Homeowners are becoming more aware of the importance of indoor air quality, and as a result, they’re looking for ways to improve it. Selecting the right HVAC filter can help you achieve this goal.
HVAC filters play an important role in keeping your house clean and healthy by trapping airborne contaminants that can cause allergic reactions or other health issues. They also prevent dust from building up on furnishings throughout your home.
The Dangers of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other chemicals and allergens, can make you sick. They can cause symptoms like headaches, dry eyes, dizziness, nausea, and increased sensitivity to odors. They can also aggravate allergies and asthma. To keep the air in your home clean and free from these pollutants, it is important to change your HVAC filter regularly.
What to Look for in a Residential Air Filter
When looking for a filter for your HVAC system, there are a few things you should consider. First of all, look for the MERV rating of the filter. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. The higher the MERV rating is on a filter, the more efficient that filter is at removing airborne particles from the air. The most common residential HVAC filters have a MERV rating between 1 and 16; however, some filters have higher ratings (up to 20).
Types of Residential Air Filters
There are many types of residential air conditioning filters available on the market today, but how do you know which one is right for you? The answer depends on several factors including your home’s size, location and environment. To help you choose, we’ve put together a guide about some popular residential air conditioning filters and their benefits:
Fiberglass Filters
A fiberglass filter is made from thin glass fibers woven together to form a thin sheet that traps dirt particles within its pores as air passes through it. It is a low-cost option and typically lasts about one month before needing replacement, although this will vary depending on your home’s size and environment. These filters come in different MERV ratings, so they are able to trap smaller particles such as pollen grains with higher numbers than lower
Pleated Media Filters
As their name implies, pleated media filters consist of a pleated fiberglass or polyester-blend filter media that is housed in a plastic frame. Pleated media filters are available in MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) ratings ranging from 1 to 16 and are available in different thicknesses ranging from 1 to 5 inches.
When it comes to selecting the right filter for your residence, there are many different things that you need to consider. Of course, you need to know what kinds of filters are used in residential HVAC systems. You should also learn how they function and if they’re beneficial or harmful to indoor air quality. Learn more about these factors and how they affect your HVAC filter selection process.