Frequently Asked Questions

RETURN POLICY
If for any reason a return must be made to FMI a return goods authorization (RGA) number is required. All filters must be returned to FMI undamaged.  Shipper is responsible for any damages and credit will not be issued (with the exception of warranty filters). A restock fee will be accessed for all authorized returns.

Any items returned freight collect or without an RGA number will be refused.

NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS
Custom Filters: Any filter made specifically to size (Please check measurements prior to placing an order)
Used Filters (with the exception of warranty filters)
Purchase orders exceeding 60 days.
Items previously used or installed.

EXCHANGES
FMI does not offer exchanges. If the incorrect size/item was ordered, please place a new order for the correct size/item and submit your request for an RGA number.

HOW TO PROCESS A RETURN
You may call or email one of our customer service representatives to request a RGA (return goods authorization) number. Once you have obtained a RGA number, please reference the number on your returned package.

Returns may be shipped by the carrier of your choice. However, FMI recommends sending packages back via UPS or FedEx as shipments are insured up to $100 at no additional cost and tracking numbers are provided for your convenience.

RGA is only valid for 30 days from date issued.

A+2000 WARRANTY/RESIZE POLICY

Warranty filters must be returned to FMI, filters will not be warranted before the receipt of your original filter.

Warranty filters you replaced from your stock will be replaced back to your stock by FMI, no credit will be issued and warranty filter must be returned to FMI.
No credits will be issued under these circumstances

A+2000 resize policy (1” filters only): A $12.95 + shipping & handling fee will be assessed for filters returned under the moving warranty.

For filters exceeding 24”x30” a $17.95 + shipping & handling fee will be assessed.

 

Products should be inspected upon receipt, and if damaged, should be signed for as damaged and filed immediately with the carrier. Filtration Manufacturing must be notified within 48 hours upon receiving shipment of all shortages and/or damaged goods. You may email orders@filtrationmfg.com with any damage/shortage notifications.

Unless specified on your purchase order all orders will ship best way. Typically orders ship UPS ground but some may require to ship freight line. If you order cannot ship via the method on your purchase order you will be contacted for an alternate shipping method. 

OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturer, designates a replacement Filter made by the manufacturer of the original part. Replacement Filters, or aftermarket filters, are not made by the original manufacturer. Our replacement filters are designed to be as efficient, or at times more efficient, as the OEM filters.

Exact size filters measure the same as the dimensions given on the frame or given when ordered. For example 20x20x1 EX or 21.5x23.25x1 filter will measure exactly that size. This is the “exact” size of the filter. Nominal sized filters are undercut usually a ¼” to ½” from the size listed on the frame. For example a 20x20x1 may measure 19.75x19.75x1 or 19.5x19.5x1. The 20x20x1 would be the “nominal” size of the filter.
It is important to confirm the dimensions of the filter when ordering to assure that you are getting the appropriate size. You may find the nominal cut of the filter listed under the product description.

An air filter has three dimensions, height, width and depth. Most air filters state the dimensions right on the filter frame. So take a look there first, and it would be 3 dimensions separated by "x"s. That is how you'll see sizes throughout our website. If you don't see filter measurements on your air filter frame, here is how to measure your air filters.

To measure your filter, stand the filter on its side. Start with your smallest dimension, depth, this will tell you the thickness of your filter. Next measure the next largest dimension followed by the largest dimension; this will be your height and width.

Filter dimensions can be a little misleading. For example, a 20x24x1 filter may measure 19.75x23.75x.875 or it may measure 19.5x23.5x1. It is important to confirm the dimensions of the filter when ordering to assure that you are getting the appropriate size. You may find the nominal cut of the filter listed under the product description

If you have questions regarding filters sizes you may contact our customer service for additional assistance. 

The best way to determine filter size is by measuring the old filter and looking at the size printed on the frame. For 5” and 6” furnace filters you can also determine this by the model number printed on the filter.

These are two different ways that filter manufacturers measure how good a filter is at pulling small particulate out of your indoor air. In both methods, the higher the rating, the better the filter does at capturing smaller particulate. This includes things such as Pet Dander, Dust Mites, Mold Spores, Viruses, Household Dust, Allergens and many other things we breathe in on a daily basis.

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is the standard rating method used in the industry by most manufacturers. MPR (Micro Particle Performance Rating) is the way the 3M Filtrete brand measures the quality of their filters. They have come up with their own rating system to stand out from the rest. The MPR rating measures on a smaller scale of the ability to capture submicron particles between 0.3 and 1.0 micron. MERV rating measures the filters ability to capture medium to large particles between 1 and 10 microns. 

MERV vs. MPR
MERV Rating: <6 7 8 11 12 13 14
MPR Rating:   300+ 600+ 1000 1500 1900 2200
Efficiency: <20% 25-30% 30-35% 60-65% 70-75% 89-90% 90-95%
Particle Size: >10 m 3-10 um 3-10 um 1-3 um 1-3 um .3 - 1 um .3 - 1 um

 

MERV Rating is the way that filter manufacturers measure how good a filter is at pulling small particulate out of your indoor air. MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value which was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers - ASHRAE. The higher the rating, the better the filter does at capturing smaller particulate. This includes things such as Pet Dander, Dust Mites, Mold Spores, Viruses, Household Dust, Allergens and many other things we breathe in on a daily basis. Another consideration is air flow through the your HVAC system. Leaving a dirty air filter in place or using a filter that is too restrictive may result in low air flow and possibly cause the system to use more energy or malfunction.

MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 are the most common filters for residential use. Anything below a MERV 5 is not recommended for home air systems as they are not efficient. However, filters with MERV ratings above a MERV 14 tend to be too restrictive of the airflow.

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommends MERV 6 or higher
US Department of Energy recommends MERV 13.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recommends MERV 8 at a minimum.

See the chart below for filter MERV descriptions.

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Or you may call us during business hours for immediate assistance, 800-239-9495. 

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