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Without a filter, your HVAC system would recirculate dust, pet dander, and pollen, lowering your home’s air quality. As the first line of defense against airborne irritants, your filter plays an important role—but how do you choose the right type? The following guide offers a few pointers for finding the best pick for your cooling and heating system.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Air Filter

1. Check Your HVAC System

The first step is to check your manufacturer guidelines and filter size to make sure you’re buying a compatible air filter. A filter that doesn’t fit your system properly will create gaps that allow airborne particles to slip by. Once you know what size you need and what type of material your HVAC manufacturer recommends, you can start considering filter ratings.

2. Consider the MERV Rating

heating systemThe Maximum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating determines how effective a filter is at trapping particles. The higher the number, the better the filter is at removing airborne contaminants. A filter with a rating between one and four will be able to capture 60 to 80 percent of particles, while a rating from five to eight can capture up to 95 percent of particles. While a filter with a high MERV rating may improve air quality, it can also throttle airflow to your system and reduce energy efficiency. If you need a high-MERV filter to mitigate allergies, make sure your heating system is compatible.

3. Know What Materials Are Available

The most popular filter material is fiberglass, which is affordable but must be replaced regularly. Additionally, most fiberglass filters have comparatively low MERV ratings. Those ratings can be bumped up with a pleated fiberglass filter. If you’re interested in saving money on filter replacements, you can also invest in a washable filter—however, they don’t excel at trapping small particles.

 

If you’re not sure what filter is best for your home or you’d like a professional opinion on a heating system issue, contact the team at Superior Residential Services Inc. in Archdale, NC. Their team has more than a century of combined experience offering cooling and heating system repairs, duct cleaning, routine HVAC maintenance, and new unit installation. To learn more about their services, visit their website. For a free estimate, call (336) 861-5911.

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