The air grade in your household is an important factor when you try to keep your family healthy.Particles Per Million of the air in your house is much higher than the air outside.So choosing the right filter to reduce they dust in your house is an urgent decision.I can honestly tell you that the 3m filtrete filter range is the best choice you can make if your families health is necessary to you.
These 3M air filters are well-known air filters.This is based on the clean air inside our house and the lack of dust.The build grade of these 3M filters are of outstanding quality and they also have a high rating.Over the years I have used all kinds of filters with mixed outcome.At the beginning of last year I switched to 3M Advanced Allergen Filters.They have a 3M Microparticle Performance Rating of 1500.3M uses particle data between 0.3 and 1.0 micron size to calculate a Microparticle Performance Rating or MPR. The higher the MPR, the better the filter. However, higher rated filters cost more.
We live in a double-story home.We have two returns in our system.One on the first floor and another on the second floor.A few years ago I changed both return grilles with a grille assembly that has a built in "furnace" filter holder.I did this to further purify the air quality and to keep the ducts sanitary. We use 3M Filtrete Advanced Allergens in the system's air exchanger and one in each of the returns in the system.So in effect the all the air flows through two 3M Filtrete Advanced Allergen filters,with no issue on our heat pump`s exchanger.With this current system we only have to substitute our filters every six months.Before we installed the two return filters, we had to change the single air exchanger filter every 2 months.So the total costs of the air filters are still the same.
I originally put this system in my home because our family has some allergy inconvenience.By having pets it did not help the situation as I am sure you can imagine.I can honestly say that the 3M Advanced Allergen Filters functioned really great.No more sneezing and sinus problems to speak of.I highly recommend this product if you suffer from allergies or sinus issues.
Here are some of the Filtrete filters available by 3M with Performance, MERV Ratings and pressure drop.MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a number from 1 to 12, produced from a test designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
3M Maximum Allergen 1700
1-10 microns - 93%
MERV 12
pressure drop .20
3M Advanced Allegen Filter *** (Blue)
1-10 microns - 92%
MERV 12
pressure drop .19
3M Ultra Allergen 1250 *** (Purple)
1-10 microns - 90%
MERV 11
pressure drop .18
3M Allergen Reduction *** (Teal)
1-10 Microns- 85%
MERV 11
pressure drop .23
3M Micro Allergen 1000 *** (Red)
1-10 microns - 80%
MERV 11
pressure drop .21
3M Dust & Pollen 600 *** (Green)
1-10 microns - 70%
MERV 8
pressure drop .14
3M Dust Reduction 300
1-10 microns - 60%
MERV 7
pressure drop .15
Here are a few FAQ that you might find beneficial:
What is the contrast between 3M Filtrete filters and average fibreglass filters?
Fibreglass filters were originally developed to protect your furnace and/or air conditioning system. They were not intended to considerably help your indoor air grade. Filtrete filters do both. They help your indoor air grade by attracting and trapping allergy-aggravating microparticles, and help keep your furnace equipment hygienic. Air in your house is continually re-circulated through the filter, and is cleaned with each pass through the filter.
How do 3M Filtrete filters compare to washable/reusable filters?
High-priced washable/reusable are actually comparable to fibreglass filters.Both are unable to capture microparticles.
Are 3M Filtrete filters able to eliminate odors?
No, but but by disposing of smoke particles of tobacco smoke and wood smoke,it is able to lessen the smell.
Are 3M Filtrete filters antimicrobial?
The material in 3M Filtrete filters does not aid the sprouting of mold,fungi,bacteria or mildew.No additional chemicals have been added to the filters.
How often will I need to replace my 3M Filtrete filters?
It is recommended to replace the filters at three month terms.You must however consider the state in your own household. However, the potency and life of the filter can vary and will depend on the individual conditions in your house.In the presence of smoke or other sources of dust like construction work,dry wall sanding,furniture sanding,pets and running the fan continuously it could shorten the longevity of your air filter.It is then suggested to change your air filter more frequently.
Do I have to be bothered about obstructed airflow with 3M Filtrete filters?
Your 3M Filtrete filters are intended to work in most residential furnaces and air conditioning systems. If you use your Filtrete filter for more than three months then it may begin to limit airflow or cause the system to break down.By replacing the filters more frequently you should not experience any troubles.
How does the 3M Filtrete filter compare with electronic air cleaners?
The efficiency of 3M filters are very close to that of high end electronic air cleaners. The best electronic air cleaners are effective in trapping particles down to 0.1 microns.3M Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction Filter inhibit particles down to 0.3 microns. Some tests suggest that in the large particle size (range 1.0-10 microns) the Filtrete Filter is more competent. Top electronic units cost $500 - $800 and require monthly maintenance.
Thank you for reading this review and I hope it was useful to you
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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