When it comes to air conditioning filters, there are a few different options available. The most common type of filter is the standard fiberglass filter, which is usually the cheapest option. However, these filters are not ideal for use in residential air.
MERV 11 air filters
are slightly more expensive than a standard filter, but it's usually worth paying a few more dollars per filter to increase efficiency.Some situations warrant a higher MERV 11 rating. If someone has an allergy or a respiratory problem, opt for a MERV 11 air filter or even a MERV 13 air filter. The same is true for homes with smokers or pets, since MERV 11 air filters better eliminate odors. The filters don't need to have a “hermetic” seal, but they should be easy to install and uninstall without problems.
So, if you look at the full spectrum of what floats in your home's air, MERV ratings reflect the performance of the filter in all its components. Airflow resistance caused by the use of an incorrectly sized filter causes unnecessary stress on the air conditioning unit, can cause damage to equipment, and increases energy bills. MERV 8 air filters are very common because they are a fairly complete option, so you might think that they have an excellent price but a poor performance. Air filters become ineffective if they are not cleaned or replaced regularly and this can cause a multitude of problems.
If you're new to selecting air filters, you might still be unsure which one is the best option, despite the detailed explanation above. If your air conditioning system uses a thicker filter (usually 4 to 5 inches and is usually mounted on the air controller), it is likely that it was specifically designed for medium-efficiency MERV filtration. It will reduce the efficiency of your unit: The efficiency of the air conditioning unit depends on the amount of air it can handle (hot or cold) and the speed at which it can do so. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures how well a filter removes particulates from the air.
A recent study suggests that a filter with a minimum MERV rating of 9 can eliminate mold spores, car emissions, and other small pollutants that could affect the health of occupants of a home, while allowing the air conditioning system to work efficiently. In general, you should change the cheapest fiberglass filters every 30 days and the higher-quality pleated filters every 60 to 90 days. HVAC units have a very specific area where the air filter is located, and the air filter must be properly adjusted to work efficiently. Filter efficiency describes its ability to purify indoor air by trapping airborne particles depending on their size.
The brand of the filter doesn't necessarily matter, but finding a filter that removes the most contaminants (MERV classification) from the air AND that allows the air conditioning system to work efficiently. Generally speaking, anything under a MERV 13 air filter should allow for very efficient air purification in the home without affecting airflow.
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