When it comes to improving the air quality in your home, selecting the right air filter is essential. The MERV rating system is a standard measure of a filter's ability to remove particles from the air, ranging from 1 to 20. Generally, a MERV rating between 8 and 10 is considered the best for residential HVAC systems. However, it is important to understand that higher isn't always better and that using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the manufacturer of your oven or air conditioner may impair its performance.
In addition to selecting the right filter for your application, it is also important to ensure that it is installed correctly. If an air cleaner is installed backwards and allowed to operate like this, the HVAC system is likely to operate less efficiently, consume more energy, and do a worse job of filtering the air. To further increase indoor air quality, household air purifiers that employ HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters can remove 99.97 percent of mold, pollen, bacteria and other particles as small as 0.3 microns. When changing your air filter, it is important to note that if you can't see the filter media below the dust trapped in the filter, you need to change it.
A dirty, clogged filter reduces the efficiency of your home's HVAC system by making it more difficult to push air throughout the house. It is also important to ensure that the filter is properly secured when an AC fan is started, as the movement of air can cause the filter to crash into the interior of the unit if it is not properly secured. Overall, selecting an appropriate MERV rating for your home's HVAC system and ensuring that it is installed correctly are essential steps in improving indoor air quality and keeping your energy bills under control. By understanding MERV ratings and selecting the right filter for your application, you can ensure that your home's HVAC system runs efficiently and effectively.
