Air filters are an important part of your HVAC system. They help keep your home free of mold and dust and help protect your system from wear and tear. If you want your system to last, paying close attention to your air filters is one of the best steps you can take.
Yet air filters are poorly understood and come with a lot of confusing terminology, like HEPA and MERV. Plus, it’s not always clear to homeowners which filters will do the best job of protecting indoor air quality.
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing air filters for your system and home.
HEPA vs. MERV
HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air.” A HEPA filter is good for people with allergies because it can remove 99.97% of all airborne particles. They can also remove particles as small as 0.3 microns.
MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value.” A HEPA filter can have a MERV value. MERV is a scale—a measurement of the filter’s ability to trap airborne particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. The scale ranges from 1 to 16, with 16 being the most efficient and one being the least.
HEPA filters do not have a MERV rating because they exceed the scale. They would receive a rating of 17 or higher. So, if you want to be absolutely sure that you’re creating the highest level of indoor air quality in your home, you’re going to want to purchase a HEPA filter.
Nevertheless, high-MERV filters are perfectly fine for many people.
Do washable air filters exist?
If you want to make your system a little bit more eco-friendly, then washable filters do exist and are a viable option. They work just as well as disposable filters and can save you money, too.
You’d simply take the filters outside once a month, spray them down with a solution of dish soap and water, and then hose them off until they’re totally clean. Then, you let them dry and pop them back inside your HVAC system.
Some filters should be vacuumed instead, so consult the instructions that come with the filter.
Choosing Air Filters
Different HVAC systems and models use different filter sizes. Usually, you’ll need to pull out your current filter and check the measurements. Usually, they’re printed right on the filter, though this isn’t always the case.
You can also consult your friendly HVAC professional, as they usually know which filters to bring for just about any make or model or can look it up for you.
Filters Can Be Easy
When you schedule seasonal tune-ups with Dalton AC & Heating, we bring the perfect filters for your system and change them for you. We’re also happy to make filter recommendations or answer any questions you might have.
Summer is coming, so it’s time to schedule your AC tune-up now! Contact us to get started today.
