What Air Filter Should I Buy for My House and What are Merv Ratings for Air Filters?
It’s important to choose the best air filters for home. Home air filters (also called furnace filters) keep the coils and heat exchanges on the heating and air conditioning system clean. When those pieces get dirty, the system must work harder. Keeping the air filter clean will help prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning unit.
The type of filter in your heating and air conditioning unit helps clean the air you and your family breathe. The variety and number of particles in your home’s air depend on many factors, including how many people and pets are in the house and what kinds of activities occur there. People with allergies or asthma should be extra diligent about keeping house air filters clean.
Each type of filter for HVACs can capture specific particles such as dust mites, debris, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, dust, pollen, and more. Some air filters can trap more pollutants than others. To find the best air filter for your home’s needs, check the filter’s efficiency. The industry standard for air filter efficiency is indicated by the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The Filtrete standard for air filter efficiency is indicated by the Microparticle Performance Rating value (MPR). MPR was designed to measure the capture of more microscopic particles and exceed the industry standard. Efficient filters have higher MERV ratings as well as higher MPR ratings.
The most important thing to remember about home air filters is to change them regularly. Even a high-quality filter can’t work effectively if it’s clogged with a thick layer of particles. For best results, it’s recommended that you change your air filters once a month. However, brand-new homes and homes undergoing remodeling or construction will need more frequent filter changes to compensate for the extra dust and residue in the air.
A smart air filter has a built-in sensor that works with a mobile app to monitor the life of the filter.
Home Air Filter Sizes, Types, Shapes, Materials and Styles
Before purchasing a new air filter, verify the filter size you need by checking the existing filter’s dimensions. Most furnace filters for residential heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are 1-inch thick, but some homes require up to 4-inch filters because of the volume of air circulating in the home. Adjustable filters are available for nonstandard ventilation openings. Extended filters sizes are also available for room air conditioners, register vents and return vents in the floors, walls and ceilings.
When it comes to purchasing an air filter, there are several choices of materials and styles to choose from. Performance of the filter is affected by the size and density of the material used as well as the size and volume of the particles being filtered. The least-expensive filters have a layer of fibers that trap only basic particles. If you are trying to capture more particles, a filter with a higher MERV/MPR rating would be necessary. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the types of filters vs. particles captured.
Pleated filters are more efficient because the pleats provide a greater surface area to trap particles. Many pleated filters are electrostatically charged to help them attract and hold microscopic particles. Reusable filters are made of material that can be rinsed clean with water.
Home Air Purifiers
A home air purifier works by filtering the air inside our homes to remove possible pollutants, allergens and toxins, and given the concern over air pollution, the popularity of home air purifiers is increasing.
Which air pollutants are removed from the environment depends on the type of purifier purchased. Some air purifiers have filters that trap the particles as the air passes through them. Others may diffuse air particles without filtering them first. Regardless of which type of air purifier you use, they’ll work best when combined with regular cleaning, like dusting, vacuuming and sweeping to help remove harmful particles from the home.
Air purifiers come in a variety of sizes. A larger system is a good choice if you’re trying to clean the air in your whole house. Small units can be used in individual bedrooms and may be a benefit to those with lung conditions such as asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions users have when shopping for an air filter.
What Kind of Air Filter Do I Need?
The best air filter for your house will depend on your home’s HVAC system as well as the number of people and pets you live with. The article above can help you determine the recommended air filter for your situation.
What Is the Best Air Filter for Pet Hair?
Some air filters are optimally designed for removing pet dander from the air. Check the packaging on the filter you’re considering to see if it’s a good choice for pet owners.