The air filter in your home HVAC unit is a critical component of the whole system. Made from mostly cardboard and fiber, they may not seem elaborate, but air filters greatly affect your unit's performance. Not only do they play a big role in indoor comfort, but they also have a major impact on HVAC equipment. Here is what you need to know about air filters, how they work, and why they are so important in maintaining your home's heating and cooling systems. Hopefully, it will also aid you in selecting the right filter to best fit your needs!

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How Air Filters Function and Work

Air filters are typically manufactured with one of these two materials: spun fiberglass material or pleated paper/cloth. The material is enclosed in a cardboard frame, then made into different sizes to fit all the various HVAC systems available. The filter's primary function is to trap and hold all different kinds of particulates and contaminants in the air that circulate through your heating and cooling system. Most of which affect your health and comfort. A few of these contaminants include:

• Mold & spores
• Pollen
• Hair & animal fur
• Bacteria/Microorganisms
• Dust and dirt
• Fibers and lint
• Metal, plaster or wood particles

The air filtration occurs when the disbursed air is "sucked" back into the HVAC system where it is conditioned and then used again. During this process, air is forced through the air filter. The spun fiberglass or pleated paper/cloth traps the particulates and contaminants, removing them from the air. These particles are now no longer able to be recirculated into the air you breathe.

MERV Ratings and Filter Efficiency

As with almost all products we purchase, there are lower-end, mid-level and high-end choices available. Not all products are created equal. Not all air filters will clean your air with the same efficiency. The higher the quality, the more contaminants that will be removed from your indoor air. Keep in mind that these higher quality air filters are usually cost a bit more.

This is where the filter's MERV rating comes into the picture. MERV stands for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value". It is a numeric value for rating and comparing the filter's efficiency and performance. The range for standard MERV values is typically from 1 to 16; the number indicating how well the filter will remove material from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration.

MERV 1-4: Common standard filters. Basic filtration. Low cost.
MERV 6-8: Good filtration and typically used in residential settings. Made of cloth or pleated paper.
MERV 9-12: Middle of the road filters with relatively high efficiency. Can trap particles of 1 micron or larger.
MERV 13-16: Highest efficiency, best standard filters available. Can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns or larger.

There are filters available with MERV ratings higher than 16; however, they are thick and dense, and a typical residential HVAC system cannot readily handle them. In fact, they can interfere with the airflow by restricting it. This reduces the effectiveness of your heating and cooling systems and can even result in damage to the HVAC equipment. Make sure that your HVAC system can handle filters with MERV ratings higher than 16 before buying and installing one.

There are also additional units that can be installed along with your HVAC system that are designed for air filtration and purification. These air cleaners provide an additional step "on top" of the regular filtration, cleaning your air even further.

Air Filter Maintenance

All the air that circulates through your HVAC system, to heat or cool your home, will eventually pass through the air filter. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep your air filters clean and change them regularly. Dirty, clogged air filters can:

• Cause HVAC system malfunctions and equipment damage.
• Reduce airflow inside the HVAC system, making the fans work harder and wear out quicker.
• NOT remove particulates and contaminants as effectively as they should, therefore releasing these back into your indoor air (the air that you and your family breathe).
• Cause contaminates to build up in your duct work.
• Cause the HVAC equipment to work harder, increasing your home's energy usage and your monthly electric bill payments.

Air filters should be checked at least once a month. If they are dirty, change them out with a fresh clean air filter. To check if your air filter is dirty, remove it from the air filter and hold it up to a light source. If you can't see the light through the filter, then it's time for it to be changed.

US Home Filter Offers AC Filters for Every HVAC System

No matter which type of HVAC system your home has, every unit needs a quality air filter that fits properly in order to maximize your indoor air quality and keep your unit running efficiently. US Home Filter can provide you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter in your furnace is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter offers filters to fit all heating and air conditioning units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filters, grille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237- and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

Things To Know Before Buying A Washable Air Filter For Your HVAC System

August 13,

The air filter you choose has a direct impact on the performance of your HVAC system, since it's responsible for trapping all kinds of airborne particles that can cause harm to your health and your costly system components.

