Picking the Ideal Air Filter for Your HVAC System
Keeping clean, healthy indoor air is a top priority for most homeowners and using the appropriate HVAC air filter plays a big part in providing it. Take a look at this guide to figure out the ideal filter kind, dimensions and MERV rating for your home’s indoor air quality needs.
When Should You Change Your Air Filter?
The first thing to consider is how often you should replace the filter. The standard industry advice for everyday residential filters is to replace them every 90 days for the average home without pets. If you have a four-legged companion, reduce this to every 60 days. For homes with many pets or family members with allergies, you might want to replace the filter as often as every 30 days.
Selecting the Correct Air Filter Size
Not all home comfort systems are identical, so different companies make air filters to fit different-sized slots. Getting the correct size provides a snug fit without allowing air to bypass the filter. Here are three easy ways for you to determine the best filter size:
- Examine the current filter for a label listing the dimensions.
- Take measurements of the filter slot. Confirm the height, width and depth to ensure a snug fit without forcing the filter into the opening.
- Consult the HVAC manual, which should mention the filter size and type suggested for your system.
Types of HVAC Air Filters
Different filter materials and designs are available, and each is designed for different needs. Here are some popular types:
- Fiberglass filters are the most straightforward and economical option. Made from stacked fiberglass strands, they help trap larger particles that could damage the equipment. However, they don’t filter small particles that can be an issue for people with respiratory problems, so don’t count on them to deliver the highest possible indoor air quality.
- Pleated filters using polyester or cotton folds offer a greater surface area to trap smaller particles.
- Electrostatic filters implement self-charging fibers to capture and hold airborne particles. They come in both disposable and reuseable forms.
- HEPA filters offer exceptional filtration. However, because they significantly reduce airflow, they are usually reserved for medical facilities, clean rooms and other commercial applications. If you want to use a HEPA filter in your residential HVAC system, collaborate with a heating and cooling technician to determine compatibility.
Air Filter MERV Ratings
Minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, is the standard used to evaluate air filter efficiency. Ratings span 1 to 20, with high numbers signifying a filter’s ability to trap increasingly finer particles.
- MERV 1-4 are for the common air filters, helpful for large particles including allergens, pollen, lint and carpet fibers. They provide minimal filtration but are budget-friendly for simple applications without pets or allergies.
- MERV 5-8 are better suited for homes and commercial buildings where pet dander, mold spores, pollen and dusting aids need more constant handling. They balance cost and filtration equally, making them a common selection among homeowners.
- MERV 9-12 suit filters that can help with legionella, humidifier dust, auto emissions and more. They provide improved air quality to help alleviate allergies or mild asthma symptoms.
- MERV 13-16 are seen as some of the very best filters for residential use. They’re also often used in hospitals and other healthcare settings where clean and healthy air is necessary. These designs trap bacteria, tobacco smoke and even a few virus particles.
- MERV 17-20 ratings are mostly found in HEPA filters, capable of trapping at least 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size, such as lead dust, humidifier dust, asbestos fibers and other ultrafine particles.
Other Tips You Can Use to Make Your Selection
When deciding on the ideal home air filter, focus on these factors:
- Household needs: Those with pets, allergy and asthma sufferers, and homes in dusty or high-pollution environments may do best using a filter with a greater MERV rating.
- System compatibility: Before upgrading to a filter above MERV 12, make sure your HVAC system can accommodate the higher MERV rating without compromising airflow.
- Filter thickness: Filters that are 4 to 5 inches thick generally last longer and provide more consistent filtration than standard 1-inch filters. Just make sure your system can accommodate the size.
- Cost vs. benefits: Premium filters are more expensive but need replacement less often and provide higher air quality. Make a rough estimate of the potential long-term savings and health benefits when deciding.
- HVAC professional’s advice: The most reliable method to feel confident in your decision is to schedule a consultation with an HVAC technician who will provide reliable advice based on your home’s system and air quality requirements.
Breathe Your Best with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If you’re looking for a better air filter, let Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning guide you to the ideal selection. We install various air filtration systems to protect your HVAC equipment and relieve asthma and allergy symptoms. We take pride in enhancing your life and comfort with help from our personalized, professional services. For assistance with choosing the right air filter or other HVAC needs, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.