The short story:
The website and company www.4qualityair.com was created by Techniques, Inc. so that homeowners like you can enjoy the same high-quality filtration we have been offering our commercial customers for over 30 years. We are based in northern Minnesota and, YES, we are indeed “Minnesota Nice”! We do talk a little funny. If you call us, you may her us say things like “uffda” or “ya, you betcha”. Don’t worry about what that means, just know that we understand your needs and will work hard to earn and keep your business. We’re kind of old fashioned that way.
Why we do what we do:
After providing air, furnace, and water filtration solutions for dozens of hospitals, universities, and office buildings, something occurred to us: If we can offer the best quality, best performing and most cost effective filtration products for these large businesses… We can do it for home-owners, too!
Everybody needs and deserves to breathe clean air in their own home, but not too many people want to spend their time thinking about it. At Techniques, we have built our business around thinking about it, so you can just leave it to us!
From your first filtration installation to managing your replacement schedule, Techniques, and 4QualityAir have got you covered.
So again … WHY do we do what we do? Well, not only are we owners and employees of Techniques, Inc., we are home-owners, too! And we know that in most homes, air filtration isn’t the number one priority. But it’s ours. And we want to help you and your family breathe easy… the way we have been helping our happy, loyal customers for the past three decades.
In the residential sector, this is not an unusual question!
A few quick points to note:
There are two main types of residential air filters:
Pleated Air Filters are designed to collect (or “load”) the dust on the surface of the pleats. When shopping for pleated air filters, you want your MERV Rating to be at least an 8, like with our DPMAX40 model.
Here is an example of a Pleated Air Filter. The dust loads on the surface of the pleated media.
If you’re looking for a filter with a higherarrestance efficiency, you may want to consider our PowerGuard. with a MERV 11 Rating, or our DP Green 13 filter, with a MERV Rating of, you guessed it: 13.
If you need a filter to control and reduce odors, our AirGuard Fresh Air Activated Carbon Filter is a pleated air filter that incorporates activated carbon to actually remove or reduce stubborn, household odors.
These are great solutions for the fussiest housekeepers … or those who are simply too busy to be fussy housekeepers!
Whenever possible, we highly recommend using Graduated Density Filters. These filters have three layers of filtration varying in density. The first line of defense is the coarse layer, where the air and dust enter, the next layer is a medium layer, which traps the majority of the finer particles, and the final layer actually incorporates a lanolin based tackifier, which ensures the particles stay trapped in the filter, even as the fan cycles on and off, or the filters are replaced.
If we could only carry one type of filter, this would be it! It’s the one we recommend to all of our commercial customers, it’s the one we recommend to all our family and friends and it’s the one we use in our own homes.
Please see our 3-ply Dustlok panel filters, which have a MERV 9 rating.
Graduated density air filters have three layers of filtration preventing dust from traveling through the filter and into your home.They also incorporate a perimeter seal between the filter and the frame, which ensures all of the dirty air go through the filter instead of around it.
In addition to dust, does anyone in your home suffer from mold, mildew, pollen, pet dander, or other airborne allergies?
If so, you need a filter that also incorporates an antimicrobial biocide like Spor-Ax.
As air passes through the filter on your furnace, any moisture in the air (and yes—there is usually some moisture in your air, no matter where you live) collects on the filter as well—And you know where mold and mildew like to grow? In warm, dark, damp environments … like your furnace filter!
An antimicrobial agent that keeps these nasty allergens from growing can make a big difference in a house with allergies! – Who knew?? Many people spend spring, summer, and/or fall with their windows shut because they have allergies and maybe part of their problem is inside the house and could be solved with a different air filter.
Again, look for a filter with an Antimicrobial agent like Spor-Ax.
Spor-Ax is registered for use in adhesive and binders in air filters and has the very best safety profile. (EPA registration number: 464-676-68603) This means Spor-Ax is thoroughly incorporated into the individual filter fibers as the filter is manufactured. This process is far superior to the other "Allergy Treated" filters on the market that simply treat the surface of the filter after it has been made.
We have specific air filters we recommend for allergy sufferers (We made it easy for you!). Our Dustlok filter is your best option. This one has a MERV Rating of 9 and also features Spor-Ax antimicrobial biocide and the Dustloktackifier.
But … Maybe you have the opposite problem. Do you suffer from dry, cracked skin or even nosebleeds in the winter months? We can help you here, too!
You may need to add a little moisture to your air.
Humidifier Filters, also called water panels, evaporators, or water pads, can be put inside your humidifier to help alleviate dry air. When air is pushed through the water panels, it picks up the moisture contained in the filters and distributes it throughout the room or HVAC system.
The MERV Rating is recognized as an industry-wide standard for air filtration, regardless of the type of filter being tested. So, regardless of the type of filtration being considered, they are all tested in the same way by an independent, third-party laboratory so that the results are certified.
Want the long version? Read on!
(Or just skip to our helpful "How to Buy a Filter Guide")...
Using the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 Test Procedure, an air filter’s performance is determined by comparing airborne particle counts both upstream and downstream of the air filter being tested. The data is collected and the test is then repeated six times. The test measures:
The lowest values over the six test cycles are then used to determine the Composite Minimum Efficiency Curve for that air filter.
Once these values are compiled, the 12 size ranges are distributed into 3 larger groups called E-1, E-2 and E-3. Averaging the Composite Minimum Efficiency for each group will calculate the average Particle Size Efficiency (PSE) of the air filter, and the resulting percentages are used to determine the MERV rating.
The MERV rating is a number from 1-16, stated along with air velocity at which the test was performed, to simplify the evaluation of an air filter using this test method. Higher MERV rating equates to higher air filtration efficiency.
Regardless of the type, most residential furnace filters range from MERV 8 to 13.
Quick Breakdown of the MERV Ratings
MERV 8
MERV 11
MERV 13
Look for the Sweet Spot! Whether we are helping families like yours shop for residential furnace filters, or we are installing industrial filtration in a sterile environment like a hospital, choosing a filtration system is a balancing act between maintaining desired air flow and minimizing resistance, dust holding capacity, and dust removal efficiency.
At 4Quality Air, we are passionate about clean air. Of course we have a Venn Diagram to illustrate how you should shop for filtration!
A Few Pro Tips for Scheduling your Filter Changes
OK, but WHY Should I Change My Filter?
Five Filter-Buying Scenarios You May Find Yourself in and some Quick Solutions:
Yes! Gladly! This is also a great opportunity to ask our friendly, knowledgeable staff about any technical or filtration concerns you have … Between the hours of 9:00A.M. and 5:00P.M. Monday through Friday. Just call 218.463.3600.
Don’t you worry. Customers are our number one priority. Returns and Exchanges are Free!
YOU are our number one priority. Period. Our goal is to help you breathe easy. If you are not completely satisfied, please let us know so we can make it right.
As the old saying goes, if you not satisfied, please tell us … If you ARE satisfied … please tell EVERYONE!
If you require additional assistance, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-855-463-3600 or 1-218-463-3600. A Customer Service representative will be happy to help you.
Please have one or more of the following order details handy when you call: