Whether you're a new homeowner or looking to replace your current air filters for better, cleaner air, it’s important to understand the distinct types of air filters available. Each household is different in the size of the home, the number of occupants, the health concerns of residents, the number of pets, and the type of equipment. No one-size-fits-all filter exists! What’s the best air filter for your air conditioner? Here’s how to choose!
Why Air Quality Matters
Did you know that indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. This is where air filters come to the rescue!
Understanding Air Filter Ratings
Air filters are rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which ranges from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at trapping smaller particles. For most residential settings, filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 are recommended. These effectively capture common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
Hospitals and medical facilities use high HEPA filters, between 14 and 18 to eliminate the spread of germs and sickness.
Types of Air Filters
Fiberglass Filters:
These are the most common and economical option. They capture larger particles but may not be as effective for smaller allergens. Most homeowners opt for a MERV rating of 8
Pleated Filters:
Made of higher-quality materials, pleated filters have a larger surface area and can trap smaller particles effectively. They typically have a MERV rating between 8 and 13.
HEPA Filters:
Known for their superior efficiency, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters have a MERV rating of 17-20. They can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including bacteria and viruses.
Washable Filters:
These are reusable and eco-friendly. They need regular cleaning but can last for several years if maintained properly.
Choosing the Right Filter
When selecting an air filter for your home, consider the following factors:
Allergy and Health Concerns: If you or your family members suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, opt for filters with higher MERV ratings or HEPA filters.
Your Budget: Fiberglass filters are budget-friendly but may need more frequent replacement. Pleated and HEPA filters are more expensive but offer better filtration and longevity.
HVAC System Compatibility: Ensure the filter you choose is compatible with your HVAC system. Filters that are too restrictive can reduce airflow and strain your system.
How Often Should You Replace Your Filter?
This is one of the questions we get the most often. “How often should I replace my filter? Here’s the honest answer!
More than you’re probably doing it.
Filters should be changed at a minimum every 60-90 days, but our recommendation is to change them monthly. Pick a date each month to pop in a new filter, your favorite number, the 1st of every month, or the date of your birthday. Be consistent in changing your filters, and we guarantee that you’ll breathe more easily.
The benefit of changing your filter is not only improved air quality and better health but also extending the lifespan of your air conditioning system. It won’t have to work so hard if it isn’t trying to push air through clogged filters.
Great Idea!
One of the best ideas for keeping track of your filter changes is to write on the side of the filter the date you are replacing it. So often, you think, “Oh, I just did that three weeks ago.” But when you pull out the filter, you see that the filter was last changed THREE months, not THREE weeks ago!
ServiceOne Gets You!
Investing in a good air filter is investing in your family's health and well-being, but changing your filter may not be the top thing on your to-do list.
We get you.
We have made it easy to choose the best air filter for your system. All you have to do is click “Buy Filters” on our home page. Your filters will be shipped directly to you and arrive at your front door. If you don’t know what filters to choose, call us. We can help you by pulling the records of your system, answering questions, and offering advice based on more than 20 years in business!
By choosing the right filter based on your needs and budget, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality. Remember, the quality of the air you breathe at home matters more than you might think!
Here’s to “breathing easy!”