According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two-to-five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” And as homeowners and other consumers begin blasting their ACs to beat the summer heat, thinking about indoor air quality is now particularly relevant.
Kelsey Hei
Filtration and Indoor Air Quality Specialist, 3M
Most homes are equipped with an HVAC — heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning — system to maintain a certain temperature and overall sense of comfort. Keep in mind that HVACs mainly filter air from inside, so it’s important to choose the right high-efficiency filter that’s going to capture those unwanted particles lingering in your indoor air.
“Air quality is interesting because you can’t see what’s in your air,” said Kelsey Hei, filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M, which makes the popular Filtrete™ Brand of air filters. “But there are many things we do in our homes that may put unwanted particles in the air, like if you have pets, or if you’re doing some construction or remodeling inside, or even if you’re just cooking a lot.”
What makes a good air filter?
Think of air filters as a first line of defense — essential barriers that not only protect your HVAC system, but also help improve air quality by capturing dirt, dust, allergens, airborne contaminants, and other pollutants. And, depending on the quality of filter you use, still allow sufficient air flow so you don’t overwork your HVAC system, when changing the filter regularly.
“Fiberglass filters don’t really capture anything,” Hei pointed out. “They may block large debris from getting through the ducting, but they don’t actually clean the air. So, at 3M, we asked ourselves: ‘How can we not only protect the system, but also clean the air?’ We ended up making our own filter media out of nonwoven materials.”
Then, there are the metrics. MERV — aka Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value — is an industry standard for measuring the capture of particles. Generally, the higher the MERV rating, the more particles a filter will capture, so filters with a MERV 10 rating or lower may only capture common particles like dust, pollen, and lint.
Filtrete™ Air Filters go further with both standard MERV ratings and the MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) scale, developed by 3M. Many Filtrete™ Filters can capture more microscopic particles (such as bacteria and virus) than the MERV minimum requirements.
Additionally, Hei wants to dispel the myth that all higher-tier filters restrict airflow velocity. “Many people — and even some HVAC pros — assume that as you go into those higher numbers, the way to get to such efficiency levels is by restricting airflow,” she said. “And that’s true for many air filters available, but thanks to our nonwoven technology and product design, FiltreteTM Air Filters can provide the cleaner air without additional air flow restriction to balance those properties.”
Consumers concerned about asthma or allergies will be happy to learn that a range of Filtrete™ Air Filters and sizes have received the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® certification mark from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Allergy Standards Limited. These products have hence been scientifically proven — through independent testing — to reduce unwanted particles like pet dander, microparticles, and dust-mite allergens.
What about cleaner air and less waste?
Filtrete™ Brand recently released a new Refillable Air Filter Kit for more waste-reducing, budget-conscious consumers. The reusable frame has a lifespan of up to 20 years and the collapsible filter can last up to 12 months —potentially decreasing disposable waste by 20% (compared to traditional Filtrete air filters).
The kit is initially available in 16x25x4” and 20x25x4” sizes and includes the MPR 1550 (MERV 12) Refillable Air Filters, which trap 42% more microparticles (0.3-1 microns) than the industry standard. These filters are also certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly®.
As Hei emphasized, “We are the No. 1 trusted brand for a reason.* It’s all about quality and innovation: Our products focus on microparticle capture, while giving consumers the efficiency they want without compromising airflow or overworking your HVAC.”
To learn more, visit filtrete.com
*No. 1 Trusted Brand, based on 2024 Sago US Brand Health Survey of the HVAC Air Filter category
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Mark is a Registered Certification Mark of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Allergy Standards Ltd.
