder, increasing your energy usage and therefore your monthly electric bill.

Air filters should be checked at least a minimum of once a month and if they are dirty they should be removed and changed out for a fresh, clean air filter. A helpful tip to know if your filter is dirty or not: hold it up to a light source – if you can’t see the light through the filter, then it’s time for a new one.

Air Duct Cleaning

During the fall and winter months, as the heat passes through your HVAC system, most of the contaminants are trapped in the air filter; however, some do pass through which can lead to a build up in the duct work over a period of time. To prevent potential air flow blockages and indoor air quality problems, plus keep the temperature in your home consistent, vacuuming out the air vents is highly recommended. According to EPA.gov, a thorough cleaning of the air vents is recommended if the ducts are clogged with an excessive amount of dust and debris or if there is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. If this sounds like your home, call a professional to clean your air ducts. Otherwise, a quick vacuuming may be sufficient.

Clean Standing Water By Your HVAC Unit

Moisture is one of the main requirements needed for mold to thrive and molds can grow and multiply in temperatures between 32 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are standing pools of water near your HVAC unit, the mold will grow and increase as the temperature rises and result in the moldy and musty smell to start blowing into your home. Standing water will also do swift and severe damage to whatever it touches, so its very important to get any areas cleaned up, preventing water damage to your HVAC unit and keeping the air in your home free from mold and mustiness. Here are some reasons you may find water around your HVAC unit:

  • PVC drain line is plugged
  • Filter is plugged
  • Drain pan has a leak
  • Condensation pump issues

Remove Plants And Weeds From Around Outside Unit

As spring approaches, plants and weeds start to grow and they also grow around your outside HVAC unit. Trimming back these plants is one of the easiest ways to keep your energy bills low. If plants and weeds grow too close to your HVAC unit, it can restrict air flow to your system causing higher bills and shorter equipment life. You should have at least 24 inches (or two feet) of distance between your landscaping and your air conditioning unit. This allows enough adequate air flow to the unit, keeping it cool and preventing your HVAC unit from possibly overheating. It also reduces overall electrical consumption. So be sure to add ground clearing around your AC unit to your spring cleaning list!

US Home Filter Carries AC Filters to Fit All HVAC Units

No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly in order to keep your indoor air quality clean and your unit running at its maximum efficiency. US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filters, grille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs.We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

 

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Custom HVAC and Air Filters

Custom Replacement Air FiltersCustom air conditioning and furnace filters are necessary when you cannot find a standard stock size air filter to fit your filter housing, track, slot, or vent properly. We discussed measuring your air filter housing slot in our last post about how to figure out if your air filter is too small for your unit. Once measured, if you are unable to find a standard sized air filter within 5/8th-in smaller than the housing slot, your unit requires a custom sized air filter. Custom sizes are not stocked on shelves or available at local stores. With literally tens of thousands of possible size combinations, there is simply no way to keep each size in stock. However, you can select the exact size you need by building a custom air filter from US Home Filter where we keep a vast array of standard sizes, including many uncommon hard-to-find sizes, in stock and can make any custom size air filter that you may need!

Unfortunately, while there are many standard and commonly used sizes, the HVAC industry as a whole has not standardized air filter sizing. The majority of the time, air filter sizes are determined by the manufacturer of your unit and the size is generally determined based upon the finished size of the unit itself, rather than what would be known as a common air filter size that you can easily find at a local store. This can prove to be quite an inconvenience for many.

Some will recommend to put your main focus on the type of air filter you use. While that is an important factor, when you are faced with choosing a custom sized air filter your first and foremost concern should be in determining the exact size you need. The type of filter you use is irrelevant if it does not fit properly.

Custom Filters Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. Ensuring your air filter fits properly within your system and regularly cleaned is imperative to your furnace or air conditioning system operating properly and preventing costly repairs and replacements. This is where custom sized air filters are essential. The air should move through the filter, not around it, so those indoor air pollutants are caught in the filter and not returned into your home and the air you breathe. At US Home Filter, we have a step by step process to determine the appropriate air filter dimensions for your heating and/or cooling system and we deliver your custom air furnace filters straight to your door.

Once you have figured out the exact dimensions you need for your custom air filters, then you can select the type of filter you need based upon your needs. Your needs will likely depend on how much you prefer to spend balanced with what level of filtration you desire. It is also extremely important to change your custom air furnace filter on a regular basis. This allows for a constant flow of clean air into your home which will help you and your family avoid respiratory difficulties, allergies, and illness and keep your family safe and comfortable. It will also allow your system to work efficiently increasing its performance and longevity and decreasing energy bills.

