When the summer heat rises, it's important to make sure your air conditioning system is up to the task. But did you know that the air filters you use can have an impact on how hard your AC works? It's true - the right air filter can help your AC run more efficiently and effectively, while the wrong one can cause it to work harder than necessary. The main factor to consider when choosing an air filter is its MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it's a measure of how well a filter can remove particles from the air.
The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at trapping particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
However
, keep in mind that air quality isn't the only thing that suffers when the filters are old or full. The air conditioning system, which is likely to work harder as the summer heats up, will also suffer. This is because the system tries to cool enough air to keep your home at the temperature you prefer.But if you can't get the air out quickly enough, you have to try harder to do it. So, does using a higher MERV rated filter make your AC work harder? The short answer is that it can, but it's not really a problem except in extreme circumstances. Most modern HVAC systems have no problem working with higher MERV filters, so millions of homeowners rely on them. The main risk of high-efficiency air filters comes from the fact that they remain unchanged for long periods of time. If you're aware of changing your filters regularly, you're unlikely to experience filter-related issues with your HVAC system. Choosing the right filter size and style promotes cleaner air, better performance, higher efficiency, and lower equipment running costs.
However, older units may not have enough air pressure to force air through a higher efficiency filter. Accordion filters may seem strange at first, but there's a reason they aren't as flat as other filters - they provide more surface area for trapping particles. Smart homes are definitely a popular trend, and now you can get a smart air conditioning filter that will sync with an app on your phone. The well-known HEPA filter is usually too strong for domestic use; it is best suited for industrial and sanitary installations. However, this is not accurate and is the reason why millions of homeowners use high-efficiency filters without worrying.
Low-efficiency filters are typically found within MERV 1-4 and high-efficiency filters are MERV 13 and later. It brings expert knowledge on a myriad of home air filtration topics, including HVAC filters, filtration efficiency and indoor air quality. During a wildfire or other emergency situation, you'll need to change your filters more often than you would under normal air conditions, and there are some indicators that can help you know when it's time to replace one. Available in a range of sizes and usually at a lower price than similar competitors, this pleated electret filter catches just about anything you can breathe at home. Keep in mind that as the MERV rating increases, the filter becomes more restrictive and more pressure and energy will be needed to push air through it. One of the basic solutions for poor air conditioning quality in a home is to remove harmful particles moving through the ventilation system with a set of air filters.
While it may be hard to imagine, an air filter that offers a higher MERV rating isn't necessarily going to improve indoor air quality as much as one with a lower rating. Optimizing the performance of your heating system not only provides a higher level of comfort, but also provides cleaner air and cost savings. From sizes to types, qualities and more, here's everything you might need to know about air filters. With this knowledge in hand, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which type of filter is best for your home - one that will help keep your AC running smoothly without making it work too hard.
