With so many choices of air filters on the market today, it really takes some homework to choose the right one specific to your HVAC system. Additionally, you may want a filter that enhances indoor air quality (IAQ) for a more healthful and comfortable home. Use this guide to discover air filter qualities that will drive HVAC performance and satisfy your IAQ needs.
Filters and HVAC Performance
Though many homeowners may equate air filters solely to improving IAQ, the primary job of your air filter is to help the HVAC system operate at peak efficiency. When you consider the volume of airflow that streams through HVAC parts and components in a single day, you can see how dirt and debris accumulation hinders efficiency and can damage parts.
Using a quality filter and checking it regularly is essential to prevent the following HVAC problems.
- Blower motor: Dirt buildup and/or a clogged filter makes the blower motor work substantially harder (i.e., a pressure drop across the blower). The substantial pressure drop increases energy bills and causes motor damage.
- Evaporator: Dirt and mold buildup on the evaporator coil decreases the refrigerant’s ability to transfer heat energy. Again, you’re going to see a spike in energy bills and poorer comfort.
- Condensate drain: Debris from the evaporator drips into the condensate drain and can clog it up.
- Ductwork: Dirt and dust particles accumulate on duct walls, which can make whistling noises, recirculate contaminants to your home, and hinder airflow.
Filters and IAQ
Higher-efficiency air filters are naturally going to boost IAQ. Skipping cheap disposable filters altogether, you want to look for no less than a MERV 8 rated filter. MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, is a popular filter rating system used for filters. MERV 8 to 13 filters capture a host of allergens and airborne particulates that improve IAQ.
MERV 14 to 16 filters are high-efficiency devices that should only be installed after consulting your HVAC technician, due to the substantial pressure drop.
If you need help choosing the best air filter to drive HVAC performance and healthful IAQ, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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