The HVAC Air Filter Replacements That Enhance Performance and Air Quality
Most people spend around 90% of their time inside, making indoor air quality very important. Poor air quality can harm the health of most people, especially people with certain health conditions, the elderly, and children. Improving your home’s air quality is key to the health of your loved ones and the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Learning about air filter replacements is one of the easiest ways you can help your HVAC system and your home’s air quality. This blog will cover what an HVAC filter does and the best types to choose depending on the things you’re dealing with in your home.
Understanding HVAC Air Filters
HVAC air filters are used in HVAC systems to filter certain things out of the air you and your family breathe in your home. These things can include:
- Pet dander
- Dust
- Pollen
Instead of filtering into your home, these particles get trapped in the HVAC air filter. They also keep large particles from getting into your HVAC system and potentially damaging it. That’s why it’s important to replace HVAC filters when they get dirty and to use the correct type.
What Is a MERV Rating?
MERV or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value Ratings indicate an air filter’s ability to particles of differing sizes. These particles range between 0.3 and 10 microns in size.
Knowing the filter’s MERV rating can help you when comparing the performance of different options. The higher a filter’s rating is, the better it’ll be at trapping various particles.
Types of Air Filter Replacements
It can be overwhelming when looking at the different types of air filters. Knowing the purpose of each type is important when finding the right one for your system.
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated air filters are made from polyester or cotton folds. They’re effective at filtering out some of the following substances:
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Pollen
Filters with pleats are better at filtering particles and help stop these items from recirculating into the air.
Fiberglass Air Filters
Fiberglass air filters are the most cost-effective ones available. They’re effective at keeping large particles out of your HVAC system.
Keep in mind that they might not do as well of a job at keeping small particles out of your home’s air. The MERV rating for this filter is usually around four.
HEPA Filters
High-Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filters are perfect if you or your loved ones deal with respiratory issues or asthma. They’re more expensive than other options, but they can screen up to 99.97% of irritants out of your air.
You should keep an eye out for filters that have a MERV rating of between 17 and 20. One thing to remember is that the higher the MERV rating, the more challenging it may be for your HVAC system to draw air in. A professional HVAC system can help you find the best air filters for your unit.
Partner With an Experienced HVAC Company in Joplin
Air filter replacements are something you should perform each year. Staying on top of switching out your filters will improve your home’s air quality.
The HVAC experts at J & M Smith Heating & Air are here to help improve your home’s air quality. We can help you with HVAC replacement and maintenance services. Reach out to us to book a consultation.