What Are Air Filter Ratings?
Most of us might think of air filtration in terms of what we can see, such as dander and dust or flecks of lint caught in the sunlight. For the leading air filters like our Airmega models, however, the goal is to remove microscopic particles too small for the naked eye to see. How do you measure the effectiveness and efficiency of achieving that goal? There are a number of air filter ratings and certifications used within the industry to guide you. Here’s what to look for and what each one really tells you about your air filter performance.
Demystifying the Air Filter Rating Terms
If you’re choosing an air purifier for the home, the priority might be to know how much space your air purifier can cover and how efficient it is in terms of energy consumption. For air filtration in office or business spaces, however, you’re responsible for the well-being of your staff and customers, so you’ll want to know exactly what your purifier is capable of removing from the air.
Refer to these filter ratings first:
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)—This figure measures the speed at which an air purifier can remove smoke, pollen, or dust particles from the air in terms of Cubic Feet per Minute. It’s useful for comparing performance between brands, but it does not measure how relentless a filter is in trapping ultra-fine particles.
- Minimum Energy Reporting Value (MERV)—This industry standard from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers indicates how well an air filter traps larger particles (between 0.3 and 10 microns). It will tell you if your filter is removing dust, mold, and pollen but not bacteria, viruses, or nanoparticles.
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)—As defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, a HEPA filter is technically capable of removing a minimum of 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.
- True HEPA - You’ll see that our HyperCaptive™ Air Filtration technology uses a Green True HEPA™ filter. True HEPA is the apex of air filtration and the gold standard within the industry.
- Energy Star— The simplest air filter rating check for those who don’t want to pore over acronyms is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star rating. Units or brands that are Energy Star certified have met rigorous CADR standards, but again, this is no guarantee of air filtration quality at the nanoparticle level.
Why Our Air Filtration Ratings Matter
A standard HEPA air filter can give 99.97% coverage, but we aspire to a higher standard with our True HEPA filtration. The 2020 pandemic illustrated the impact ultrafine particles (such as the Covid-19 virus) can have. The Airmega’s HyperCaptive™ filtration system can remove 99.98%3 of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and more than 99.999%1 of all airborne contaminants down to 0.01 microns. Meanwhile, the Activated Carbon Filter captures odors, VOCs (around 2.5 microns) and other harmful gases.
So when you choose Coway, you’re unlocking a whole new level of air filtration that reaches the extremes of the nanoparticle universe. Quite simply, it’s the most efficient, most relentless filtration system on the market.
Air Filter Ratings in Your Daily Life
Your Coway Airmega HEPA air filter will feature a washable pre-filter to remove large particles (such as dander and dust), an Activated Carbon filter to remove odor and VOCs, and a Green True HEPA filter to remove the nanoparticles most brands can’t trap.
It’s easy to see when your pre-filter needs cleaning. While it won’t necessarily become “clogged”, it will develop a patina of dust over time. That’s a sign that it’s working. The Max2 filter set beyond the pre-filter will need replacement according to local conditions and usage.
How long does a filter last?
Airmega offers three main filter types, each with distinct lifespans. Knowing these differences is key to keeping your home's air clean and fresh.
- The All-in-One Wonder: Max2 Filter
Lifespan: 12+ months
The Max2 filter is Airmega's powerhouse, combining two essential components:
- Activated Carbon Filter: Tackles odors and harmful gases
- Green True HEPA™ Filter: Captures 99.97%2 of airborne particles
This all-in-one package offers convenience and long-lasting performance.
- The Dynamic Duo: Dual Filter System
- Deodorization Filter (Lifespan: 6+ months)
- True HEPA Filter (Lifespan: 12+ months)
This system separates odor control from particle filtration, allowing for more targeted replacement.
- The Versatile 3-in-1 Filters
Airmega offers two 3-in-1 filter options:
- Airmega Aim Filter (Lifespan: 8+ months)
- Airmega 100 Filter (Lifespan: 12+ months)
These filters combine pre-filtering, HEPA filtration, and activated carbon in a single unit, tailored for specific Airmega models.
Be warned! You’ll see many manufacturers out there who make a big deal about certifications and standards that really don’t mean much. The HEPA standard doesn’t necessarily guarantee air quality, especially for European models where the benchmarks are lower. If you’re looking for the highest possible standard of nanoparticle removal, choose a Green True HEPA air filter from Coway for peace of mind that your living space or office environment is fully protected.
Some final notes to keep in mind:
- Coway Filter System removes 99.999% of nano-sized particles down to 0.01 micrometers
- Green True HEPA™ Technology captures 99.9% of airborne particles like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and pollen in 60 minutes
- Up to 99.98% removal rate of aerosol SARS-CoV-2 virus under 2 minutes in laboratory conditions
- Washable Pre-Filter captures large dust particles and pet hair, prolonging the life of other filters
- Deodorization Filter Carbon removes harmful gases and unpleasant odors
- Activated Carbon Filter eliminates 99% of VOCs and odors
- Max2 Filter combines Activated Carbon and Green True HEPA™ technology for comprehensive air purification
- Coverage area based on air changes per hour (ACPH)
Ready to breathe the cleanest air possible? Explore our range of Airmega Air Purifiers with industry-leading True HEPA filtration and experience the difference for yourself. Shop now and take the first step towards superior indoor air quality!
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
