Most manufacturers recommend changing your HVAC system’s filter every one to three months. How often you change yours will depend on your heating and cooling system usage and the air quality in your home. The most important part of this task is choosing the right HVAC filter for your system. Consider the following features when deciding which is going to best suit your needs.
The MERV Rating
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is a standard way to measure the efficiency of an HVAC filter. It helps you find the best filter for your needs by evaluating a filter’s ability to capture particles ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns. The higher the MERV rating, the better it is.
Lower MERV Ratings
Basic filters have a MERV rating of 1 to 4. They are good at capturing large particles. This makes them ideal for most homes, as long as you have minimal allergy issues.
Medium MERV Ratings
Filters with a medium MERV rating are capable of trapping smaller particles such as dust mites and pollen.
High-Efficiency MERV Ratings
These filters can catch microscopic particles. They’re perfect for those with respiratory issues or severe allergies.
The Filter Size
Finding the right size HVAC filter ensures performance and efficiency. If the filter is too small, dust and debris will make their way through your HVAC system. As a result, these contaminants end up reducing your home’s indoor air quality. If the filter is too big, there will be gaps around it that allow contaminants to find their way into your HVAC system, where they’ll affect the major components of the system.
To determine the right size, start by checking your HVAC system’s owner’s manual. If you don’t have access to this manual, you can find the size on the side of your current filter. As a last resort, you can measure the length, width, and thickness of the filter.
The Material
Fiberglass filters are affordable. They’re quite common in household settings, but they aren’t the most effective option.
HEPA filters offer the best level of filtration. They can capture the smallest particles. This is because they’re made of several layers of dense, fine mesh. In addition to dust and pollen, they can capture bacteria. Many hospitals choose HEPA filters for this reason. They have a MERV rating of 17-20. However, these can’t be used in residential HVAC systems because they’re not powerful enough to force sufficient air through the tight mesh and out through the ducts, but some air purification systems can use them. A heating and air conditioning maintenance professional can help you find the filter with the strongest filtration that is still compatible with your system.
Your Location
Where you live will affect your decision when it comes to finding the right HVAC filter. Do you live in the city near factories and construction sites? Do you live outside of the city limits in a rural area? The higher the level of pollution outside, the higher it will be inside your home.
Household Factors
Consider what you have in your home. Several common household items are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These items all add to the pollution in your home, which means you need a more effective HVAC filter. The following are perfect examples of VOCs.
- Carpeting
- Paints
- Air fresheners
- Wood preservatives
- Adhesives
Pets contribute to the contaminants in your home, too. They release microscopic dander that many people are allergic to. If you have pets in your home, look for a filter that is capable of trapping pet dander.
You can also ask yourself some important questions before making a final decision. Do you use a wood-burning fireplace or candles frequently? Are you cooking a lot of your meals at home? Are you in the middle of a renovation project? All of these will further contribute to the pollutants in your home, and you may want to consider a more efficient HVAC filter.
Your HVAC Experts in Austin
Here at Totally Cool Heating & Air, we’re your HVAC experts. If you’re experiencing issues with your Austin heating and cooling system, we can diagnose the cause of your problems and offer reliable solutions to restore your home’s comfort. We also provide area homeowners and businesses with professional HVAC installations, and we ensure the reliability of your heating and cooling system with routine maintenance. In addition to helping you find the right filter for your HVAC system, we offer a variety of solutions for improving your indoor air quality.
Call Totally Cool Heating & Air today to learn more.
