The quality of the air we breathe is important, but it’s not always easy to determine which replacement air filter is best for our home. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a filter, including the size of the unit, the type of filter, and the specific needs of our home and also reviewing the ever so important MERV rating of the filter. It’s important to remember that not all filters have the same performance; some are designed to last longer than others or catch more particles. By understanding these factors, we can find the best replacement air filter for our home.
Different Types of Air Filters and Their Functionality
There are many different types of air filters and each one is designed for a specific purpose. Some filters are designed to remove large particles from the air while others are designed to remove smaller particles. Some filters are also designed to remove harmful gasses from the air.
While they say you cannot put a price on good health, and we definitely agree, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for a bargain when shopping for filters. It is a good idea to buy air filters online on websites such as filterbuy.com because you can compare the prices of different filters and where they have a vast variety of different sizes and types in one place. You can also read the reviews of other people who have bought the filters to help you decide.
How Often Should We Replace Them?
It is important to have clean air circulating in your home or office. Not only is it good for your health, but it also helps to keep your equipment running properly. One way to ensure that your air is clean is to regularly replace the air filters in your HVAC system.
How often you need to replace your air filters will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of filter you have, the size of your home or office, and just how many people live/work there. And also, are there smokers in your household? If yes, how many? Most experts recommend replacing your air filters every 3-6 months. If you’re past that schedule, your filters are probably not performing as well as they should. However, you should always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific filter.
If you were unsatisfied with how your HVAC functions, you should think about installing better quality filters, with a higher MERV rating to ensure you and your family are breathing the best air possible.
Importance of Good MERV Ratings
MERV ratings are important to consider when looking for replacement air filters. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of a filter is a measure of how well the filter captures particles in the air. A higher MERV rating means a better filter and, as a result, improved indoor air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a MERV 11 filter for homes with pets and smokers, and a MERV 13 filter for homes where people suffering from different allergies live. It’s important to find the right filter for your specific needs to ensure good indoor air quality.
Most replacement air filters have a MERV rating of 6 or below, but some higher-end filters have a MERV rating of 16 or above. If you have allergies or asthma, it’s important to select a filter with a higher MERV rating to remove more particles from the air.
Replacement/Installation Tips
People often forget to replace or install their air filters until it’s too late. Dirty air filters can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy bills and even premature system failure. It only seems normal that you should look into cleaning/replacing them every now and then. Here are a few tips to help you remember to change your air filters and keep your home or office climate healthy and comfortable.
- Change your air filters every 3 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies, and if there are smokers in the household
- Set up a calendar note or a reminder on your phone
- Hang a reminder notice near your HVAC system
- Place a reminder sticker on your air filter
- Subscribe to a service that sends you reminders when it’s time to change your air filters
This article gave some pointers on how to find the top replacement air filters for your home. By understanding the different types of filters available and the factors that influence filter performance, you can find the best filter for your needs. That way you’ll ensure that you’re getting the very best indoor air quality, which is so important for a healthy everyday life.