Factors To Be Considered While Choosing An Air Filter

Air is essential for life, but the quality of the air we breathe is declining quickly. This decline affects indoor air quality too. One of the best solutions to this problem is using air filters. Air filters are attached to HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) to clean the air inside. As air flows through the filter, it captures pollutants and helps keep indoor air cleaner.

Many people may find a problem in selecting an air filter for their HVAC system. This problem can be solved easily by considering some important factors when selecting an air filter. By understanding these factors, HVAC users can find a suitable air filter that suits their filtration requirements and is compatible with their heating and cooling systems. This blog covers important factors that one should consider when choosing an air filter, so take your time exploring each factor so that you can find the right filter for your needs.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Air Filter

Individuals should consider some key factors before selecting an air filter for their HVAC system. This will help them to make a perfect choice when purchasing a filter. Here are some of the important factors to consider when choosing an air filter:

1. Types Of Air Filters

Considering air filter type is a very important factor because every filter has a different level of air filtration efficiency. Here are some of the commonly used HVAC air filter types:

• Pleated Air Filters: The pleated filters are one of the most efficient HVAC filters available in the market. These filters are effective at capturing both small and large airborne pollutants such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, etc. These filters are made of paper or cotton, which is pleated or folded in a series that increases its air filtration surface area. A pleated filter can effectively remove particles from air of size 1.0 to 3.0 microns. Due to their efficiency in removing allergens, these types of filters are considered the best allergy air filters.
• Electrostatic Air Filters: HVAC filters that use static electricity for capturing airborne particles are known as electrostatic air filters. These filters are one of the most commonly used filters for HVAC systems. Electrostatic filters are good at capturing small particles like bacteria, but they are not an effective solution for removing large pollutants. These filters are usually made of polypropylene or polyurethane.
• HEPA Air Filters: HEPA (highly efficient particulate air) filters are the most efficient air filters because they can remove 99.97% percent of airborne particles like bacteria, mold, dust mites, etc. These filters can easily eliminate viruses and bacteria from the indoor environment. The structure of HEPA filters is very dense the reason they remove high amounts of pollutants from the air but at the cost of high airflow resistance.
• Fiberglass Air Filters: Fiberglass air filters are the most basic and commonly used air filters. These filters provide decent air filtration and are good at capturing large airborne particles but not efficient at removing small pollutants. A fiberglass filter is usually made of spun glass or woven glass and it has a very short lifespan of 30 days.

2. The Filter Size And Model

Choosing the correct air filter size or model for an HVAC system is important for proper filtration and efficiency. The filter size is usually labeled on the filter itself. If the size isn't visible, you can measure the filter with a tape measure or check the HVAC manual for the dimensions(length, width and height). If you don't have the manual, you can usually find it on the manufacturer's website. Here are some standard air filter sizes, including options for 1-inch, 2-inch, and 4-inch thicknesses

3. MERV Ratings

MERV ratings are one of the most essential factors to be considered before buying an air filter. The word MERV means minimum efficiency reporting value. This rating system helps to identify the efficiency of an air filter. The MERV ratings range from 1 to 20 for filters, and 20 is the highest rating. Air filters are reviewed based on the size (micrometers) of airborne particles that they can catch. Following are the categories of MERV ratings:

• Low MERV (1 to 4): Air filters that come in this category have decent air filtration and only capture large airborne particles that have a size of more than 10 micrometers.
• Medium MERV (5 to 8): The medium MERV-rated air filters are effective at large airborne pollutants and some small ones also have sizes between 3.0 and 10.0 micrometers. These filters are good for residential and light commercial uses.
• High MERV (9 to 12): The air filters that fall in this category are efficient at capturing small as well as large airborne particles. The size of the particles ranges between 1.0 and 3.0 microns. These filters are best for residential and commercial use.
• Highest (13 to 16+): Air filters that are rated by this MERV rating category are the most efficient at air filtration. These air filters can capture particles of sizes 0.3 to 1.0 micrometers. Filters that fall in this category are usually used in hospitals and surgery rooms.

4. Indoor Air Quality Needs

Understanding your indoor air quality needs is very important when choosing an air filter. Some homes and businesses can collect a lot of dust, which requires more frequent cleaning to keep the space clean and comfortable. In these situations, it's best to invest in a high-quality air filter, such as a pleated filter, which can effectively remove a variety of pollutants and help maintain clean air indoors.

