Selecting the Perfect Air Filter for Your HVAC System

Ensuring clean, healthy indoor air is a top priority for many homeowners and using the right HVAC air filter plays a crucial role in providing it. Use this guide to figure out the perfect filter kind, size and efficiency rating for your home’s indoor air quality needs. 

What Is the Best Time to Change Your Air Filter? 

The first thing to to think about is how often you should replace the filter. The most common suggestion for everyday residential filters is to replace them every 90 days for the average home without pets. If you have a dog or cat, shorten this to every other month. For homes with many pets or family members with allergies, your schedule should be as often as every 30 days. 

Picking the Correct Air Filter Size 

Not all HVAC systems are the same, so major brands make air filters to fit multiple kinds of filter slots. Only using the correct size provides a tight seal without any gaps large enough for air to slip past the filter. Here are three easy ways for you to determine the best filter size: 

• Look at the existing 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. 

• Look in the HVAC manual, which should indicate the filter size and type advised for your system. 

Kinds of HVAC Air Filters 

Various filter materials and designs are on the market, and each is designed for different needs. Here are some common types: 

• Fiberglass filters are the simplest and affordable option. Made from layered fiberglass strands, they trap larger particles that could accumulate on the equipment. However, they don’t filter small particles that are harmful to breathe, so don’t count on them to deliver top-of-the-line indoor air quality. 

• Pleated filters using polyester or cotton folds offer a bigger surface area to trap smaller particles. 

• Electrostatic filters employ self-charging fibers to capture and hold airborne particles. They come in both disposable and washable forms. 

• HEPA filters offer remarkable filtration. However, because they significantly reduce airflow, they are usually reserved for medical facilities, clean rooms and other commercial industries. If you would like a HEPA filter in your residential HVAC system, collaborate with a heating and cooling technician to determine compatibility. 

The MERV Rating System for Air Filters 

Minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, is the standard used to evaluate air filter effectiveness. Ratings range from 1 to 20, with high numbers demonstrating a filter’s ability to trap increasingly finer particles. 

• MERV 1-4 represent the simplest of filters, helping trap large particles such as pet dander, pollen, lint and carpet fibers. They offer basic filtration but are budget-friendly for simple applications without pets or allergies. 

• MERV 5-8 are recommended 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 favored option among homeowners. 

• MERV 9-12 suit filters that can capture legionella, humidifier dust, auto emissions and more. They provide improved air quality to help alleviate allergies or mild asthma symptoms. 

• MERV 13-16 are considered top-of-the-line filters for residential use. They’re found in hospitals and any other industries where pure air is necessary. These designs trap bacteria, tobacco smoke and even certain virus particles. 

• MERV 17-20 ratings are exclusive to HEPA filters, capable of trapping roughly 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size, including lead dust, humidifier dust, asbestos fibers and other incredibly small particles. 

Other Tips You Can Use to Make Your Selection 

When settling on the perfect home air filter, don’t forget about these factors: 

• Household needs: Pet owners, allergy and asthma sufferers, and homes in areas with high dust or pollution may be better from using a filter with a higher MERV rating. 

• System compatibility: Before you upgrade to a filter with MERV 12, make sure your HVAC system can support the increased filtration without compromising airflow. 

• Filter thickness: 4- to 5-inch-thick filters generally last longer and provide better filtration than standard 1-inch filters. Just make sure your system can accommodate the size. 

• Cost vs. benefits: More expensive filters cost more up front but need to be replaced less often and provide higher air quality. Try to consider all the potential long-term savings and health benefits when deciding. 

• HVAC professional’s advice: The best way to feel confident in your decision is to consult an HVAC technician who will provide expert advice based on your home’s system and air quality requirements. 

Breathe Easier with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 

If you’re in the market for a better air filter, let Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning assist you in making the right selection. We install various air filtration systems to protect your HVAC equipment and minimize asthma and allergy symptoms. We take pride in improving the health of your life and comfort through our tailored, professional services. For assistance with selecting the right air filter or other HVAC needs, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.