Did You Know that HVAC Air Filters are not all the same?

While air filters are one of the most vital components of your heating and cooling system, they’re often overlooked. They often look like a large cardboard box, and are usually made of a spun fiberglass material framed in a cardboard frame. Air filters can also be made from cloth or pleated paper. 

They catch different kinds of contaminants and particulates that could affect your health. Some of the most common pollutants they trap include dust, dirt, pollen, mold spores, fibers, lint, hair, animal fur, bacteria and other microorganisms. Typically, filtration occurs when air is brought back to the HVAC equipment to be conditioned and circulated again. The air then passes through the filters where the particulates and contaminants are removed from it. 

Not All Air Filters Are the Same….

Air filters offer different levels of efficiency. The better the quality of the filter, the more contaminants they can remove from your indoor air. Minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings usually indicate the efficiency and performance of air filters. Standard MERV values range from 1 to 16. These numbers indicate how well filters work at removing pollutants from the air. A filter with a higher MERV rating can catch more contaminants. 

Filters with MERV 1-4 are the most common kind, and provide a basic level of filtration . MERV 6-8 filters offer good filtration and are typically used in homes. If you’re looking for higher-quality filters, consider ones with rated MERV 9-12. These filters can capture particles that are 1 micron or larger.

Moreover, the best standard filters available are ones with rated MERV 13-16. They can get rid of very small particulates 0.3 microns or larger. 

There’s more to It Than Choosing the Right Filter

It’s not enough to choose the right filter to minimize allergens in your indoor air. You also need to make sure that your HVAC system is clean. Make it a habit to have your equipment cleaned at least once a year. Doing so will prevent dust from building up on the blower fans and in your ductwork. 

The air you breathe indoors can cycle through your HVAC system up to seven times every day. Insufficient maintenance and not replacing the air filter regularly can lead to the build-up of dust, pollen and even mold spores on your equipment. A skilled HVAC technician can help keep your HVAC system in top shape with regular inspections and maintenance. They can also suggest a furnace inspection checklist to help you better care for your equipment.