Even if your space looks clean, tiny particles can still be in the air. Using a good-quality air filter, like an electrostatic filter, helps catch these particles and keeps the air fresher. For example, in an office that doesn’t get much outside air or foot traffic, an electrostatic filter can remove dust and allergens from the air. Also, cleaning your space once a week can help cut down on dust and keep the air quality even better.

5. HVAC System Compatibility

Before buying an air filter, it is important to consider the HVAC system’s compatibility. Some systems may not support high-quality air filters like pleated and HEPA filters because these filters have high airflow resistance. This means the HVAC system will need to force its components to work efficiently, and this can cause small wear and tear to the system.

Before purchasing an air filter, always check your HVAC system's manual. The manufacturer's manual provides important details regarding which filter types are compatible with your system. This information will assist you in selecting an air filter that is suitable for your HVAC system and will not cause airflow or system strain concerns.

6. Maintenance Or Replacement

Maintenance of an air filter is also an important factor that should be considered by HVAC users. You can maintain your air filter by cleaning your residential or working place regularly and by minimizing pet hair and dander with proper pet care. The time of replacement of an air filter depends on many factors like its type, quality, indoor environment, etc. Low-quality filters like fiberglass filters need to be replaced every 30 days or less.

Pleated filters require new replacement every 3 to 6 months but this time can vary according to the quality of indoor air. On the other hand, HEPA filters need to be replaced in 6 months to 12 months but some HEPA filters may require a new replacement between 1 year and 5 years. If HVAC users buy a washable electrostatic air filter then they just need to wash it once a month. Remember dirty air filters should be replaced as soon as possible for better HVAC performance.

7. Health Concerns

People who are allergic to airborne allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, etc. should consider their health before buying an air filter. Some air filters are specially designed for eliminating allergens from indoor air. Air filters that have high MERV ratings like pleated filters are very efficient at capturing allergens.

Continuous exposure to allergen can result in major health problems such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. As a result, when choosing a new air filter, HVAC users should focus on choosing filters which effectively remove allergens. To maintain a better indoor atmosphere and safeguard general respiratory health, make sure the filter you choose has high allergen-capturing capabilities.

8. Cost

Cost is an important aspect of air filters to consider. The price of an air filter depends on factors like its type, size, and brand. For example, standard-size filters are usually more affordable because they are mass-produced, while custom-sized filters that are made to fit specific equipment or spaces tend to be more expensive due to the specialized materials and production processes involved. OEM filters, which are made by the original manufacturer, tend to cost more because they provide a perfect fit and reliable performance, helping your HVAC system run smoothly.

On the other hand, aftermarket filters are often cheaper but can vary in quality. Additionally, filters with higher performance, like HEPA or activated carbon filters, usually come at a higher price because they use advanced materials and offer better filtration. For instance, a HEPA filter might be more costly, but it’s perfect for homes with pets or people with allergies as it traps particles like dust and pollen more effectively.

9. Installation

Installation of an air filter is an essential thing that must be considered while selecting an HVAC filter. Some types of air filters may require to be installed differently inside an HVAC system. Furthermore, the duration of air filter replacement might affect the installation process, since some filters may be more difficult to change due to their size, design, or how they fit into the system.

For example, filters with high MERV ratings or custom-sized air filters might require extra care or effort to install, particularly if they do not fit easily into the filter chamber. Also, while installing an air filter home or office owners should make sure that the filter placed inside the HVAC system is aligned with the airflow direction. You can identify the direction of airflow by the arrows provided on the filter

Conclusion

HVAC air filters are important for improving indoor air quality in both residential and commercial spaces. These filters capture airborne particles such as dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander as air passes through them. In addition to improving air quality, air filters help extend the lifespan of the HVAC system and enhance its energy efficiency. It can be difficult to choose the right air filter, but you can make the process easier by considering important factors such as filter size, type, and MERV rating.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make sure that the filter you select will improve your indoor air quality and satisfy your unique requirements. Before making a purchase, check the indoor air quality needs of your space, HVAC system compatibility, maintenance requirements, and any health concerns. If you're having trouble finding the right air filter for your HVAC system, Custom Filters Direct offers high-quality, customized air filters to meet your specific needs. Contact us today at (877) 556-2862 to get the perfect air filter for your system.

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