Frequently Asked Questions
What are your business hours?
We are here to serve you from 7AM to 4PM PST Monday thru Friday. Voicemail
and Email are on 24 hours a day 7 days a week and we check them several
times a day.
Do you make replacement filters?
Yes, we can make almost any type of filter for which you may need a
replacement.
Is the number on my filter the part number?
Depending on who the filter is built for, a part number may or may not be
on the frame of a filter. Most of our part numbers are ink stamped or
printed on labels. If the number appears to be imprinted into the frame
and looks like (76 VL) it is actually our UL listing and does not help to
identify the filter other than telling us that we made it. In this case
the actual dimensions and general description would be more helpful in
identifying the filter in question.
How do I measure my filter?
Filters are three-dimensional. Their size is the outside dimension of
their length, width, and thickness.
What is the actual size of a nominal size filter?
We grew up believing the actual size of a nominal size filter is ½” less
than the nominal size. For example a 20 x 20 x 1 nominal would be 19 ½ x
19 ½ x 7/8. In fact there are many different versions of “nominal”, ½,
3/8, 1/8, 5/8 etc… Our typical guidelines for “nominal” are 1/2”under for
FOILX, POLYX, FOAMX, TECHX, SW/SWX, ELECTRX, EXMET, and CARBX type
filters; 5/8” under for MISTX type filters: and 3/8” under for INDX A,
INDX S, and ECONX type filters. Due to the confusion that may surround the
actual definition it is always best to let us know what your expectations
are if you are requesting nominal.
How do I describe the frame I need?
If the frame is aluminum or steel, we need three dimensions. This is
because we roll these frame types into a u-channel. A typical channel is
our 3/8, which has dimensions of 3/8 x 3/8 x 3/8. Plastic frames may have
all three, but typically only have a thickness. While we do make wood
framed filters, we do not make the cardboard framed disposable ones.
What is the active face area of my filter?
Many of us believed that this area was the open area of the filter face
not covered by the frame lip. Recent testing has shown that air is like
water and tends to flow to the path of least resistance. This means that
the air will flow under the frame lip and pass through the media making
the entire media pad the active face area.
Do you make automotive air filters?
We make special application air filters, but not engine, oil, or water
filters at this time.
Do you have a minimum charge?
The Filter Factory does not charge a minimum set up fee. Every filter
order is important to us regardless of whether it is for 1 or 1,000
filters. There may be a non-recurring or one-time tooling or fixture
charge if you have a filter that requires holes or pressing. In the event
of this the cost will be a separate line on the quote and will only be
charged with the initial order as the fixture can be used for any
subsequent orders. Plating is an outside process that does have a minimum
charge, but this is factored into the quotation we supply when we are
provided a quantity to quote.
How long does it take to get our quote?
We try to get quotes out the same day. In some cases we need to get
pricing from outside venders, which may slow the process.
What is the difference between UL900 and UL94?
We hear this one quite often. The main difference is UL900 is the
flammability test for air filters and UL94 the flammability test for sheet
plastic. We would be happy to discuss it further if you would like to give
us a call.
What do you mean by “media”?
Media is the name given to the filtration material in a filter.
What if we want a filter which combines more than one
filter media?
This is where The Filter Factory rises above the crowd; we welcome the
opportunity to develop a special application filter specifically for your
needs. The filter types we offer are there as a starting point in the
filter design process.
Can you do air filter testing?
We can do air flow testing, but efficiency testing is only done on our
HEPA filters. Any other types of testing required would have to be done at
an outside facility and may therefore incur charges.
THE FILTER FACTORY
P.O. Box 1797 · Santa Ynez, CA 93460
U.S. Toll Free Phone: 877.807.2546
U.S. Toll Free Fax: 877.807.9686
Local Phone: 805.733.2345
Local Fax: 805.733.2180
"Taking Pride In Bringing You Quality Air Filters"
|
