The first thing users will want to know is that there are different types of air filters. There are different types because several factors are present for high performance. An air filter has two goals to accomplish. The primary goal is to prevent particles from entering the system and causing damage. The secondary goal is to improve indoor air quality.
These two factors alone are significant contributors to the fact that there are different types of filters. Keep in mind, HVAC systems aren’t all the same. They have different designs, use various components, and have different abilities.
Provide superior function
In short, a filter that has excellent air purification qualities can restrict airflow and may not be compatible with the system. The budget is another contributor to filter selection. There are much more affordable options that offer basic functions, high-dollar filters that provide superior function, and filters that land somewhere in between. Below are the types of filters that are available for typical residential HVAC systems.
A filter that has excellent air purification qualities can restrict airflow and may not be compatible
Fiberglass: The most basic filter types, and often the most affordable, rely on a thin fiberglass element. It is typical for these filters to produce the best airflow but the least amount of filtration. These types of filters typically have a MERV rating of 1 to 4 but may even be listed as ‘unrated.’
Indoor air quality
Pleated Media: Pleated media filters are what users, as a homeowner, are most likely to select. The pleated media provides more surface area of the filter to capture debris and pollutants, increasing indoor air quality. These filters typically provide MERV ratings of 5 to 13, making it very easy to find this type of filter that best balances the needs of users and the system.
Reusable: The filter types mentioned above are disposable. That means users will regularly need to replace them to keep the system at max efficiency. Reusable filters are an alternative option. They can offer the same level of performance as other filters but only require regular cleaning. These filters do come at a higher cost upfront, but are generally more affordable in the long run.
MERV rating system
In extreme scenarios, they can lead to the furnace overheating, evaporator coils freezing
Now that users know the different types of filters, let’s move on to the MERV rating system. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. In simple terms, it refers to the filter’s ability to filter out pollutants; the higher the MERV rating, the higher its ability to do so.
Filters with higher MERV ratings are tighter woven and will only allow smaller particles to pass through. As the weaving of elements becomes tighter, it will also create higher air resistance. High resistance can lead to several issues. In extreme scenarios, they can lead to the furnace overheating, evaporator coils freezing, and will almost always cause strain on fans that must move the air. This is why higher MERV ratings aren’t always better.
Most effective option
Users will also want to be aware that filters with higher MERV ratings typically need to be replaced more often. This is because they are trapping more particles and will, therefore, become clogged at a much quicker rate.
In the home, users will want to aim for a filter with a MERV rating of 5 to 13
MERV ratings are listed on a scale from 1 to 20. In the home, users will want to aim for a filter with a MERV rating of 5 to 13. Filters in this range will have little impact on airflow but can still filter out allergens, dust, and other debris that will diminish indoor air quality. It is commonplace for a price to be an indication of a product’s quality. However, when it comes to air filters, it shouldn’t always be a scale to reference. A filter that is ten times the price of another may not always be the most effective option.
Over disposable options
Higher MERV ratings and more costly materials, such as pleated media instead of fiberglass, will drive up the price. However, these characteristics are more relevant to function than a dollar amount. Therefore, users will want to ignore pricing until the user can narrow down the selection to filters that suit their needs.
Does this mean they can ignore price altogether? No, mainly because this is a regular expense, and users will also need to select an option that fits into their budget. But here again, how often a filter is replaced and how much it will cost the user often comes down to the filter design. This is why users may want to consider a reusable filter over disposable options. These HVAC filters use carbon elements, stainless steel, and other materials that are more expensive upfront. However, they only need to be washed every month, not replaced, making them more cost-effective over the years.
Superior filtration abilities
Like price, user can base their decision on brand after they’ve found said filter
The brand user selects does matter. This is because different manufacturers will have access to different materials and designs that will impact the filter’s overall ability to perform. Brand selection will also ultimately determine the price point of an air filter.
Does this mean the user must invest their money in the highest-rated or flashiest brand? No. It’s more important to find the filter that will suit user needs. Like price, user can base their decision on brand after they’ve found said filter. Users may have heard of HEPA filters and their superior filtration abilities. Users may even be considering one for their home. It certainly is possible, but it is not as simple as using one in place of a typically residential-grade air filter.
Importance of air purification
High Particulate Air (HEPA) filters typically have a MERV rating of 16-20, which can remove viruses and virtually any other type of particle from the air. These filters are used in hospitals, laboratories, and power plants because of the utmost importance of air purification in these settings.
This is an essential bit of information but only refers to how deep the filter is
If users have a respiratory issue or other medical condition that requires high-levels of air purification, it may be worth tailoring the system to accommodate a HEPA filter. Otherwise, the expense may not be worth it. Users will need to know the size to select the right air filter. Many times, users will hear residential air filters referred to as 1-inch filters. This is an essential bit of information but only refers to how deep the filter is. Users will also need to find the width and length of the filter. Something such as 16-inches x 25-inches x 1-inch is typical. The size is often printed on the old filter, but can easily be found with a tape measure.
Home HVAC system
How often a filter needs to be replaced is subjective to a few factors. Most filters are rated to last 3-months, but this is hardly the case. Pollen, pet dander, and dust all affect filter life. In most homes, the filter must be replaced once a month for the best results.
So what is the best filter? That depends on the existing system and user demands. DM finds Lennox to have an extensive line that has offerings that offer most homeowners. However, they do understand that there are exceptions. They do encourage users to do the research and find the filter that best suits user needs. However, a consultation with an HVAC technician can help the user quickly find the filter that will best serve the home HVAC system.
