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Frequently Asked Qustions (FAQ) Page |
www.razorbackairfilters.com |
Why should I switch to a Pleated Filter? If you are using one of the old fiberglass type filters we recommend that you quit using them ASAP. The old fiberglass filters have shown in some cases that some of the fibers will break off and spread down stream from the filter thereby possibly contaminating your breathing air sopply. The polyester type is an improvement over the fiberglass type but it still will only filter about 8 to 10& of particiles that come in contact with the filter. Pleated filters generally have an average efficiency of 25-30%, although some models are rated at 45-50%. Compare this to the 8% average efficiency of throwaway panels and it is simple to see the difference. Check with your trusted HVAC tech to see if your heat/cool system will handle the MERV 8 rated pleated filter Check out our Filters 101 and our "What is this MERV Rating" , Pages |
Why do some of the filters I see in stores have different colored filter media? Generally it depends upon the filter manufacturer and what media mill they purchase from. The filter manufactures can have the media dyed to their specifications. Some filter Manufactures attach special meaning to their media colors (IE: Different colors will indicate different filtering efficiencies). |
What is a Pinch Framed Filter? A pinched frame is a method of manufacture whereby the cardboard frame of a filter is pressed down on the media (Pinched) thereby sealing the media in between the cardboard sides (frame) of the filter. This method created a better seal than the regular box frame filter. See our “Filters 101” page for a picture of a pinched frame and a regular boxed framed filter. |
What is this MERV rating? MERV ratings are used to rate the ability of an air conditioning filter to remove dust from the air as it passes through the filter. MERV is a standard used to measure the overall efficiency of a filter. Higher MERV ratings mean fewer dust particles and other airborne contaminants pass through the filter. See the link above to goto the WHAT IS THIS MERV RATING page. |
How Often Should I Change My Air Filter? This really depends on the area you live in, The amount of traffic in and out of your home, How tightly constructed your home is, Air leaks in your duct system etc.. As an example if you lived in an area that has very little grass and lots of dust and the wind blows around the year, you have many members in your family and they are constantly running in and out of the house along with their pet dogs and cats, You might need to change your filter once a week. If your home is tight and you live in an area that has the average dust problem and lets say its just you and your spouse. Then you might want to change the filter only once every three months. High humidity has an effect on filter life also. We here at razorbackairfilters.com recommend changing your filter every month. |
Do UV Light systems work? The answer is YES !!!! A properly installed UV light in an air ducting system will work wonders on cleaning / purifying the air you breath. Also a properly installed portable UV light air purifier in your living or working environment will also clean the air. Check out The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on In-Duct Ultraviolet Light Systems These UV light systems a great for helping control orders. |
I hear some people talk about permanent metal air filters - What are these? Metal mesh air filters are available for those that require them. These filters are made in the same standard sizes that the other types of filters are available. These metal mesh filters are generally available in what is termed semi-permanent or permanent, keeping in mind that permanent does not mean that the filter is indestructible. The intent of the metal mesh filters is you can remove the filter from its holder and wash, dry and then replace the filter thereby saving on the monthly cost of replacing a fiberglass or polyester type disposable filter. These filters should be cleaned on a regular basis and sprayed with a tackifier on the down stream side of the filter to help trap the smaller particles that might slip through the wire mesh. Depending upon the manufacture of the metal mesh filter you will find the efficiency rating around the same as the low end fiberglass filter. |
What is an electronic air cleaner? Electronic air cleaners such as electrostatic precipitators use a process called electrostatic attraction to trap charged particles. They draw air through an ionization section where particles obtain an electrical charge. The charged particles then accumulate on a series of flat plates called a collector that is oppositely charged. Ion generators, or ionizers, disperse charged ions into the air, similar to the electronic air cleaners but without a collector. These ions attach to airborne particles, giving them a charge so that they attach to nearby surfaces such as walls or furniture, or attach to one another and settle faster. A properly installed electronic air cleaner is another good tool in the air purification process. |
Is it true that a carbon filter is available for oder control? Gas-phase air filters remove gases and odors by using a material called a sorbent, such as activated carbon, which adsorbs the pollutants. These filters are typically intended to remove one or more gaseous pollutants from the airstream that passes through them. Because gas-phase filters are specific to one or a limited number of gaseous pollutants, they will not reduce concentrations of pollutants for which they were not designed. Some air cleaning devices with gas-phase filters may remove a portion of the gaseous pollutants and some of the related hazards, at least on a temporary basis. However, none are expected to remove all of the gaseous pollutants present in the air of a typical home. For example, carbon monoxide is a dangerous gaseous pollutant that is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned, and it is not readily captured using currently available residential gas-phase filtration products. The short answer is YES carbon impregnated pleated filters are available but we do not recommend them for home use because the carbon in the filter reduces the air flow and is not long lasting. There is generally not enough carbon contained in these type filters to do much good over a long period of time. We do not recommend the use of carbon impregnated air filters unless a qualified air technician has tested your central system and recommend that carbon filters be used. |