• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Filters Fast

The Filtered Files - FiltersFast

Free Shipping on orders over $99 | FREE 365-DAY RETURNS
Filters Fast Logo Header

#1 Online filtration retailer in the US!

  • My Account
    Track Order Re-Order Now My Account

    New Customer?

    Create an account during checkout!

  • Support
    Speak to a Customer Service Representative

    866-438-3458


    Support FAQ
  • Cart
  • Refrigerator Filters
      refigerator image
      • Most Popular
      • RPWFE
      • EDR3RXD1
      • EDR1RXD1
      • EDR4RXD1
      • EDR2RXD1
      • ULTRAWF
      • XWFE
      Choose by Brand
      Whirlpool
      Maytag Logo
      GE Logo
      Samsung Logo
      Frigidaire Logo
      Kenmore Logo
      LG Logo
      KitchenAid Logo
      View All Brands
  • Air Filters
      air image
      • Most Popular
      • 20x20x1
      • 16x25x1
      • 20x25x1
      • 20x25x4
      • 20x30x1
      • 16x25x4
      • 16x20x1
      Choose by Brand
      FiltersFast AirFiltersFast Logo
      AprilAireAprilAire Logo
      HoneywellHoneywell Logo
      TrionTrion Logo
      LennoxLennox Logo
      FiltreteFiltrete Logo
      CarrierCarrier Logo
      BryantBryant Logo
      TraneTrane Logo
      GeneralaireGeneralaire Logo
      View All Brands
  • Water Filters
      water image
      • Most Popular
      • Pentek
      • Filters Fast
      • Everpure
      • 3M Aqua-Pure
      • Watts
      • Dupont
      Choose by Type
      Whole House Filters
      Under Sink Filters
      Counter Top Filters
      Pitcher Filters
      Reverse Osmosis Filters
      Faucet Filters
      Shower Filters
      Universal / In-line Filters
      RV / Marine Filters
      View All
  • Pool & Spa Filters
  • More Products
    • Replacement Filters
      Commercial HEPA Filters Furnace Filters Humidifier Filters Air Purifier Filters Refrigerator Air Filters Range Hood Filters Microwave Filters Bag Filters Car Air Filters Vacuum Filters Coffee Filters
      Filtration Systems
      Air Purifiers Humidifiers Dehumidifiers Counter Top Water Filter Systems Hydroponic Filter Systems Reverse Osmosis Filter Systems Whole House Water Filter Systems UV Air Treatment UV Water Treatment
      Home Essentials
      Water Softeners Vacuum Bags Ice Makers Air Test Kits Water Test Kits Thermostats Pitchers Faucets Dishwasher Air Gaps Cleansers & Sanitizers Appliance Cleaners
      Featured Categories
      Home Wellness Air Filtration Masks Water Distillers Filter Housings Wrenches
  • The Filtered Files
  • Home
  • About
  • Water
  • Air
  • Just For You
  • BUSINESS OWNERS

What is a Micron & Why Should I Care?

June 24, 2019 by Katie Leave a Comment

We’re here to set the record straight on what a micron actually is. You may see the word thrown around in the filtration space, but we’re hoping that this simple explanation will help you better understand why microns are important and ultimately lead you to make better filtration choices for you and your family.

Here is the dictionary definition of the word micron:

definition of the word micron

That’s right. A micron is ONE-MILLIONTH OF A METER. Let’s refresh on how long a meter is to help you put this into perspective. 1 meter = 1.09361 yards. To break it down even further: 1 inch = 25400 microns. ONE-MILLIONTH of a meter is so incredibly small that it is invisible to the naked eye.

The truth is, a lot of air and waterborne particles are so small to that we cannot see them with the naked eye. That’s why most air and water filters are designed to catch micron particles.

Here are some micron measurements for some common contaminants:

  • Bacteria: 0.3-60 microns
  • Atmospheric dust: 0.001-40 microns
  • Bromine: 0.1-0.7 microns
  • Smoke from natural materials: 0.01-.01 microns
  • Carbon Dioxide: 0.0065 microns
  • Household Dust: 0.05 microns
  • Dust mites: 615 microns
  • Mold: 3-12 microns
  • Pollen: 10-1000 microns
  • Pet Dander: 0.5-100 microns
  • Lead Dust: 0.1-0.7 microns
  • Pesticides & Herbicides: 0.001 microns
  • Silt, fine: 8-13 microns
  • Silt, very fine: 4-8 microns

(Source: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/particle-sizes-d_934.html)

In summary, microns are super small.

Why should microns matter to you? When buying an air or water filter, we recommend looking at the micron measurement that the filter is designed to catch if it’s available.

Air Filters

Here’s an informative graphic that is designed to show the micron size that the most popular MERV ratings are designed to catch.

Merv and Micron graphic

While choosing the right MERV rating is ultimately up to you, we want to equip you with the information you need to make the right decision.

Water Filtration

When it comes to water filtration, on FiltersFast.com, you will find the filtration media micron information in the product description. This applies to most water filters, whole house filters and more! Can’t find the micron information for the product you want to order? Let us know! We’ll do our best to provide that information to you.

Important to remember: The smaller the micron size the tighter knit the filter media is. We recommend that you consult a professional air or water technician if you are unsure what micron level of filtration is best for you.

We hope you’ve learned something from this blog and encourage you to reach out to us with any questions you might have.

Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Are you using the best filter for your local water?

Enter your zip code to find out.

Go

Helpful Links

  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
  • American Water Resources Association (AWRA)
  • American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  • EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
  • EPA Office of Indoor Air Quality
  • Filters Fast — Buy Air & Water Filters
  • National Air Filtration Association
  • National Ground Water Association (NGWA)

Footer

Products
Refigerator Water Filters Air Filters Water Filters Pool & Spa Filters Home Wellness
Company
Our Story Our Mission & Values Business Services Affiliate Program
Giving Back
Wine to Water Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Habitat for Humanity
Re-Order Filters Login. Confirm Order. Done! Blog Learn more about our filtered files blog. Home Filter Club Filtration essentials delivered on a customizable schedule.
Contact Us

FAQs

Forums

Additional Questions? Email Us or call 866-438-3458

Twitter facebook youtube instagram
twitter facebook youtube instagram
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sitemap Model Lookup

©2005-2022 Filters Fast LLC - All Rights Reserved