The outer layer of the filter works like a sieve or strainer to stop the largest particles of dirt, dust, and hair from getting through. Inside the outer layer there are folds of special filter media, made from glass fibers, designed to trap the smaller particles. This material doesn’t work like a strainer. Instead, it uses principles of physics related to air flow to capture smaller particles in the moving air. The fibers in the filter material are randomly arranged so air has to change direction many times when flowing through. The larger particles suspended in the air cannot change direction easily, so they smash into the fibers and are captured (Impact). Other particles are snagged as they brush against the fibers (Interception). At lower air speeds, suspended particles tend to move about more randomly through the filter and due to the dense, random arrangement of the fibers, stick to the filter fibers as they do so (Diffusion). Lastly, air passing through the filter media generates a static electric charge, which attracts particles and causes them to stick (Electrostatic).
H13 is a test standard for HEPA filter media that confirms the filter media captures 99.95% of particles at the most difficult to capture the size of 0.3 microns.
In short, yes, if using the appropriate filter media. The US Environmental Protection Agency states on its website “When used properly, air cleaners and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a building or small space. By itself, air cleaning or filtration is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by CDC and other public health agencies, including social distancing and mask-wearing, filtration can be part of a plan to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors.” To read more, check out this information on the CDC website:
MERV and HEPA are two different standards for measuring the performance of air filters. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a rating system used for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems installed in commercial and residential buildings, controlled by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) . HEPA stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air [filter]” according to the US Department of Energy (DOE) definition.
CADR is sometimes used to compare room air filters. CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate and is a standard defined by the independent Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). This number is calculated based on filter efficiency at removing dust, pollen, and smoke particles and airflow speed. If the filter is 90% efficient and flow is 100 cubic feet per minute, CADR = 90 because 90% x 100 = 90. Because the number is the multiplication of filter efficiency x air flow rate, an air purifier with worse filtration can have a higher CADR number than one with better filtration and a lower airflow rate. While CADR may be good for comparing room air purifiers where you can wait for the room air to cycle through the filter a bunch of times to clean the air, CADR is not a good comparison number for a product like AIRic which is designed to get the air you breathe as clean as possible for every breath.
Filter life will vary based on usage and the overall air quality. The filter should last 6-9 months under normal use (8 hrs/day, 5 days/week). Filter life will be shorter under heavier use, smoky environments, or in areas of high humidity, and should be replaced more frequently. For lighter use, the filter will last longer and may be replaced less frequently. Periodically remove the filter cover to inspect the filter. If it is clogged with dust, looks brown or gray in color, the filter should be replaced. Please read the replacement instructions carefully.
We are still in the process of testing AIRic to California regulations and cannot ship to California until the testing is complete. Please fill out the contact form and let us know if you’d like to be alerted when California testing is completed.
Other countries have different regulations for power supplies, consumer electronics, and air purifiers, such as CE certification. AIRic has not yet completed CE certification or testing for any country-specific regulations at this time. Check back soon or contact us for an alert when we are able to ship to countries other than the USA.
Dimensions – 12 7/8” (380mm) x 10 7/8” x 4 1/4” (108mm)
Weight – 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
Patents Pending