How HVAC Air Filters Work
For a home to be convenient for living, it is important to have a good cooling and heating system. Buying air filters is normally a preference for most homeowners. However, choosing and installing the right air filter for your home is crucial. With the right air filters, you can be sure that your HVAC furnace will work effectively.
Air filters work by capturing all types of impurities and particles from the air. Each type of air filter has a corresponding level of effectiveness when it comes to trapping pollutants. Most of these particles can affect a person’s health and comfort. These particles include mold spores, pollen, viruses, smoke, lint and fibers, dust mites, bacteria, dirt, hair and fur from animals, and particles of plaster, wood, or metal. When these particles are captured and removed from the air, they can no longer recirculate in the air that you breathe.
Home air filters, otherwise known as furnace filters, are designed not only to remove the impurities found in indoor air but also to help keep the parts of your HVAC system clean and in good condition. When these parts become dirty and remain unchanged or unwashed, your home’s HVAC system is pushed to work harder. In order to protect and extend the life of your heating and cooling system, it is recommended that you buy the right air filter as well as develop the habit of changing it regularly.
Choosing The Perfect HVAC Air Filter
Now that you have a good background on how HVAC air filters work, you can start picking the most suitable one for your home. Before choosing, you should be able to take into account the following details: the structure of your home, the number of people who are living in it, whether you have pets that live with you at home, and your respiratory needs or any allergies that you may have.
Here are the things you need to consider when choosing the perfect HVAC air filter for your home.
1. Size of filter
In order to enjoy the full benefit of your home filter system, you need to have the right size of an air filter. To help you determine the correct size, you can check the label with specifications found on your existing filter. Another way to do it is by taking measurements. Typically, residential air filters are one inch thick. Understand however that air filters come in a variety of standard height and width measurements. There are also some systems that come with bigger filters.
2. Type of filter
Air filters come in different kinds and levels of effectiveness. Some filters may not be suitable for your home HVAC system such as the HEPA filters. If you need to install HEPA filters at your home, you should consult and hire an HVAC contractor who can make the essential changes.
Other air filter types you can consider include reusable air filters, flat-paneled fiberglass filters, and pleated media filters. Remember that reusable air filters are usually more expensive than their disposable counterparts.
3. Efficiency and MERV Ratings of Air Filters
MERV, which means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating system that aims to compare the performance and efficiency of the filter. Normally, these ratings range from 1 to 16, with the higher number indicating a better filtration capacity. For home use, an air filter with a MERV rating of 6 to 8 and one that is made of pleated paper or cloth is ideal.
4. Replacing your air filter
Since it is necessary to replace air filters regularly, it is important to choose the type that will suit your budget and lifestyle. Ideally, air filters should not be too expensive to replace. If you have a busy life, avoid filters that require close monitoring such as the reusable types. At least once a month, check your air filter so you can determine if it requires a replacement.
Here are the things you need to consider when choosing the perfect HVAC air filter for your home.
1. Size of filter
In order to enjoy the full benefit of your home filter system, you need to have the right size of an air filter. To help you determine the correct size, you can check the label with specifications found on your existing filter. Another way to do it is by taking measurements. Typically, residential air filters are one inch thick. Understand however that air filters come in a variety of standard height and width measurements. There are also some systems that come with bigger filters.
2. Type of filter
Air filters come in different kinds and levels of effectiveness. Some filters may not be suitable for your home HVAC system such as the HEPA filters. If you need to install HEPA filters at your home, you should consult and hire an HVAC contractor who can make the essential changes.
Other air filter types you can consider include reusable air filters, flat-paneled fiberglass filters, and pleated media filters. Remember that reusable air filters are usually more expensive than their disposable counterparts.
3. Efficiency and MERV Ratings of Air Filters
MERV, which means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating system that aims to compare the performance and efficiency of the filter. Normally, these ratings range from 1 to 16, with the higher number indicating a better filtration capacity. For home use, an air filter with a MERV rating of 6 to 8 and one that is made of pleated paper or cloth is ideal.
4. Replacing your air filter
Since it is necessary to replace air filters regularly, it is important to choose the type that will suit your budget and lifestyle. Ideally, air filters should not be too expensive to replace. If you have a busy life, avoid filters that require close monitoring such as the reusable types. At least once a month, check your air filter so you can determine if it requires a replacement.