The air filter is one of the most essential parts of your home’s HVAC system. This small device traps contaminants in the air and filters them out of circulation so your family can breathe cleaner, healthier air.
Selecting the right filter is critical for ensuring good air quality and a long lifespan for your HVAC system. But it would help to remember a few things before buying your new filter.
Size
Choosing the right size HVAC air filter housing is important because it affects your system’s performance, energy efficiency, and air quality. Filters that are too big can leave gaps that allow harmful contaminants such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander to enter your home.
In addition, too small filters can make your system work harder to circulate the air in your home and increase your energy bills. The wrong size can also lead to excessive stress on the HVAC unit, damaging its equipment and resulting in premature system failure.
Most filters will have their size printed on the side of the frame, usually with a length, width, and depth. These measurements are written in inches.
Design
Most residential and commercial air conditioning systems use a filter to trap dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. A dirty or clogged filter can significantly reduce the system’s efficiency and increase energy consumption and equipment wear and tear.
When buying an air filter, choose one with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 6 or higher to trap particulates effectively. A filter with a lower MERV rating can restrict airflow and get clogged faster, leading to decreased equipment performance.
A filter housing should have enough wiggle room to allow the filter to slide easily into a slot located in your HVAC unit. Be sure to check your system’s installation manual for details about how to install the filter.
Materials
Your AC filter is integral to your home’s heating and cooling system. It helps keep the air inside your home free of pollutants like dust, dirt, pollen, and bacteria.
It is also vital for maintaining your equipment’s efficiency and longevity. To ensure you’re getting the best performance, you must understand what materials your filters are made of and how they work.
Spun glass filters are one of the most common HVAC air filters. They consist of strands of fiberglass spun together to form a square or rectangular filter.
They are inexpensive and are designed to stop larger debris particles from entering your furnace or air conditioner. However, they are not the most effective at removing particulates. If you’re looking for a more efficient option, consider pleated filters. These filters trap even small particles and are rated MERV 9 to 12. They’re an excellent choice for people with allergies or asthma and last longer than non-pleated options.
Installation
Changing the air filter in your home’s HVAC system is easy and takes only a few minutes. The filter is an essential component of any heating or cooling system, so it’s a good idea to change it regularly.
The first step is to find the housing that holds the filter, usually near the air handler in your basement or utility closet. You should be able to find a small slot designed for your particular furnace model.
Next, you need to install the new filter. Every filter has colors or arrows that indicate how it needs to be installed, and you need to position it in the right direction so it’s pointing toward your HVAC system instead of directing air back into your house.
Once the filter is positioned, close the cover grille and turn on your system. Your HVAC system will then use the filter to suck dirt and dust from your home’s air.
