What is the Difference Between Standard and HEPA Rated 14x20x1 Air Filters for Home and Business?

Learn about the differences between standard & HEPA rated 14x20x1 air filters for home & business use. Understand MERV standards & how to select an appropriate filter.

What is the Difference Between Standard and HEPA Rated 14x20x1 Air Filters for Home and Business?

The MERV standard is used to measure the performance of filters designed for forced air HVAC systems. The size of the filter is usually indicated in length, width and thickness, and is labeled as the actual size. When buying a filter online, the actual size appears in the product vignette or description. If there are no dimensions on the outside of the filter, you can measure it to get the correct size.

Some brands have a foam gasket on the outside, so make sure it has foam for a perfect fit. HEPA filters have an efficiency index of 99% and are effective at capturing 0.2 micron particles. This is lower than True HEPA's 0.3% effectiveness.

HEPA

(high-efficiency particulate air) filters have a rating equivalent to a MERV 17 or higher, which can trap 99.97% of air particles that are 0.3 microns in size, as well as a greater percentage of particles smaller or larger than that size. ISO-Air developer Kevin Albers explains the difference between a MERV filter and a HEPA filter in this short video. The CDC and ASHRAE recommend adding commercial quality portable HEPA air purifiers with the ACH (hourly air change) appropriate for the space. When looking for an air filter, consider what's going on in your home to find the best MERV rating and additional features.

Make sure to install the new filter facing in the right direction; look for arrows on the filter frame that indicate air flow direction. A MERV 13 filter will capture 90% or more of particles between 3 and 10 microns. Atomic Filters offers OEM filters at a significant discount compared to other sellers. When HVAC filters become dirty and clogged with dirt, air can't flow freely through the ductwork, making your home less comfortable and eventually damaging your HVAC equipment. If outdoor air quality is poor in your city, buy filters with a larger surface area and higher MERV rating to capture more pollutants. When looking for portable air purifier solutions for your facilities, it's essential to understand the distinction between HEPA, True HEPA, HEPA, and other types of HEPA filters.

Manufacturers of commercial-grade air purifiers often use relatively porous filter material with an enormous surface area to capture waste. In conclusion, it is important to understand the differences between standard and HEPA rated 14x20x1 air filters when selecting one for your home or business. The MERV standard is used to measure the performance of filters designed for forced air HVAC systems, while HEPA filters have an efficiency index of 99% and are effective at capturing 0.2 micron particles. Additionally, when looking for portable air purifier solutions for your facilities, it's essential to know the difference between HEPA, True HEPA, HEPA, and other types of HEPA filters.