Check out our filter comparison chart below to find the filter that is best for your home and air system.
The Different Types of Permanent Filters
| Features | Gold Frame 94 | Silver Frame 88 | Flex Frame 94 | Flexible Frame 88 | ESS Frame |
| Filtration Efficiency | 94% | 88% | 94% | 88% | 94% |
| Dust Holding Capacity | 165 grams | 126 grams | 165 grams | 126grams | 165 grams |
| Air Flow Resistance | 0.12 | 0.08 | 0.12 | 0.08 | 0.12 |
| Frame Quality | Excellent | Good | Flexible | Flexible | Good |
| UV Resistant | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MERV Rating | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
Some Common Air Filter Questions
What is the difference between a 94%
arrestance filter and an 88% arrestance filter?
The main difference is airflow. Our 88% filters were developed to allow for extra airflow so you can use them in systems that have a reduced sized return opening. You’ll often find these in older homes where central air was installed after the house was constructed. Because of the additional airflow, the filtering efficiency is reduced by about 12%, but remember, at 88% filtering efficiency, it’s still about 8 times better than the typical disposable filter.
What is Air Conditioner Arrestance?
Arrestance is just a fancy word for filtering capacity. All Air-Care filters come in one of two types of arrestance – either 94% or 88%. The 94% arrestance filter provides higher filtering capacity by trapping up to 94% of particles in the air. We also offer filters with an 88% arrestance. This provides slightly less filtering capacity, but is less restrictive, allowing greater airflow through the filter. An 88% arrestance filter would be appropriate using the following formula. If the filter square footage is less than the tonnage of the unit, we recommend an 88% arrestance filter.
What’s the difference between the
Gold Frame and Silver Frame filters?
Our Gold Frames are made with premium quality extruded aluminum, gold anodized frame with a durable and attractive finish. The Silver Frames are silver in color and made with 1 piece of metal instead of 4 pieces of metal like our Gold Frame filters. Basically, the Gold Frames are higher quality and more durable.
Here’s an example: If you have a 16×25 filter and a 2.5-ton unit, the square footage of the filter is 2.8 SQ feet (16 x 25 / 144 = 2.8). Since 2.8 is greater than 2.5, you are fine with using a 94% arrestance filter in this system. If the filter size is 12×18, the square footage of this filter is 1.5 (12 x 18 / 144 = 1.5). Since 1.5 is less than 2.5, we would recommend an 88% arrestance filter in this case. All 94% filters and the flexible frame 88% filters contain an EPA registered anti-microbial material to inhibit the mold and bacteria growth on the filter surface.
Air-Care’s Arrestance
Calculator
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What’s the difference between a standard
size filter and custom size filter?
Every filter we sell is either a standard size or a custom size. The length and width for a standard size air filter is undercut by 3/8″ to accomodate standard size openings. This is consistent with other filter manufacturers. For example, if you are replacing a 25″ x 25″ disposable filter, then you need a standard size 25″ x 25″ electrostatic air filter. The actual size of this filter is actually 24 5/8″ x 24 5/8″.
A custom size filter however is cut to the exact sizes you specify. So a custom size 25″ x 25″ filter will be exactly 25″ x 25″ – there is no undercut. The difference is very important – so if you have questions, please contact us.
Why would I need a flexible
frame filter (Flex 94 or Flex 88)?
The only reason you would need a flexible frame electrostatic filter is if you need to bend the filter in order to install it. If you can easily slide your filter in and out of place, then go with a standard metal-framed filter.
How do I clean and maintain
my electrostatic air filter?
Visit our cleaning instructions section for details.
How much better are electrostatic filters than disposable air filters?
The average throw-away filter traps less than 10% of the particles in the air. Our electrostatic air filters trap as much as 94% of the particles in the air while still providing optimal airflow for your air system.
Where do I install an
electrostatic air filter?
Washable air filters should be placed in the same place your current air filter is located. Most air filters are located either next to the furnace or at the end of a large return vent. Just replace your current disposable air filter with the same size permanent washable air filter.
How do electrostatic
air filters work?
Washable air filters work by using specially engineered fibers that produce an electric charge (like static electricity) that collects air pollutants and traps them in the filter so they stay out of the air you breathe.
How thick are your filters?
The gold filters are 7/8” thick.
The flex filters are about 3/8” thick.
The silver filters are as follows:
1” or 7/8” thick
2” are 1.75” thick
½” are 3/8” thick