Surface Science Western from Western University in London Ontario Canada reached out to Cycle Air to image our Cycle Air Laundry-Washable Furnace Filters. Cycle Air Filters have had rigorous testing in our lab and in third party ASHRAE labs, but this was a great opportunity to have our filters imaged under state-of-the-art electron microscopes to better understand the dynamics of the particle capturing technology.

What is a SEM? Scanning Electron Microscope

A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is an advanced imaging tool that magnifies surfaces at incredibly high resolutions, offering detailed insight into microscopic structures. Unlike traditional microscopes, SEMs use a focused beam of electrons to scan a sample’s surface, producing highly detailed, three-dimensional images. This powerful technology is essential in industries like filtration, where understanding particle capture efficiency is crucial. SEM analysis reveals the intricate fiber networks of air filters, highlighting their ability to trap pollutants. By visualizing particle size and distribution, SEMs help ensure Cycle Air Filters deliver top-tier air filtration performance, making them a trusted choice for home owners and HVAC pros alike to deliver cleaner air.

Cycle Air Filters - Air Filtration Mesh

Cycle Air's proprietary 3D air filtration mesh has hundreds of micro-pleats that increase surface area to allow for higher dust holding capacity while delivering good airflow. Here it is imaged under the SEM.

Furnace Filter Micropleats

Pleats on air filters add surface area; the idea is that when there's more surface area for air to pass through, there will be better airflow. Every filter has something called pressure drop (aka static pressure, measured in resistance of water gauge / water column). By increasing the surface area that air can pass through, the filter will 1) be able to hold more dust before getting too clogged, and 2) have better airflow.
Here are the micro-pleats filled with dust after being used for 60 days in a home.

Dust Holding Capacity

The air filter's mesh is a 3.5mm thick mesh that had superior dust-holding capacity. Here is a cross section image of the filter (clean on the left, dirty on the right) showing the dust-holding ability. The channels of the pleats are shaped like troughs to gather and hold dust while increasing surface area.

Electrostatic Charge on Washable Furnace Filters

Ultra-fine particles clinging to the Cycle Air Filter. Cycle Air's electrostatic charge traps and holds dust and allergens more effectively than standard washable filters. Since Cycle Air Filters are laundry-safe, the dryer re-charges its electrostatic charge. Standard filters lose their charge over time.

Microparticle Capture MERV 7 Filter

MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It's a standardized way to measure the efficiency of air filters when it comes to particle capture. The primary function of an HVAC filter is to keep the blower fan clean and free of dust/debris, with a secondary benefit of removing dust and allergens from the household air. MERV 7 is considered an ideal rating for residential use. Usually, lower MERV means better airflow, and higher MERV means better particle capture. MERV 7 does a great job of capturing allergens, dust, and pet dander. A high-end filter like MERV 11 captures 20% of particles under 1 micron (like smoke), whereas a HEPA filter will capture over 99% of fine particles under 1 micron. 

Why You Should Switch to a Washable Air Filter

There are many benefits of having a washable furnace filter like Cycle Air Filters. Environmentally, standard disposable filters are NOT recyclable. They are made of plastic (a synthetic polymer filtration media, or less commonly fibreglass). The result is that more than 250,000,000 single-use HVAC air filters are thrown away every year in North America alone from residential houses. This doesn't include commercial or institutions. Since they are made of plastic, used on average 3 months, its one of the largest household contributors of plastic waste.
A reusable Cycle Air Filter is washable and easy to clean. One Cycle Air Filter is equal to fifty single-use filters, reducing plastic waste.

Cycle Air Filter also save money. Furnace filters are expensive! Save up to $100/year by switching to a washable filter.

A big thank you to Ivan B. and the team at Surface Science Western for providing these amazing and detailed images of Cycle Air Filters under the electron microscope. Viewing the filter in action, measuring performance, and seeing the particles it cleans from the air is a fantastic way to learn more about air filtration and the effectiveness of static charge.

To learn more about Cycle Air Filters visit CycleAirFilters.com - made in London Ontario Canada.