Evidence & Methodology

Independent Editorial Policy

ClariSelect is an independent consumer publication. We do not operate an in-house physical testing laboratory, and we do not conduct physical testing on residential air filters or air purifiers. Our mission is to independently synthesize published third-party laboratory data, accredited industry engineering standards, manufacturer technical documentation, and real-world dimensional tolerances to help homeowners make confident, safe equipment decisions.

Three-Tier Evidence Classification Framework

To ensure total clarity for readers, every technical claim, specification, and comparison on ClariSelect is classified under one of three evidence tiers:

1. Tier 1 — Independent Third-Party Testing & Published Research: Data generated by accredited independent test facilities or published scientific and industry standards. This includes published ASHRAE Standard 52.2 fractional efficiency test data, AHAM Verified Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) certifications under ANSI/AHAM AC-1, California Air Resources Board (CARB) ozone emissions compliance, and EPA indoor air studies. When referencing third-party test data, we identify the originating standard and testing organization.
2. Tier 2 — Manufacturer-Reported Technical Specifications: Data, dimensions, and technical claims published directly by product manufacturers in engineering cut sheets and owner manuals. This includes initial static pressure resistance curves, nominal vs. actual dimensions, motor electrical wattage, decibel ratings at specified fan speeds, and warranty terms. We treat manufacturer claims as published assertions rather than established facts, clearly labeling them as manufacturer-reported.
3. Tier 3 — ClariSelect Editorial Assessment: Objective analysis and calculations performed by our editorial team based on physical compatibility, blower static pressure risk modeling, published 3-year consumable replacement costs, and reader use-case suitability. Our recommendations weigh trade-offs—such as particle capture versus furnace airflow resistance—to help readers select the right filter for their specific HVAC configuration.

Product Selection & Commercial Independence

We select products for coverage based on consumer search demand, residential HVAC compatibility, market availability, and verified filtration standards. Commission rates never influence which products we cover, how they are ranked, or whether we recommend them. If a popular product introduces high airflow resistance or poor value, we state that clearly.

Corrections & Data Verification Policy

Residential HVAC specifications and filter dimensions frequently undergo minor manufacturer revisions. If you identify a discrepancy between our published data and a current manufacturer specification, please contact our research team at contact@clariselect.com. We review and verify all reader inquiries against primary source documentation.