Have you been asking yourself ‘ Which air filter is best for my home?’ going into the winter months? Choosing air filters for your home’s HVAC system can be a daunting task. There is an abundance of information out on the internet, but, as a certified air flow technician in the HVAC industry, I’m here to set the record straight.
The wrong air filter can be the number one problem for your home’s heating and cooling system. They directly affect your home’s heating and cooling capacity, system efficiency, power and gas bills, your comfort and – of course – your indoor air quality. The wrong type of filter can also shorten the operating life of your HVAC equipment, cause premature failures and breakdowns. And cause $1,000’s in damage. Wow! Didn’t know there was that much to it, did you?
The big box stores try to educate you on what type of air filter to choose based on MERV ratings. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating the more dust, dirt and particles the filter collects, keeping them from recirculating in your home.
That’s a good thing, right? Not so fast!
It all depends on the thickness of said air filter, how the filter is installed in your home’s air distribution system and the location of it in conjunction with your HVAC system. Why? Airflow!
You see, your HVAC system’s key to maximum performance is AIRFLOW. Airflow is responsible for increasing efficiency, capacity and comfort while extending your equipment’s operating life and preventing breakdowns. Without proper airflow through your system’s air filter, you will begin to cause all kinds of problems, basically doing exactly what you DON’T want to do.