Air Filter Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Air Filter for Your Machine
Restoration equipment, such as dehumidifiers, air movers, and air scrubbers, depend on air filters for proper operation. Depending on the nature of the job, such as a Category III water loss or severe fire damage, you may need to replace air filters one or more times a day if it becomes visibly dirty or heavily loaded with particles.
The experts at Jon-Don have prepared the following filter overview guide to help you select the right filter for the job, plus cover a few tips that all restoration pros should know.
What type of filter do I need?
You should always check your equipment manual for specific filter recommendations from the manufacturer. The needs of the job will also dictate which type of filter(s) is best suited for the task.
In general, filters will fall into the following categories:
Poly Filters
Made from a spun polyester material, these types of filters are usually the first stage in the filtration process. They capture larger debris particles and prevent them from reaching the higher efficiency filters.
Pleated Filters
The pleated fan-like design extends the filter surface area, allowing this filter to capture more debris. These filters are often used as either the first or second stage in the filtration process.
Ring Filters
The ring panel design of these filters offers higher efficiency filtration, meaning it captures smaller particles than pleated or poly filters. Ring filters are most often used as a second stage in the filtration process.
Activated Carbon Filters
Carbon filters remove food and smoke odors, VOCs, chemical fumes, and certain gasses. They are typically used on jobs involving paint and paint thinners, sewer odors, fire damage restoration, and other noxious odors.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. They provide the highest level of filtration and are the final stage that air will pass through in your machine.
FREE Quick Reference Guides
Not sure which filter is recommended for your machine? Download our handy Quick Reference Guides to find the specific filter recommendations for your Air Scrubber or Dehumidifier.
Filter Do’s and Don’ts:
- DO regularly replace your filters. This helps extend the life of your equipment and keeps your machine working at maximum efficiency.
- DO replace your filter whenever it appears dirty or heavily loaded with particles.
- DO replace your filter in between jobs to avoid cross-contamination.
- Do NOT vacuum or wash and reuse filters. They are designed for single use and should be properly discarded after use.
- Do NOT operate dehumidifiers while drywall sanding, generating sawdust, or in spaces with excessive airborne particles.
- DO keep your filters wrapped up and stored in a clean, dry place until ready for use.
Why Buy Filters from Jon-Don?
Jon-Don is your one-stop filter headquarters! We offer a huge selection of replacement air filters recommended by top equipment manufacturers. Shop available filters online at JONDON.COM.
Not sure which filter you need? Our experts are here to help! Give us a call at 800-556-6366. We can’t wait to help you find the right replacement air filter for your equipment.