We don't always concern ourselves with our air conditioning filter. It's not on the top of our priority list. It's one of those sight unseen things. But it is extremely important to change your filter every three months and some companies recommend you change them every month, especially if you have pets or allergies.
How many times have you gone to the hardware store and grabbed a one dollar fiberglass filter?
This may not be the best avenue to take regarding your indoor air quality.
Mechanical air filters are the most common type of home air filters. These types of air filters use synthetic fibers to trap dust and other particulates, preventing them from circulating throughout your home.
The effectiveness of a filter is measured in MERV Ratings ( Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value).
Usuallly the cheaper the filter, the lower the MERV Rating.
Types of mechanical air filters:
- Fiberglass - Removes less than 10% of air pollutants in your home, has a MERV Rating between 1 and 4, and costs around $2.00. Originally designed to protect your air conditioning equipment, not to improve your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
- Pleated - Removes up to 45% of air pollutants in your home, has a MERV Rating between 10 and 13 and costs around $10. This is one of the most common air filters used.
- High Efficiency - These are the most practical for most HVAC systems. They remove up to 85% of air pollutants in your home, have a MERV Rating between 14 and 16, and cost between $25 and $35 dollars.
- Hepa Filters- Removes up to 98% of air pollutants in your home and have a MERV Rating of 14-16. However, they can only be used in a whole house filtration system or a stand alone air purifier.
**An air filter with too high an efficiency rating can cause your air conditioner to work harder. Only use the filter recommended by the air conditioning manufacturer or what your HVAC company recoommends.
For more information you can visit our website Emery Air and Heat
or give us a call at 321-639-4691.
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