A lot of major retail stores — from Walmart to Home Depot to Lowe’s  — are promoting “Made in the USA” products in support of American workers. And it’s always great to see products made right here in our country by our fellow citizens.

But there’s a major question concerning just how some of these retail outlets are able to make this claim: Are some manufacturers actually making inferior products to make up for the higher labor costs in the U.S.?

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Until recently, many of the major “name brand” air filters have been manufactured in China or Mexico to cut labor costs. Now, in order to be included in major retailers’ “Made in the USA” promotions, some of these companies have started producing some of their filters in the United States.

For example, you may have noticed in your local “big box” store that the pleated box frame filters by a national brand are being replaced with flimsy, pinch frame filters and a much lower MPR/MERV rating. These “Basic” Air Cleaning filters, which help reduce dust and lint (but don’t eliminate/remove it), are now replacing the micro-particle/allergenic filters on the shelves.

To improve the air quality in your home or office, the minimum efficiency you should consider is a MERV 8/MPR 800. The MERV 8 filters should capture dust, dust mites, pet dander, smoke particles, and also some allergens (like mold spores and pollen).

Please Note: If someone in your household has allergies and/or asthma, we do not recommend fiberglass, poly, or even the new “Basic” air cleaning filters.

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At Nordic Pure, we believe this is an issue of honesty and quality. Our AC Furnace Air Filters have always been, and will always be, made in the USA. And we take great pride in the construction and quality of the materials we use to manufacture our top-quality air filters.

Smart consumers like you know the difference, and can appreciate the quality of our filters and our commitment to service.

Please visit our website at www.NordicPure.com to see our complete line of filtration products. We look forward to serving you!

Nordic Pure Pleated Air Filters are manufactured using strong beverage board frames, not flimsy pinch frames.

Competitors frame for the Basic filters is a flimsy pinch frame that is very easy to bend.

Nordic Pure manufactures using strong, high quality materials.

Competitors filters that are “Made in the USA” with media you can easily see through and flimsy pinch frames.