Air filters are an essential component of HVAC systems. The purpose of the filter is to keep dust and debris from getting sucked inside the HVAC system and potentially causing damage or making the system work less effectively. They also serve to improve your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Using the right filter for your HVAC system is key to keeping debris out of the system while improving IAQ.
Understanding MERV Ratings
Filter ratings are one of the main things to focus on when deciding which air filter is best for your HVAC system and your home. All air filters are tested and given a rating that expresses how efficiently they filter various-sized particles out of the air. The most common rating system is the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale, which goes from MERV 1 to MERV 20.
MERV 1 filters are the least effective and are mostly designed for use in portable ACs and window units. Filters that are rated from MERV 16 to MERV 20 are the equivalent of HEPA filters. The standard 1-inch-thick filters designed for use in residential HVAC systems typically range from MERV 4 to MERV 12-13.
Which rating is best for your HVAC system and home in general depends largely on the age of your system and what you want the filter to accomplish. Unless your HVAC system is old, most experts recommend using at least a MERV 8 filter. Anything under this generally isn’t efficient enough to prevent lots of dust and debris from still getting into your HVAC system and eventually causing issues with its performance. If you have an older HVAC system, you may not want to go higher than MERV 6. Anything higher and the filter may restrict the airflow coming into the system to the point that it leads decrease in both heating/cooling performance and energy efficiency.
If anyone in your house has asthma or suffers from allergies, a MERV 10 or 12 filter is a good option. That’s because the filter will more effectively trap allergens and prevent the HVAC system from circulating them around the house. However, it’s important to note that a MERV 12 filter can be too restrictive for some HVAC systems. As such, it’s a good idea to check with an experienced technician to see how strong a filter your system can handle without its performance suffering. You can also easily tell if a filter is too restrictive for your system just by checking to see if there’s a reduction in the airflow coming out of your vents when you put the more efficient filter in.
Disposable vs. Washable Filters
Another thing you need to decide is whether to purchase disposable filters or a washable, reusable filter. Less expensive washable filters tend to have fairly low MERV ratings and usually aren’t a great choice. However, you can find some washable filters that work equally as well as disposable pleated filters. In this case, it’s a matter of price vs. convenience.
Whole-Home Air Filtration
If you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home, a whole-home air filter is far more effective than a standard filter. Most whole-home air filters are between MERV 12 and 15, but you can also find whole-home HEPA filtration systems. One great thing about a whole-home filter is that it provides a much higher level of filtration without restricting airflow.
The two main types of whole-home filters are media filters and electronic air cleaners. Media filters are just a thicker version of a pleated filter and are specifically designed to be used in place of a standard filter. Electronic air cleaners are different as they don’t use physical barriers to trap particles. Instead, they use static electricity to attract and trap particles as they pass through the unit. The only thing to note is that you will need to have your return ductwork adapted to fit either a media filter or an electronic air cleaner.
For the best HVAC and indoor air quality services in Mokena, IL, look no further than Allegiance Heating & Cooling. We serve residential and commercial customers and can help if you’re unsure of which air filter you should use or want to upgrade to a whole-home filter or air purification system. To schedule service and get the expert assistance you need, contact us today.
