Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your HVAC System

Maintaining clean, healthy indoor air is a top priority for comfort-minded homeowners and using the correct HVAC air filter plays a big part in providing it. Use this guide to figure out the right filter kind, dimensions and overall filtration efficiency rating for your home’s indoor air quality needs. 

What Is the Best Time to Change Your Air Filter? 

The first thing to to determine is how often you should replace the filter. The general recommendation for standard residential filters is to replace them every 90 days for the average home without pets. If you have a dog or cat, shorten this to every two months. For homes with multiple pets or family members with allergies, your schedule should be as often as every 30 days. 

Selecting the Right Air Filter Size 

Not all heating and cooling systems are the same, so manufacturers make air filters to fit various slots. Getting the correct size ensures a snug fit without allowing air to bypass the filter. Here are three easy ways for you to determine the perfect filter size: 

• Check the filter already in place for a label listing the dimensions. 

• Measure the filter slot. Measure the height, width and depth to ensure a snug 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. 

Varieties of HVAC Air Filters 

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

• Fiberglass filters are the most basic and affordable option. Made from stacked fiberglass strands, they trap larger particles that could accumulate on the equipment. However, they don’t filter small particles that are harmful to breathe, so don’t count on them to deliver the highest possible indoor air quality. 

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

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

• HEPA filters offer remarkable filtration. However, because they significantly reduce airflow, they are usually used to maintain air quality in medical facilities, clean rooms and other commercial properties. If you would like a HEPA filter in your residential HVAC system, collaborate with 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 evaluate air filter performance. Ratings can be anywhere from 1 to 20, with higher numbers signifying a filter’s ability to trap finer particles. 

• MERV 1-4 describe the common air filters, helping trap large particles such as pet dander, pollen, lint and carpet fibers. They are meant for minimal 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 offer a good balance between cost and filtration capability, making them a favored option among homeowners. 

• MERV 9-12 apply to filters that can capture legionella, humidifier dust, auto emissions and more. They provide improved air quality to help alleviate allergies or mild asthma symptoms. 

• MERV 13-16 are seen as some of the very best filters for residential use. They’re found in hospitals and any other industries where pure air is necessary. These designs trap bacteria, tobacco smoke and even a few virus particles. 

• MERV 17-20 are reserved for HEPA filters, capable of trapping approximately 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size, like lead dust, humidifier dust, asbestos fibers and other ultrafine particles. 

How to Make Your Selection 

When figuring out which type is the perfect home air filter, focus on these factors: 

• Household needs: Those with pets, allergy and asthma sufferers, and homes in dusty or high-pollution environments may do best using a filter with a higher MERV rating. 

• System compatibility: Before upgrading to a filter above MERV 12, check if your HVAC system can accommodate the higher MERV rating without hampering airflow. 

• Filter thickness: Filters that are 4 to 5 inches thick usually work longer and offer stronger filtration than standard 1-inch filters. Ensure your system is capable of using that size filter. 

• Cost vs. benefits: More expensive filters are more expensive but need to be replaced less often and provide better air quality. Make a rough estimate of the potential long-term savings and health benefits when deciding. 

• HVAC professional’s advice: The safest approach to feel confident in your decision is to speak with an HVAC technician who can offer reliable advice based on your home’s system and air quality needs. 

Breathe Better with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 

When you’re ready for a better air filter, let Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning assist you in making the ideal selection. We can install high-efficiency air filtration systems to better protect your HVAC equipment and alleviate asthma and allergy symptoms. We take pride in enhancing your life and comfort with help from our customized, professional services. For assistance with picking the right air filter or other HVAC needs, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.