The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHARE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher filter for most residential areas. Most people choose a MERV 8 filter, which can remove contaminants with MERV 8 to MERV 13. Hospitals usually use MERV 14 to MERV 20. However, these filters do not contribute much to indoor air quality as they can only filter about 20% of particles that are between 3.0 and 10.0 microns in size, such as dust, carpet fibers and pollen. UV light filters can remove bacteria and viruses from the air, but they are not effective against other contaminants like dust.
As a result, these filters are often part of a more advanced filtration mechanism, such as HEPA filters. When it comes to household filters, you have three options: pleated filters, fiberglass filters, or washable reusable filters. Each type has its drawbacks and two of them have their advantages. OEM furnace filters are manufactured by the same company that manufactures the air conditioning unit, while aftermarket air filters are manufactured by specialized external companies. It is important to install the new filter facing in the right direction; look for arrows on the filter frame that indicate the direction of the air flow.
When HVAC filters become dirty and clogged with dirt, air can't flow freely through the ductwork, making your home less comfortable and eventually damaging your HVAC equipment. The best material for your home depends largely on whether you have pets, the type of climate you live in, respiratory conditions, and the overall cleanliness of the home. Fibreglass filters are the weakest option and should only be used as “pre-filter devices” because of how ineffective they are. The main difference between types of air filters is their ability to filter various air contaminants present in your home. Other filter scales include the FPR and MPR, which stand for Filter Performance Rating and Microparticle Performance Rating. Air filters generally come in a variety of standard sizes, and some can be adapted to fit different-sized filter boxes or air return openings.
The highest rating you'll find on most of the most popular residential HVAC filter sizes is MERV 13, as it can stop bacteria, smoke, and other microscopic particles. Before making any changes to the air filter of an HVAC system, users should consult their HVAC manual or consult an HVAC professional. Your HVAC professional would install a small cabinet next to the boiler or air handler (on the side of the air intake) to place the thicker filter. Choosing an air filter for your home can be a daunting task due to all the different types available on the market today. It is important to understand what type of filter is best suited for your needs in order to ensure optimal indoor air quality and prevent damage to your HVAC system.
This type of filter is capable of removing contaminants with MERV 8 to MERV 13 ratings. Hospitals usually use MERV 14 to MERV 20 filters for more advanced filtration. Pleated filters are more effective than fiberglass ones at trapping airborne particles like dust mites and pollen. Washable reusable filters are also effective at trapping particles but need to be cleaned regularly in order to maintain their efficiency.
OEM furnace filters are manufactured by the same company that manufactures the air conditioning unit while aftermarket air filters are manufactured by specialized external companies. It is important to install the new filter facing in the right direction; look for arrows on the filter frame that indicate the direction of the air flow. When HVAC filters become dirty and clogged with dirt, air can't flow freely through the ductwork, making your home less comfortable and eventually damaging your HVAC equipment. The best material for your home depends largely on whether you have pets, the type of climate you live in, respiratory conditions, and the overall cleanliness of the home.
Other filter scales include FPR (Filter Performance Rating) and MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating). Before making any changes to an HVAC system's air filter, users should consult their HVAC manual or consult an HVAC professional. Your HVAC professional would install a small cabinet next to the boiler or air handler (on the side of the air intake) to place a thicker filter. Choosing an appropriate air filter for your home is essential for maintaining optimal indoor air quality and preventing damage to your HVAC system.
Understanding what type of filter is best suited for your needs will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to replace your current one.
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