Surely you may need a new air filter soon, and if you’re looking for advice on how to find the perfect air filter for your AC, read on. There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider as you look for the perfect air filter. Not all air filters are alike, and we think there are definitely some things you’ll want to know if you’re going to find the right one. If you get an air filter subscription, you’ll be in good stead.
Some things to look for are mentioned below, as you navigate the world of air filters.
MERV
Yes, there are ratings for air filters. This is a shorthand way of saying that it tests for how well your filter will trap debris from the air, and you had better pay attention to these ratings if you want to find the right air filter for you. Some of the particles are really small, so the MERV ratings have been designed to measure these small changes in quality between air filters. You’re sure to appreciate how easy it is to tell what an air filter will do just by looking at these ratings.
The ratings go from 1 to 20, and the highest number is always the best, the one to go for. If you’re looking for a basic filter, the rating will be under 4. The next step up, 5-8, would latch onto most debris in the air coming through the filter. Those from 9-16 will get just about everything that comes through, and those 17 and above are called HEPA filters, and they also get bacteria in the air and help protect your home from it. You will definitely want to look for something on the high end.
Resistance
Be sure to read the manual for your AC system, because there is such a thing as filter resistance, which means that you won’t be able to use just any high-end filter with your AC. Be sure you either read the manual or check with a professional who can recommend the perfect filter for your system. This is key to making sure you don’t buy the wrong one. If you buy the wrong one, you’ll soon find out that you can’t use it, which would not work well with your home.
Types of Filters
There are a number of different types of filters that you can buy for your AC. As each of these is different, you’ll want to check with your manual for your AC and also with a service professional to find out the best way to proceed and what to buy. Your home is important, and you can’t rely on the wrong type of filter to get all the debris out of the air. Keep in mind that some of these filters are more expensive than others, so you’ll want to make sure you can afford the nicer ones, if that’s what you decide to go with.
1. Fiberglass
A fiberglass filter is a good choice for some people’s homes. However, all they really do is make sure your AC unit is protected. If you are not worried about air quality in your home, then you can get one of these for your AC unit (to keep it running smoothly). However, if you are worried about the air quality in your home, you will want to choose a different type of filter, one that is designed to get all the debris (or most of it) out of the air.
2. Reusable
A reusable filter may be just what you need for your home. However, the trick with this filter is that you will have to do a lot to keep it up while you have it. It may save you money, but keep in mind that it has a very low MERV score, so you’re sure to need to do something else if you want to keep the debris out of your home. This filter may be attractive on the outside, but it’s definitely not for everyone to have in their home.
3. Pleated
A pleated filter, a very common filter, may be just what you need for your home. A lot of people use these, and the most common MERV rating for these is 9-16. This filter is reliable, and it’s sure to pull out most of the debris from the air. If its rating is closer to 16 than 9, it will also pull out bacteria from the air, which, in today’s world, seems to be almost a necessity for a lot of homes. So, if you have any more questions about this type of filter, contact a professional and find out just what to get.
4. HEPA
This is a strong air filter, meaning that it works to get everything out of the air. This type of filter is not often used in homes, but it is often used in industrial places and in hospitals, where the need for cleanliness is generally higher than in a home. However, if you feel you need to use this type of filter, talk to your service professional about it, for it will help you and your home stay clean and keep your air free of bacteria and other debris.
As you can see, there are a number of air filters out there that work in specific ways. You should always look at the MERV ratings for an air filter before you buy it, and you can also look at the type of filter and what its general uses are, as mentioned in this article. As always, if you have any questions, be in touch with your service professional, and find out what will work best by reading your manual that came with your AC. Good luck choosing the right air filter! There is a good selection to pick from, as you now know. You will find plenty of help with your choices if you check with a professional, and make sure you tell them all that you know how your home. Hopefully, this selection process will go smoothly for you!
