Air Filters That Protect Against Viruses

At any given moment, your indoor air is filled with various contaminants, like dander, mold, dust and pollen. Though you can't see contaminants, they create poor air quality that can worsen existing medical conditions, like asthma, and irritate allergies. Some pollutants, like airborne bacteria and viruses, pose an even more significant threat to you and your employees or clients. Air filters can help you manage your indoor air quality and ward against contagious, potentially harmful virus particles.

Read on to learn the difference between protection ratings and how air filters keep your home or business safe from illness.

Which Air Filters Are Best for Filtering Out Viruses?

Many air filters are rated according to their minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed the MERV rating system to help consumers know what size particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (μm) the filter can collect. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle that filter can trap and the more of that particle it can contain.

There are more than a dozen MERV ratings for filters, but some of the most common for homes and business are MERV 4, MERV 8, MERV 11 and MERV 13 filters:

• MERV 4 filters offer basic protection and are in the lowest category of MERV ratings. They collect larger particles, like pollen, fabric fibers, dust and lint. They're usually made of fiberglass or synthetic mesh.
• MERV 8 filters offer more protection than MERV 4, as they can trap everything the MERV 4 filter can, as well as mold spores, dander and some aerosol sprays. They offer standard protection for residential or commercial settings and are constructed from pleated cotton or polyester.
• MERV 11 filters offer better than average protection against pollen, dust, fibers, sprays, dander, mold spores, fine dust, smog and some emissions. Made from pleated cotton or microfine fiberglass, these are suitable for use in commercial and residential settings. They are thicker than lower-rated MERV filters.
• MERV 13 filters are among the highest rated filters, ideal for filtering viruses, bacteria, smoke and microscopic particles. They're made from thick microfine fiberglass or pleated cotton and considered the best choice for many medical applications or those with extreme allergies or difficulty breathing.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, don't have a MERV rating but are considered a top choice for serious air filtration. Many commercial establishments choose a HEPA filter to meet regulation or compliance standards, but they're a good choice for facilities that require superior air control. These pleated filters protect against 99.97% of mold, pollen, dust and airborne particles. HEPA filters are usually installed downstream from a MERV rated "pre-filter", which protects the more expensive HEPA filter from larger particles and ensures a longer life span. 

How Do Filters Remove Viruses From the Air?

Viruses enter and move through the air in various ways, like coughing, sneezing, sniffling, exhaling or contact with infected surfaces. Air filters offer a line of defense against viruses by trapping them and removing them from the air.

Though HEPA filters and filters with high MERV ratings offer superior particulate control, they aren't always the best option. The higher the filter rating, the smaller the pores, and the less air circulation it allows — especially if clogged or overdue for a replacement. This can ultimately worsen the air quality in your home or business. That's why it's critical to strike a balance between optimal protection and good ventilation and circulation and using a filter that meets your air demand.

Here's what to expect when you install air filters in your business:

• A professional HVAC technician can help you choose the best filter type and size for your business. In some cases, you might need custom sizing or materials.
• Air moves through microscopic pores in the filter, which is made of materials like synthetic mesh, fiberglass, polyester or pleated cotton.
• Depending on the size of the filter pore and the size of the contaminant, the air will flow, leaving behind contaminants like a sieve.
• The air continues moving beyond the filter, and the contaminants remain trapped in the filter until you clean, remove or replace it.

When it's time to remove your filter, you should wear gloves and treat the filter as an infected surface. Avoid prolonged contact and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Many businesses choose professional air filter disposal to minimize exposure and save the time and hassle associated with proper disposal.

How Can Air Filters Protect Against Viruses?

Air filters can reduce the number of airborne contaminants in your indoor air when used with other air quality and virus control methods, like social distancing, thorough cleaning and air purifiers. An air filter is considered effective against viruses if it can remove particles ranging from 0.1 μm to 1μm. Filters with lower protection than MERV 8 are not usually recommended for containing highly contagious viruses. Filters must also be the correct size for your room or building.

Despite their efficacy, air filters are not a replacement for source control, which is when you take active steps to reduce or remove the possible contaminant from the environment. Common source control methods for viruses include frequent handwashing, surface disinfection and maintaining safe distances from one another.

How to Keep Air Safe From Germs in Businesses

Promote clean air and a healthier environment for all with these tips:

• Choose the right filter: Your air filter should be large enough to accommodate your square footage and your specific environmental threats. Work with a professional to select the best rating for your business. Once the filters are installed, keep them clear of all obstruction and have them serviced and replaced regularly.
• Keep things tidy: Keep your business clean and free of possible contaminants by sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting and sanitizing surfaces, floors, walls and ceilings regularly. Consider investing in a professional deep clean once monthly or weekly, depending on your needs.
• Create a comprehensive strategy: As you've learned, air filters are most effective when they are part of a larger, more comprehensive protection strategy. Implement additional virus control methods, like hand washing stations, partitions and hand sanitizer.
• Prioritize education and awareness: Empower your employees with the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves and your clients. Provide cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, and incorporate plenty of outdoor time or breaks for handwashing and fresh air. Include virus control education in your training sessions.
• Manage the environment: Monitor your indoor humidity levels and open windows to allow fresh air to circulate clean air in and move stale infected air out. Fresh air works to dilute contaminants and improve natural ventilation.
• Get regular HVAC servicing: Regular HVAC maintenance and filter replacements are crucial. Schedule preventive maintenance, including air quality tests, duct cleaning and inspections, repairs and tune-ups to keep your system running at its best and prolong its lifespan.

Shop Brookaire's Selection of Air Filters

HEPA and MERV air filters are one effective method for keeping your business safe from viruses and other airborne contaminants. Shop Brookaire's selection of standard-size MERV and HEPA air filters or request a quote for custom sizing today. Some orders even include fast shipping or same-day delivery to work sites in NYC Metro and real-time order tracking alerts, so you can access cleaner air as soon as possible.