High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA)
One of the important acronyms to look out for is HEPA, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. HEPA filters were originally designed around the time of World War II to keep radioactive particles out of the air and out of the human respiratory system. Today the HEPA filter is considered top of the heap when it comes to efficiency, as it filters just under 100% of all 0.3 micron particles (smaller than the size of most bacteria).
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Everyones out for a bargain these days, and some manufacturers have gotten into the game by producing inexpensive generic replacement parts for air filters. When the time comes for you to replace your filter or any other part of your unit, think long and hard about whether the lower cost is worth it to you in the long run. Generic parts may not be of the same high quality as the original brand version, and it could bring down the efficiency of the entire system. If so, you are certainly not getting your moneys worth!
In the air quality business, theres a phrase for products made by the original brand or company that...