Homeowners who are concerned about maintaining effective operation over the life of their HVAC equipment and quality indoor air should know that air filters are an easy yet critical step.
Air filters are the primary line of defense for heating and cooling equipment. They block any particles from gaining access to the equipment itself. They also keep indoor air clean. Without an effective filter, several consequences result.
First, particles that penetrate through the filter build up on the furnace or air conditioning unit. With buildup on the coils, the unit itself has to work harder to force air out. The most damaging consequence is equipment failure, forcing homeowners to take on expensive repairs or even replacing the unit.
Second, without an effective filter, the HVAC equipment no longer releases clean air back into the home. Clean indoor air is essential for maintaining good health. Once the air becomes contaminated by particles, occupants find their respiratory systems affected, and congestion, breathing problems, and dry sinuses increase.
There are three basic categories of air filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating and one HEPA category.
1. Common flat/panel air filters rated MERV 1 to 4 are designed to protect HVAC equipment but not impact air quality.
2. Pleated or Extended Surface Filters with a medium MERV efficiency of 5 to 13 are fairly efficient: they remove particles, are less expensive than HEPA filters and run quietly due to decreased air resistance.
3. Pleated or Extended Surface Filters rated high, MERV 14 to 16, give homeowners assurance that the filter operates at the highest efficiency. While this filter is more costly, it is not as pricey as the HEPA filter and is worth the extra cost for homeowners concerned about air quality.
4. HEPA filters have higher MERV ratings, from 17 to 20, and are the most efficient filter for removing particles and bioaerosols.
Include consistent air filter checks and changes in your home maintenance routine to ensure energy efficiency, maintain the life of HVAC equipment, and ensure good indoor air quality. Sometimes the price is worth the benefits.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. To get started, check out our website or request an appointment.
