Air filter efficiency testing

The Danger

Particles that are less than 2 microns in size will enter and remain in the lung linings and mucus membranes. 

These particles can contain, mold, fungus, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, dust mite feces and other airborne respirable allergens. These are the particles you need to remove from your air.

 

The Big Lie

There are those that would have you believe that a washable type electrostatic air filter will protect you from these harmful particles.  They don't...never did.  In fact most of them are less then 10% effective in capturing dangerous respirable particles.

 

The Numbers Game

Well it would be pretty hard to sell any of these washable electrostatic air filters if they advertised a whopping 10% efficiency rating.   Instead they advertise the results of a test that measures an air filters ability to capture large particles. 

This test the average synthetic dust weight arrestance test has only one use, it gives the people selling these washable electrostatic air filters a high number to hype.

So the next time someone tries to sell you a 95% efficiency air filter, ask them what the dust spot efficiency is?   Silence.

 

 

Here's how the tests work

This test accurately represents an air filters ability to capture fine respirable allergens.

Average Synthetic Dust Weight Arrestance Test

An air cleaner is mounted in a clean test duct. A highly efficient filter is carefully weighed and mounted downstream from it, and then a measured quantity of synthetic dust is released into the duct. The downstream filter captures particles that get through the air filter.

That filter is weighed again, and the pre- and post-test weights are compared to establish a rating.

This test measures a filters ability to remove large particles. Most large particles are to heavy to stay suspended in the air and soon fall to the ground.  Small particles are the ones which have the greatest potential to aggravate allergies.