Aside from the thermostat, one of the components of HVAC systems that homeowners interact with the most is the air filter. As important as this component is to the health of your system and your family, many people don’t know very much about air filters. One important number you’ll come across when comparing air filters is the MERV rating. Understanding this rating will make you a more informed buyer and allow you to take better care of your HVAC system.
What Is a MERV Rating?
The MERV rating on a filter is intended to inform the consumer about the size of particles that a filter can capture. A higher MERV rating indicates that a filter can capture smaller particles. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20. Typically, you’ll only see filters in the higher range used in hospitals and other medical facilities that require specialized HVAC equipment. A filter with a MERV rating of at least 5 is recommended to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently.
How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter?
Regardless of your air filter’s MERV rating, it won’t be able to perform well if it’s choked with dust. That’s why it’s important to replace or clean your air filter in a timely manner. You should check your air filter every 30 days to determine whether it needs to be replaced. In many cases, you’ll only have to replace your air filter once every 90 days. However, filters with a higher MERV rating may shorten the time between filter changes.
How to Choose the Right Filter for Your Home
It’s important to understand a couple of things when choosing a filter for your home. One is the price. Filters with higher MERV ratings tend to be more expensive. Since you’ll be replacing your filters regularly, it’s important to think about what you can afford. You should also consider allergy sensitivities in your family. If a family member is allergic to a certain contaminant, it’s a good idea to find a filter that can effectively capture that contaminant.
Providing HVAC Maintenance and So Much More
If you’re anywhere in the vicinity of Athens or Lancaster, the team from David White Services can help you take care of your HVAC system by providing regular maintenance services. We can also repair, maintain and install furnaces and air conditioners to optimize your home’s comfort. To improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, we provide duct cleaning services. Our customers love the level of service we furnish, and we’ve been providing them with it for over four decades. To learn more about air filters, contact us at David White Services today.
