FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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WHAT IS MERV?

  • MERV is an acronym for MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REPORTING VALUE.
  • MERV is a relative performance rating system created by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) to measure filter performance.
  • MERV measures the filter's ability to capture a variety of airborne particles – from large particles measured in microns down to sub-micron particles. 
  • The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at removing substances from your air.  
  • MERV ratings are assigned to air filters or filter media that have been tested to an ASHRAE test standard. 
  • ASHRAE test standards and MERV ratings are an accepted industry standard for measuring filter performance 
  • The test standard is designed to test the effectiveness of the filter in removing a specific range and amount of particles in the air. 
  • MERV tests are typically performed by independent third-party labs.
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WHAT IS FPR?

  • FPR – Filter Performance Rating – is a proprietary filter rating system created by The Home Depot.
  • The rating system measures the filter's ability to capture (1) large particles (2) small particles and (3) weight gain (filter lifetime).
  • The higher the rating the better the filter.
  • This is not an industry recognized standard
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WHAT IS MPR?

  • MPR – Microparticle Performance Rating – is a proprietary filter rating system created by The 3M Company.
  • MPR is not an accepted industry standard.
  • The 3M rating system seems to place an emphasis on the filters ability to capture smaller particles (e. g. sub-micron) that are used in a MERV test.
  • It should be noted most common allergens tend to be larger than the particle sizes emphasized in the MPR test.
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WHAT IS ANTIMICROBIAL PRODUCT PROTECTION?

  • It means we have built into the filter media ingredients that protect the filter which protects your air.
  • Antimicrobial Product Protection (AMPP) is designed to help prevent the uncontrolled growth of odor causing microbes on the surface of the filter.
  • Microscopic airborne organisms are often trapped on high performance filters which left unchecked could multiply and negatively impact filter longevity and performance.
  • The AMPP in our filters has not been tested to determine airborne microorganism reduction in the air stream.
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WHAT IS PRESSURE DROP?

  • This is a term used in air filtration test standards designed to measure the ability of the filter to allow air to pass through the filter.
  • Typically, you want a filter to have a high MERV rating without too much pressure drop.
  • The higher the pressure drop the harder your HVAC system must work to pull air through the filter.
  • Our air filters are tested for pressure drop.  Filters are designed not to exceed ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) standards for pressure drop.
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WHAT IS THE SIZE OF A MICRON?

  • A micron is a unit of metric measurement for length also known as a micrometer.  
  • 1 micron = 0.001 mm or 0.000039"
  • This unit of measure is very common to the ASHRAE / MERV testing.
  • For instance, Mold Spores measure 10 -30 microns.  Pollens range from 10-1,000 microns.   These common allergen particles are not submicron sized particles.
  • Airborne particles range in different particle sizes.  MERV tests measures airborne particles in microns for 3 different size classes:  0.3 – 1.0 micron; 1.0 – 3.0 microns; 3.0 – 10.0 microns
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WHAT IS DUST SPOT EFFICIENCY?

  • “Dust Spot Efficiency” was removed in the updated ASHRAE test standard 52.2.
  • Arrestance has since replaced Dust Spot Efficiency in the updated standard.
  • It is a measure of filter efficiency that measured the ability of the filter to remove particles.
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WHAT IS ARRESTANCE?

  • ASHRAE arrestance is the ability of a device to remove ASHRAE dust from test air.
  • MERV is the rating system used to describe the filter's arrestance or efficiency in reducing airborne particles
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WHAT IS THE 9600, 9100, 8500 RATING ON THE DUPONT™ BRANDED PRODUCTS?

  • This number is part of the product description – for example ProClear™ Superior 8600™.
  • The number is assigned to the filter description and represents an approximate performance level of the filter.
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HOW DO YOU SELECT AN AIR FILTER?

  • If you are interested in only protecting your HVAC system while minimizing strain on the system, then you can focus on lower MERV rated filters.
  • If you have a member in your household that is sensitive to airborne allergens or that may have a medical condition that will be agitated by dust, pollen, and other airborne particles then you should shop for a filter with a higher MERV rating.
  • You could also consider alternating the levels of filtration seasonally to help save on money.  Install higher MERVs during pollen season and lower MERVs when pollen is not in season.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY AIR FILTER?

  • While most standard 1” and 2” pleated filters indicate the filter can last up to 90 days, we recommend checking your filter every 30 days. 
  • Fiberglass filters have a recommended change out period of every 30 days.
  • Each home environment is different- pets, remodeling/construction, smoking can all impact filter life.
  • Based upon your home’s environment you may need to change your filter more often than the stated filter life.
  • Some HVAC systems are designated to hold 4’/5” filters.  These Residential Air Cleaner filters – 4”/5” pleated filters - can last from 6-12 months depending upon the filter.  Again, it is recommended to check the filter regularly.
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HOW DO I INSTALL MY HVAC FILTER?

  1. TURN FAN OFF - Always turn the system or fan to OFF before removing the existing filter.
  2. REMOVE PACKAGING FROM NEW FILTER - Carefully remove the plastic wrap and or label from new filter.
  3. RECORD INSTALL DATE – Record the date in the space provided on the new filter.
  4. AIR FLOW ARROW – Very important that this arrow is pointed in the right direction.   To prevent filter collapse It should point towards the system/fan.  These are found only on our pleated filters.

Additional notes:

  • Fiberglass filters (without metal) do not have air flow arrows and will function as well regardless of which side of the filter faces the system.
  • Washable and/or Cut-to-Size filters must have the plastic grid between the filter pad and the motor/system. In other words, the air flows through the filter pad and then exits out the grid side.
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WHY DOESN’T THIS FILTER HAVE AN AIR FLOW ARROW?

  • Only our pleated and washable/reusable air filters have air flow directional arrows.
  • Fiberglass air filters do not have air flow directional arrows since it does not matter which size of the filter the air flows through.
  • See “How Do I Install My HVAC Filter?” for additional details.
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HOW DO I CLEAN THIS WASHABLE FILTER AND HOW OFTEN?

  • We recommend washable/reusable filters be cleaned monthly.
  • Regular cleanings of the filter media are required to prevent the filter from clogging and to prevent equipment malfunction or damage.
  • Be sure the media is completely dry before reinstalling the filter in your system.
  • Please visit the page on this website that has the washable / reusable filter you have and download the label for cleaning instructions.
  • Cleaning instructions are on the product label.
     
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DOES THIS FILTER HAVE A WARRANTY?

  • Yes, all filters have a warranty please see product label for exact warranty.
  • Essentially all our warranties are very similar.  They read something like this . . .
    • Products will be free from defects in material and manufacture.
    • Warranty period is generally 1 year from date of purchase.
    • Remedy for defective products shall be replacement of the product or a refund of the purchase price at PPA Industries, Inc.
    • See product label for specifics as it relates to your filter.
  • Warranties are invalid if the product is modified or proper use and maintenance were not followed.
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ARE YOUR FILTERS UV COMPATIBLE?

No, our filters are not UV light compatible.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

 

CALL: 

 888-808-9100 (toll free)

 

 

EMAIL: 

[email protected]

 

 

WRITE: 

PPA Industries, Inc.

 

P. O. Box 9181

 

Hickory, NC  28603

 

USA


 

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