Most homeowners fail to change their air filters regularly until they start experiencing respiratory problems, allergies and major discomforts. As a rule of thumb, homeowners should change their HVAC filter every month or sooner. But here comes another challenge- choosing the right HVAC air filter is not a piece of cake. To guide you in purchasing the air filter for your home, here are some tips to consider.
Proper sizing is a must.
Know the size of your existing filter to ensure that you’ll get the right size. The size is stated on the label, or you can just measure it yourself. There are different sizes of air filters, and it makes sense to consult an HVAC contractor for proper sizing.
Consider value for money.
In every purchase, price always matters. Same thing goes with your air filters. Homeowners would usually opt for low price filters then find themselves having a low quality component in the long run.
Most homeowners would prefer the cheapest air filters such as a woven fiberglass or a low priced pleated filter. They trap small particles, dust and other debris which can damage the system. Just remember to change the woven fiberglass filter every month or you’ll be enjoying low quality of air in your home. You can change the pleated filter every three months.
An electrostatic filter is more expensive but it can filter and eliminate contaminants. This filter works best with a high efficiency vacuum cleaner, regular filter wash and good air purifiers. It is best for homeowners who smoke since it can also filter smoke particles, odors and dander.
Check the MERV rating.
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) tells how efficient your air filter is in holding contaminants. Although higher MERV rating means more efficient air filter, it can also be hard for your system to operate. The highest MERV rating is 16 and most HVAC technicians recommend MERV 6-8. Low priced filter rates MERV 4, pleated filters MERV 6 while electrostatic filters rate MERV 8.
It pays off to consult your trusted HVAC contractor to get the right type of air filter that suits your home.