Air filters are essential components of our indoor environment, protecting occupants and building equipment from the effects of poor air quality, dust, particles, and pollutants. It is important to select the most cost-effective filter, as inefficient air filters can lead to wasted energy, additional maintenance costs, damaged equipment, and unproductive workers. When choosing an air filter, it is important to consider your filtration priorities. The most common system for measuring the filtration capacity of an air filter is known as a MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Report Value.
MERV values usually range from 4 to 14, and the filter packaging tells you what type of contaminants the filter is capable of capturing. The most common high-efficiency air filters are pleated filters, rigid cell filters, electronic air purifiers, and HEPA filters. Pleated filters are usually 2 to 4 inches deep and are made of a pleated material that captures particles as air passes through it. Rigid cell filters look similar to pleated filters but are 6 to 12 inches deep and surrounded by a galvanized metal or plastic frame.
Electronic air purifiers use electrostatic (electrically charged) filters to reduce the amount of pollutants in your home's air. HEPA filters are usually installed as part of a system with an included fan as the oven fan or oven fan won't be able to move enough air through the filter without assistance. It is important to determine the life cycle of your filter in order to achieve greater efficiency and save costs in the long term. As the filter becomes dirty with the captured particles, it will need to be replaced or cleaned, depending on the type of filter. We recommend consulting with a professional HVAC contractor for more information on selecting an air filter for your home.
Don't hesitate to call if you need more information or if you're ready to schedule an appointment to set up an air filtration system for your home.
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