You probably know that it’s important to change your heating or cooling system’s air filter on a regular basis. Inspecting them monthly, and changing when necessary, can help improve the quality of the air in your home. What you may not realize is that not all air filters are created the same.
MERV Rating
Air filters are rated by the industry to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Residential HVAC filters are given a rating from 1 to 16. The higher the number, the better the filter captures smaller particulates in the air. If they can capture the smaller particles, they obviously can capture the bigger ones.
Lower-Efficiency Filters
Many people start off by buying a lower-efficiency air filter to save money initially. These savings disappear quickly, however, if your HVAC equipment needs to be repaired or replaced. Because filters with a low MERV rating are less efficient at capturing airborne particles, the smaller particles wind up in your system or your home’s air. Your equipment consumes more fuel and is more likely to break down at that point.
Surprisingly, a low-efficiency air filter does become more effective over time as dust and dirt build up, which serves to block and capture other particulates as they hit the filter. However, your blower fan is still struggling to maintain airflow, which will result in dust and debris blowing past the filter, and increased stress on the blower motor. This can lead to equipment breakdown and degraded air quality.
Higher Efficiency Filters
Although a tad more expensive, a high-efficiency air filter can save you money in the long run. It will remove a much wider range of airborne particulates. You will experience cleaner air and lower the risk of health problems for your family.
High-efficiency filters can also save you money. On average, you will spend up to 10 percent less on utility and maintenance costs, if less debris is clogging up our equipment. To get the best from higher-efficiency filters, be sure to change them on a regular basis
If you own a home in McKinney, Frisco or Allen, please contact us at Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating with any air filter questions.
