When it comes to your heating and cooling system, the significance of your air filter cannot be overstated. A clogged HVAC air filter can slow down and interfere with the smooth operation of your system, causing everything from serious malfunctions to minor problems. Because of this, maintaining your system depends heavily on replacing your air filter regularly. You should also ensure the air filter you’re using is appropriate for your needs.
Tips for choosing the right air filter –
Understand Your Specific Filtration Needs: Each home has different needs when it comes to indoor air quality because of things like allergies, pets, smoking, and surroundings. Analyze your unique filtration needs or determine if you need a furnace filter that removes allergies, pet dander, and other airborne particles. Knowing your unique requirements can help you focus your search and select the filter that will best solve indoor air quality issues in your house.
Check Your Filter Size: Other than being the right size, there is no ideal size for your air filter. Bigger does not always equal better when it comes to lowering allergies in your house. The depth, height, and length of HVAC filters are what define their performance. While there are standard HVAC filter sizes, they vary based on the specifications of each HVAC system.
For smaller systems, filters typically have a thickness of one inch, and for larger systems, a thickness of five inches. Combinations of height and length range from 10x15x1 to 8x16x1.
MERV RATINGS for the air filter: The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV (pronounced “minimum efficiency reporting value”) scale is the industry standard for measuring an HVAC filter’s performance.
The filters may gradually collect smaller particles as the rating rises, but they also usually cost more. Pleated media is usually used in filter designs around MERV 8. Pleated media is capable of effectively capturing mold spores, pollen, and a variety of household dust.
Filter Resistance: Not every HVAC system benefits from using the maximum efficiency filter. Certain filters have resistance levels that make it difficult for the HVAC system to function, which can obstruct airflow and drastically lower efficiency.
Evaluate Filtration Efficiency: The ability of a filter to capture airborne particles when air passes over it is known as filtration efficiency. Seek residential HVAC filters with better filtration effectiveness indicated by higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings. Selecting an air filter that efficiently catches pollutants while preserving appropriate airflow can be made easier if you are aware of the filtering efficiency required for your home.
Air filter care and maintenance: With time, air filters will get clogged, which might reduce the air quality inside your home and reduce the effectiveness of your HVAC system. The following advice will help you keep them in good condition and operating as they should:
- As regularly as advised by the manufacturer, wash or change your air filter.
- While most air filters require cleaning or replacement every month, others can endure up to ninety days.
- Think about noting filter changes on your calendar or setting a reminder.
- You might need to change your filter more frequently if you own a larger home or if you have pets.
What Air Filter is Right for You?
Now the question is how can you pick the best air filter for your house? First, let’s talk about size. The breadth and length of your filter shouldn’t alter, as we previously stated. Verify the recommended filter size in your owner’s handbook and confirm that the length and width measurements match the best fit. A somewhat thicker air filter might help if you discover that the air quality is a problem for you.
Reduce Allergies by Calling Your Custom Filter Direct Experts
By following these guidelines, homeowners can choose air filters that will best support a hygienic and healthy interior atmosphere. Get advice and assistance from Custom Filter Direct experts if you need help with your HVAC system or if you have any more inquiries about air filters.