Selecting the Ideal Air Filter for Your HVAC System

Keeping clean, pure indoor air is a top priority for most homeowners and using the correct HVAC air filter plays a significant part in providing it. Follow this guide to find the perfect filter kind, size and efficiency rating for your home’s indoor air quality needs. 

When Should You Change Your Air Filter? 

The first thing to consider is how often you should replace the filter. The most common suggestion for conventional residential filters is to replace them every 90 days for the typical home without pets. If you have a four-legged companion, increase this to every two months. For homes with many pets or family members with allergies, change the filter as often as every 30 days. 

Selecting the Correct Air Filter Size 

Not all home comfort systems are the same, so manufacturers make air filters to fit different-sized slots. Getting the correct size ensures a tight seal without allowing air to bypass the filter. Here are a few tips to find out the right filter size: 

• Look at the current filter for a label indicating the dimensions. 

• Take measurements of the filter slot. Measure the height, width and depth so there’s a perfect fit without forcing the filter into the opening. 

• Look in the HVAC manual, which should specify the filter size and type best suited for your system. 

Types of HVAC Air Filters 

Various filter materials and designs are on the market, and each is tailored to different needs. Here are some popular types: 

• Fiberglass filters are the most straightforward and economical option. Made from stacked fiberglass strands, they help trap larger particles that could settle on the equipment. However, they don’t filter small particles that are harmful to breathe, so don’t count on them to deliver industrial-grade indoor air quality. 

• Pleated filters fabricated with light polyester or cotton folds offer a bigger surface area to trap more particles. 

• Electrostatic filters use self-charging fibers to attract and trap airborne particles. They come in both single-use and reuseable forms. 

• HEPA filters offer exceptional filtration. However, because they significantly reduce airflow, they are usually reserved for medical facilities, clean rooms and other commercial applications. If you prefer a HEPA filter in your residential HVAC system, consult a heating and cooling technician to determine compatibility. 

The MERV Rating System for Air Filters 

Minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, is the system used to measure air filter performance. Ratings can be anywhere from 1 to 20, with the highest numbers demonstrating a filter’s ability to trap finer particles. 

• MERV 1-4 are for the simplest of filters, helpful for large particles like dust, pollen, lint and carpet fibers. They offer limited 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 capability, making them a popular choice among homeowners. 

• MERV 9-12 are designed for filters that can help with legionella, humidifier dust, auto emissions and more. They provide superior air quality to help relieve allergies or mild asthma symptoms. 

• MERV 13-16 are viewed as top-of-the-line filters for residential use. They’re found in hospitals and other healthcare settings where pure air is necessary. These filters can capture bacteria, tobacco smoke and even certain virus particles. 

• MERV 17-20 ratings are mostly found in HEPA filters, which capture roughly 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size, like lead dust, humidifier dust, asbestos fibers and other incredibly small particles. 

How to Make Your Selection 

When deciding on the right home air filter, consider these factors: 

• Household needs: Those with pets, people with allergies or asthma, and homes in dusty or high-pollution environments may be better from using a filter with a higher MERV rating. 

• System compatibility: Before you upgrade to a filter with MERV 12, check if your HVAC system can accommodate the higher MERV rating without restricting airflow. 

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

• Cost vs. benefits: Premium filters are more expensive but need less frequent changing and provide higher air quality. Calculate the potential long-term savings and health benefits before you decide. 

• HVAC professional’s advice: The best way to feel confident in your decision is to schedule a consultation with an HVAC technician who can offer trusted advice based on your home’s system and air quality requirements. 

Breathe Your Best with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 

When you’re ready for a better air filter, let Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning help you make the ideal selection. We install various air filtration systems to protect your HVAC equipment and minimize asthma and allergy symptoms. We take pride in making a meaningful difference in your life and comfort with help from our personalized, professional services. For assistance with selecting the right air filter or other HVAC needs, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.