It’s crucial to have the proper HVAC filter in order to maintain comfort, efficiency, and decent indoor air quality. If you’ve been purchasing the same kind of filter for your system without ever considering changing it, you may want to do so, especially if you have any of the following problems:

• Odors
• Excessive dust buildup
• A lot of pet dander and hair
• Allergy or asthma sufferers on the grounds
• Bad airflow

Make sure you know what size air filter to buy before doing anything else. Then, you can assess each of your choices. Remember that you can contact Econo West at (661) 269-0308 if you need help with this or other HVAC issues.

Understanding the types of air filters available

Fiberglass air filters are the most affordable and basic HVAC air filters available. It’s actually not made to protect you at all; instead, it shields your HVAC system from dirt and hair. Although these filters cost only $1 each, they only capture 10% of airborne pollutants with each pass.

Standard polyester or pleated air filters represent the next level in the hierarchy of HVAC air filters. Although they might cost $10 each, they can remove up to 45% of pollutants in one pass. A standard filter is one that has a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 8 to 13.

High-Efficiency Air Filters with a MERV rating of 14, 15, or 16 will provide even stronger defense against pollutants in indoor air. These filters, which may capture up to 85% of pollutants in indoor air, are similarly comprised of polyester or pleated paper. You’ll pay roughly $25 for them.

Because washable air filters may be reused, they may appeal to those who are environmentally sensitive. They require a lot of maintenance, though. They must be cleaned periodically, and if you don’t completely dry them before replacing them, mold problems could result. They are roughly $20 in price and offer only somewhat better security than a fiberglass air filter.

The best air filters you can get are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestance) filters. To narrow the filter’s pore size and trap incredibly small particles, the fibers of the filter are assembled in an ad hoc manner. HEPA filters may thus capture up to 99 percent of pollutants with each pass.

What filter is best for you, then?

A typical polyester or pleated filter with a MERV of 12 is more than enough for the majority of home situations. It’s important to keep in mind that even though each pass through the filter only removes about 45% of the impurities, over time your air will become quite clean. The resistance to airflow will rise as you move up the MERV scale, which could be bad for your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Need support?

Call Econo West at (661) 269-0308 if you need assistance choosing and/or installing your new air filters.