The right HVAC filters can make a world of difference when it comes to the air quality in your home. Not only do they help to remove impurities such as dust, pet dander, and bacteria from the air, but they also protect your HVAC system from damage. An additional benefit of a good air filter is the improvement of the indoor air quality (IAQ), which means that everyone in your home can breathe better. Good air filters can stop biological contaminants, pet dander, dirt, mold spores, and other pollutants.
Cheaper filters, on the other hand, are only able to stop larger particles such as sand, hair, and dust bunnies. When it comes to the health and comfort of your family and guests, it's worth investing in the most efficient air filter you can afford. Not only do air filters allow people to breathe more easily, but they can also reduce odors and make your home a more pleasant place to live. If you want to take it one step further and purify the air in your home, consider adding an air purifier.
Having central air conditioning and heating is undoubtedly an advantage for many homeowners, but like all major home appliances, your HVAC system must be well maintained to ensure maximum efficiency. This includes regularly changing your air filter. You can hear it now: your HVAC technician is giving you lessons on how to make sure you change your air filter. Air filters are usually made of spun fiberglass (the same material used for attic insulation) or 26% pleated paper framed with cardboard for greater stability and rigidity.
If you can find a reusable filter that captures the types of contaminants you need to filter for your family, then you could save money in the long run by investing more money upfront. Air filters are an important factor in keeping your home clean and keeping the air you breathe healthy. As air moves through a building's air conditioning system, air filters trap and accumulate large and small particles such as dust, allergens, and microorganisms. A little over 10 years ago, manufacturers began placing more pleats (or folds) on air filters and increasing their surface area.
However, these filters have some drawbacks in the first place; they usually cost much more than basic fiberglass filters. In addition, a comprehensive independent test that is often cited on the effects of MERV filters 8 to 13 on HVAC airflow and energy consumption (an indicator of the intensity of equipment operation) concluded that even “if no adjustments are made for the increased pressure drop of high MERV filters, penalties because of airflow and energy are unlikely to be serious at least not until the filter is loaded with dirt.” The only type of filters that capture allergens and spores are HEPA or high-energy particulate air filters. However, a good air filter keeps the central air conditioner (and boiler) working by protecting the mechanical components from dust and dirt. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
