Clean air filters are essential in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and, most importantly, providing clean, fresh air. To ensure your HVAC keeps going for as long as possible, you must maintain and clean your air filters. We will explain how to, so you won’t need to call the repairman for an unnecessary visit!
Replacing Filters
Replacing your filters is based on the MERV. In addition, if you have any allergies or asthma, it’s advisable to change it more often to remove the contaminants from the air. When you don’t replace the filters often enough, they become clogged, and your HVAC has to work harder. Therefore, causing it to stop working or for parts to need repairing. You should change your MERV of 8 every 60 days and every 30 days for a MERV higher than 8. In order not to forget, make a note in your calendar.
The Correct Filter
With a range of air filters on the market, it’s essential to have the right FilterKing for your needs. We have explained the purpose of each filter.
Fiberglass filters are on the cheaper end of the market. However, they are not that efficient at removing allergens and dander. This is because they pick up larger particles. Additionally, changing is required every 30 days as they are disposable.
Washable filters should be washed every 30-60 days and last a good few years. The only drawback is that they must be dry before returning to the HVAC, meaning your HVAC is off for a few hours.
Pleated filters are a good option as they are made of synthetic fibers and cotton. Their structure helps catch the specks of dust and dander.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are very effective as they can 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. They are on the expensive side, but they are helpful for respiratory conditions.
Filter Size
Buying the correct air filter will assist you in maintaining your HVAC system. If your air filter is too small, you could compromise your HVAC system as the contaminants will get inside your HVAC. If your air filter is too large, do not try and cut it down to size. The pollutants can still pass through them. Hence, instead of removing the pollutants, they remain circulating in your home.
Look at the manufacturer’s guide, as you can usually see the size written in bold on the side of the frame. You will then notice small numbers, which is the actual size. If you aren’t sure, use a tape measure and calculate the length, width, and depth. Your calculation might not give you round numbers. This is because they can fit multiple HVACs. Air filters can be ⅛” to ¼” smaller.
Choosing the Right MERV
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) gives you a rating that tells the customers how efficient the filter is. The higher the MERV, the more pollutants are extracted from the air.
A MERV of one to four assists in trapping larger particles and for window units. A MERV of eight is suitable for most households, provided they don’t have multiple pets, allergies, or asthma. This is because they can pick up the usual dust, dirt, etc. An 11 MERV is beneficial for multiple pets, dust, etc. A MERV higher than thirteen isn’t advisable as it picks up so much from the air and can actually cause your HVAC to break down. Those filters are a great fit for hospitals and any inpatient care.