Air filters are essential components in maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring the efficient operation of HVAC systems. Indoor air can quickly become polluted with dust, allergens, pet dander, bacteria and more. By installing a clean air filter in your central heating or cooling system, you can clear these pollutants from the air to improve the air quality of your home and for a more comfortable environment.
Types of Air Filters
Air conditioner air filter, furnace filter, AC filter, HVAC filter all typically refer to the same thing. Look for unique features and benefits tailored to different needs. Filtrete filters are known for their high MERV ratings, which indicate their ability to capture smaller particles, making them ideal for households with allergies. Filter options from Flanders are designed with a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene electrostatic filtration media, providing a balance between efficiency and cost. Bestair filters include an array of high-quality humidification wicks and air cleaning filters, ensuring a clean and comfortable indoor environment. Naturalaire filters are made from natural fibers, making them washable, reusable, and biodegradable. Pamlico Air filters capture household dust and other large contaminants and are cost-effective and efficient. True Blue has filters that are designed to remove impurities from the air before it is conditioned, improving indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency.
Air Filter MERV Ratings
MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a standard that measures the effectiveness of air filters in capturing particles of different sizes. The scale ranges from 1 to 20. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at trapping smaller particles.
- MERV 4: Filters out dust mites, pollen, pet dander, dust, and lint
- MERV 5-7: Filters out dust mites, pollen, pet dander, dust, lint, bacteria, and mold
- MERV 8-10: Captures dust mites, pollen, pet dander, dust, lint, bacteria, mold, allergens, smoke, and virus carriers
- MERV 11+: Filters out dust mites, pollen, pet dander, dust, lint, bacteria, mold, allergens, smoke, virus carriers, odors, and smog
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
For the best performance, try to change your home air filter every 90 days. Regularly changing air filters is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system and ensuring good indoor air quality. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other particles, reducing their effectiveness, and causing your HVAC system to work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills and potential damage to the system. By regularly replacing your air filters, you can improve your indoor air quality, reduce the amount of pollutants and other irritants in the air, and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Other Types of Filters
- Air purifier filters: Air purifier filters are specifically designed for air purifiers. They are often more sophisticated and can capture a wider range of airborne particles, including dust, allergens, smoke and even some germs.
- Humidifier Filters:A humidifier combats dry air by turning water vapor into the air, easing congestion and coughs. Humidifier filters trap dust and minerals in the water before they're released, improving air quality and protecting the humidifier itself.
Shop HVAC Filters at Ace
Keep your HVAC equipment running smoothly with standard and premium air filters from your nearest Ace, available from brands like Flanders, Filtrete, BestAir, Naturalaire, Pamlico Air, and True Blue. Explore a wide variety of air filter replacement sizes, ratings and features to suit your home air filtration needs. Once you're all set with the right filter, keep your air conditioner working its best with air conditioner parts and accessories, including window units. Shop online or visit your local Ace Hardware store.
