Last Updated on March 4, 2024
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems use filters, also known as HVAC air filters. The air conditioning filters in your home play a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable. The filter plays a very important role in maintaining your HVAC equipment free of bigger particles that might harm it while extending the HVAC system’s efficiency and lifespan.
The effectiveness of HVAC filters varies depending on the kind of filter and also the HVAC system. The air entering the HVAC system is heated or refrigerated before circulating through ducts to every room in your house. The industry-standard method of measuring the effectiveness and performance of HVAC filters is called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV.
Why Should You Use HVAC Filters and Their Benefits?
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home distributes warm air during the winter and cool air in the summer. The air quality is also improved by HVAC filters, producing fresher, refined air for home inhabitants. The HVAC filter you select will impact how effective it is overall, how frequently you need to change your filter, and the kinds and sizes of particles captured.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers created a guideline that measures HVAC filter effectiveness. On a scale from 0 to 16, this Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) assigns the filter a rating based on how well it can filter out particles from the air of three distinct sizes. There are a few filters with a MERV rating exceeding 16. However, most filters have a rating from 1 and 16 to identify their MERV rating. You should make sure to find out the highest MERV grade which your device’s model can support.
To keep your HVAC system operating well and preserve clean air in your home, you must maintain your air filters properly by washing or replacing them regularly. HVAC filters are used to physically separate the moveable parts of the HVAC system from the air intake. The filter traps particles when air is taken in, preventing them from penetrating while letting air circulate.
What Do You Need to Consider When Buying HVAC Filters?
It’s essential to have clean air flowing through your HVAC system to ensure that this continues operating effectively. Your HVAC filter is useful in this situation. However, without a suitable HVAC filter, your system won’t run effectively or deliver the advantages of cleaner air. Large filter media have a smaller pressure drop and a higher capacity to retain contaminants, making them more cost-effective. We recommend using Custom Filters Direct, a custom redirectial filters supplier, to buy quality air filters online.
There are several filter types for home HVAC systems that can be selected. You need to carefully consider a few crucial aspects to decide which HVAC filter is the best option for your HVAC system. However, as we go deeper into these fundamental guidelines, we strongly advise you to first study and follow the recommended guidelines for your particular system.
- Choose the appropriate size: Residential air filters, also known as HVAC air filters, come in various sizes for their area and thickness. The filters work best when they are tightly fitted. The quickest approach to determine what sized filtration your furnace needs is to take out the one you already have and measure it. Usually, your filter has one of its sides printed with them. You can also use custom HVAC filters according to your HVAC filter sizes.
- Environmental state: You should consider your environmental situation before purchasing an HVAC filter. You need a different filter if you live somewhere with a lot of smoke and other air pollution. On the other hand, those who reside in areas with clean outside spaces require a specialized HVAC filter.
- Indoor environment: You also need to consider this essential matter. You generally require a different HVAC filter depending on the conditions indoors. You need some pricey HVAC filters if you have pets or anyone in your household has serious allergies. If you frequently smoke inside, you need an air filter to effectively remove the smoke.
- Think about MERV ratings: When selecting the ideal filter, it is essential to comprehend MERV and the many types of air filters. The Environmental Protection Agency states that Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) are often assigned to air filters. You may use this grade to assess how effectively the filter captures particles. The greater the MERV rating, the more and smaller contaminants the filter can capture.
- Efficacy in Using Energy: Finding an energy-efficient replacement for your furnace filter will help you save money long-term, so keep that in mind when shopping. You will save money by purchasing a high-efficiency filter. High energy-efficiency pleated filters have a 12-month lifespan. By selecting the most ecologically friendly filter, you may avoid unintentionally increasing your energy costs.
- HVAC HEPA Air Filters: HEPA is very good at capturing particles because of its fiber weave. For anyone with major health issues connected to allergies, breathing problems, or other ailments, HEPA filters seem to be the best choice. Employing HEPA filters in your energy-efficient system has one drawback: due to their effectiveness in removing even the smallest particles, they may find it difficult to move air through.
- Maintenance fees: Your HVAC system is a costly investment that will eventually need to be replaced, so bear that in mind. Your system, however, may endure for several years with appropriate maintenance and quick repairs. Costs for HVAC maintenance vary depending on the size and complexity of the maintenance and any potential repairs. A routine maintenance tune-up may cost about $70. A tune-up and modest repair cost approximately customer about $125.
Conclusion
A filter with a better MERV rating will be more effective, but it will also cost more to install the system. Most housing units should use HVAC filtration with a MERV value of 7 or higher. Important to bear in mind is that HVAC filters having greater MERV ratings may obstruct airflow.
They permit less air to pass through the HVAC system, which might conflict with the air conditioning system. Contact a professional residential air filters supplier like Custom Filters Direct for more information.