In conclusion, a properly fitting air filter is necessary to keep your home safe and the air you breathe clean. There are hundreds of air filter sizes and US Home Filter is here to help you get the correct filter as easily and efficiently as possible.

 

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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Is My Air Filter Too Small?

Order now from US Home Filter with discount code FALL5, plus receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

How to determine if your air filter type is the correct size for your unitIs the air filter I have too small for my unit? We hear this question from a lot of our customers. Each air conditioning system or HVAC unit has a certain size filter that allows the filter to perform correctly by protecting your heating/ac system. The filters don’t need to fit with an “air tight” seal, but you should be able to easily install and uninstall your filter without a struggle, plus the filter shouldn’t be so small that it moves freely within your unit. Your filter should be a bit smaller on each side of the filter housing slot, thus allowing you to slide the filter in with ease. Most AC and HVAC units use standard sized filters, but some do require a custom size air filter.

Some Signals that Your Air Filter is Too Small:

1. The air filter moves around too much inside the filter housing slot.
2. When your unit turns on, you hear noises such as knocking, whistling, or rattling.
3. Once installed, the air filter does not completely cover the vent or duct opening.
4. You notice that the air filter does not seem to get dirty.

Consequences of Using an Air Filter That is Too Small:

1. The filter can be sucked into the ventilation if it is much smaller than it should be.
2. Dust, allergens and pollutants will not be filtered from your indoor air, as the air is bypassing the filter and entering into the ventilation and is returned back.
2. The filter will be unable to protect your AC/HVAC unit and the unfiltered air will collect on internal components of your system, such as the coil and fan, which can lead to expensive repairs.

If you are questioning whether or not your filter is too small, here are a few suggestions on how to check:

Measure the air filter housing slot, but only the usable space where the filter can fit into. Make sure to take into consideration any overlaps or recessed edges that may obstruct installing or uninstalling the filter. For most systems you can use a standard sized filter within 5/8-in smaller than the air filter housing. If you are not able to find a standard sized filter within that parameter, you will need to order a custom sized air filter.

There are also air conditioning/HVAC units that are open-ended, meaning you don’t close a door or panel over the air filter housing. In these cases, you have more flexibility in selecting your filter size, as you can choose one that is longer than the size of the opening. This also gives you a pseudo “handle” that sticks outside the opening that allows you to grab onto for ease of removal when it’s time for the filter to be changed.

An excellent resource to help you is the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guide To Air Cleaners in The Home.

How to Choose Your Air Filter Size for Each Unit Type:

1. If your unit has wall and ceiling vents that do not have clips or brackets that secure the filter you want to find the closest fit possible (within 1/8-in. smaller than the opening) that prevents movement or noises as mentioned above.
2. If your unit has wall and ceiling vents that has clips or brackets that secure the filter you can select a filter size within a 1/2-in. smaller than the opening.
3. If your unit has a standard filter slot (typically located near the blower unit) you can select a filter size within 1/8-in – 5/8-in. smaller than the two longest sides. As mentioned above, you can also choose a longer filter as there is no door or cover that needs to be closed over the filter.
4. If your unit has a filter cabinet or drawer/large housing compartment you will need to select a specialty Whole House Air Filter (filter depth should be over 4 inches). Look  for the part number or model number on the door/panel/housing or the reference number on the air filter to find the actual filter size.

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We carry humidifier filters and pads for all major manufacturers (including Air King, American Standard, AprilaireGeneralAire and Honeywell). We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN MERV RATINGS FOR AIR FILTERS?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV system was designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) as a scale to measure the effectiveness of air filters. Basically, this system allows you as the consumer to easily and effectively compare air filters to each other. It means that any MERV 8 rated filter, for example, will filter the same as another. Though there may be some slight differences in construction and quality between manufacturers, the MERV system provides clarity as to the level of filtration you can expect from an air filter with a certain MERV rating.

MERV ratings range from 1-16 and address the performance level of a filter as it relates to removing airborne particles from 0.3 to 10 microns. Airborne particulates are referred to in microns. How small is a micron? A micron is 1/1000 mm which is 1/25,000 of an inch. Although it may be possible to see particles as small as 10 microns under the right conditions, particles are typically visible beginning at about 20 microns. To put it into perspective, a dot (.) is about 600 microns.

System Protection Level Dust Control Level Allergy Concern Level
MERV 8 Good Good Mild
MERV 11 Better Better Moderate
MERV 13 Best Best Severe