CLEAR THE AIR: A Buyer’s Guide to High Efficiency Air Filters
In the shadow of COVID, air quality is more important than ever. According to OSHA, poor air quality has been linked to symptoms like:
POOR AIR QUALITY SYMPTOMS:
- headaches
- fatigue
- trouble concentrating
- irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs
To protect your workforce, a HEPA filter air purifier has gone from luxury to necessity in maintaining clean indoor environments. But how do you know which is the best HEPA air purifier? Your best tool for judging a HEPA air purifier is the MERV Rating:
Understanding MERV Rating
MERV - or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values - measures a filter's ability to capture particles of various sizes between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is in capturing smaller particles. When trying to decide which is the best air purifier for you, consider the MERV rating that aligns with your specific filtration needs and look for a high HEPA filter efficiency.
| MERV Rating Range | MERV 1-4 | MERV 5-8 | MERV 9-12 | MERV 13-16 / HEPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provides Resistance to | Pollen, Dust Mites,Clothing/Carpet Fibers | Mold Spores, Human Hair, Mold/ Plant Spores, Pet Dander, Cement Dust, Bacteria, Hair Spray | Auto Emissions, Lung Damaging Dust, Insecticide Dusts, Smog, Bacteria, Legionella, Welding Fumes | Burning Wood, Tobacco / Cooking Smoke, Smog, Bacteria/ Viruses |
| Typical Applications | Minimal Residential Filtration, Standard AC Units (Window/ Wall) | Commercial / Industrial Workplaces, Higher Demand Residential, Paint Booth Inlets | Peak Demand Residential Zones, Higher Demand Commercial, Hospitals | Peak Demand Commercial Zones, Hospital Surgery Zones, Patient Care, Smoking Lounges |
What is a HEPA filter?
A HEPA filter - or “high efficiency particulate air filter” - is a pleated mechanical air filter that can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). How do you know if you need a HEPA filter? HEPA filters:
HEPA Filters
- Prevent your workers from being exposed to infectious diseases and irritants
- Protect equipment from damage done by particles and contaminants
- Defend your HVAC system against malfunction and unnecessary maintenance
- Save the energy and maintenance costs of a less efficient system
A commitment to air quality and a clean, healthy work environment is everything. Being proactive vs reactive when it comes to air quality will save you money, time, and operational efficiency. But which is the best air purifier for you?
Types of HEPA Filters
General Use HEPA filters:
Designed for use in all air-moving devices and provide high-efficiency particle filtration across a range of applications.
Gas and Odor Control HEPA filters:
In addition to the particulate filtration capabilities, these filters incorporate activated carbon or other sorbent materials to address specific gas and odor control requirements.
Surgically Clean HEPA filters:
Specifically engineered for use in medical facilities and cleanrooms,ensuring the removal of ultrafine particles and microorganisms to maintain sterile conditions.
OTHER FILTERS
Which is the best air purifier for you? Global Industrial offers a wide range of air filters suitable for industrial applications. While this guide focuses on HEPA filters, it is worth mentioning other filter types available through Global Industrial's website for comprehensive information:
FIBERGLASS AIR FILTERS
Fiberglass Air Filters: Commonly used in residential and light commercial applications where low-cost filtration is sufficient.
FILTER MEDIA PADS & ROLLS
Filter Media Pads & Rolls: Available in rolls or pads that can be cut to size and used in a variety of applications, offering flexibility and customization options.
MINI PLEAT AIR FILTERS
Mini Pleat Air Filters: Provide a large surface area for efficient filtration in limited space applications, making them ideal for compact HVAC systems.
PLEATED AIR FILTERS:
Pleated Air Filters: Offer a larger surface area than standard flat panel filters, resulting in improved efficiency and extended filter life.
POCKET & V-BANK AIR FILTERS
Pocket & V-Bank Air Filters: Designed with multiple pockets or V-shaped arrangements, providing high-capacity filtration for commercial and industrial environments.
RIGID CELL AIR FILTERS
Rigid Cell Air Filters: Durable for heavy-duty applications where high airflow and filtration efficiency are required.
SPECIAL PURPOSE FILTERS
Special Purpose Filters: Specialized filters designed for high-temperature environments, corrosive conditions, or unique contaminants.
UTILIZING GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL’S FILTER SELECTION TOOL
Still not sure what to look for in a HEPA filter? To simplify the selection process, Global Industrial provides an easy-to-use Filter Selector Tool:
Filter Finder
nominal dimensions
Input your specific requirements and preferences to narrow down the available options by filter type, dimensions, MERV rating, and other relevant specifications. Whether you are looking for an industrial air filter, a HEPA filter, or just want to figure out the best products for your HEPA filter use, use the Global Industrial resources and get the right filter for you and clear the air for any workspace.