Air filters for your forced-air cooling and heating systems are rated according to their minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter will be. The air filter with the highest MERV rating may not be the best filter for your system, however. Filters that are very dense and restrictive may slow the airflow, and this can damage your HVAC equipment. No one said that air filter shopping is easy!
What to Look for When Air Filter Shopping
- Fiberglass air filters – these cheap, flat-panel filters are not ideal for your HVAC system as they remove only the largest particulates from the air. Fiberglass filters were designed to provide basic protection for your HVAC system.
- Polyester and pleated filters – these filters can remove up to 45 percent of the pollutants from the inside air, and they have superior dust trapping abilities. The pleats provide more surface area both for removing particulates and allowing airflow.
- Washable air filters – try to stay away from these types of filters as they tend to be the worst performing filter for your HVAC system. Washable air filters tend to collect fungus and bacteria that can pollute the air inside your home.
- High-efficiency air filters – these types of filters can remove up to 85 percent of the pollutants from the air inside your home. Synthetic polyester fibers or pleated filter paper are used to construct these filters, and they can trap minuscule particles of pollutants. Hospitals use these types of filters to remove bacteria from the air.
The best air filter for your home should be one that allows proper airflow and also removes the highest percentage of pollutants. Your local professional HVAC contractor can assist you with information on the type of air filter that is most suitable for the HVAC system in your home.
For more information and expert advice on air filter shopping and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We have been proudly serving the Lorain area for more than 34 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area