While some HVAC systems have been modified to use electrostatic filters, most take mechanical filters that are available in both washable and disposable versions. If you're one of the many homeowners who uses disposable filters, you might be wondering if it's beneficial to switch to a washable air filter. In order to better understand the best HVAC air filter type for your home, you&#;ll need to understand the different types of air filter technology, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each type.

Different HVAC Air Filter Types

Disposable Fiberglass HVAC Air Filters

Traditional flat-panel filters feature fiberglass mesh stretched over a cardboard framework. The fiberglass mesh catches debris as the air passes through. In general, disposable fiberglass HVAC filters are the most common and most affordable type of furnace filter, but they must be regularly replaced in order to maintain HVAC efficiency and air quality.

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Washable Mechanical HVAC Air Filters

Washable or reusable filters can be rinsed with water or vacuumed to remove any ­particle buildup. Washable air filters are typically made out of woven polypropylene media and are electrostatically charged in order to capture more particles. Because they can be reused, washable air filters are more eco-friendly than disposable fiberglass filters, but they are also more expensive.

Disposable Pleated HVAC Air Filters

Disposable pleated HVAC air filters are single-use air filters, like their fiberglass counterparts, but they are constructed differently. Pleated filters are made from dense layers of cotton or plastic fibers. These layers are pleated, which provides more surface area to catch particles. Disposable pleated air filters cannot be washed and reused like washable air filters.

HEPA HVAC Air Filters

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are highly effective at removing particles from the air. In fact, an HVAC filter cannot be considered a HEPA filter unless it consistently filters out at least 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns or larger. HEPA is an official efficiency designation endorsed by the Department of Energy.

HEPA filters are commonly used in settings such as medical clinics, hospitals and laboratories, where extremely pure air is especially important. Not all HVAC systems can handle high-density HEPA filters, and they can be expensive. HEPA filters are available in washable or disposable options.

UV HVAC Air Filters

UV HVAC air filters do not use fiberglass, cotton, plastic or any other type of fiber to filter particles out of the air. Instead, UV filters use the disinfecting power of ultraviolet light to eliminate airborne particles, including pathogens and microorganisms like viruses, bacteria and mold. UV air filters are often used to supplement another type of air filtration system. Because there is no physical filter, UV HVAC filters are neither washable or disposable.

Characteristics Of Washable Air Filters

Once we have a basic understanding of the different types of HVAC air filters, we can see how washable air filters stack up against the other options.

Energy Efficiency

Washable air filters have a MERV rating of 1-4. A rating of 1-4 means the filter only captures particles larger than 10 microns. Pollen, dust mites and lint are all 10 or more microns in size, so a washable filter could prevent those types of debris from circulating in your HVAC system.

What Is A MERV Rating & What Does It Mean?

MERV ratings are a standardized way to measure a filter&#;s ability to remove particles from the air. The MERV scale goes from 1 to 16, with lower numbers being less filtering power and higher numbers being very dense, top-of-the-line air filters.

Although it seems like a higher MERV rating would always be better, that is not necessarily the case. A filter with a very high MERV rating will be very dense, and a dense air filter means your HVAC equipment will work harder to pull air through the filter. We recommend talking to a professional about which MERV rating is the best option for both your home comfort and your HVAC system&#;s capabilities.

Maintenance

Some maintenance is involved no matter which type of HVAC air filter you choose, but special maintenance considerations are involved with washable air filters.

Washable filters need to be cleaned once a month, and they need to dry completely before being reinserted. If you put a wet filter back into the HVAC system, it provides an ideal environment for mold and bacteria growth. Disposable filters don't need any routine care because you can just throw them away and put in a clean filter when they get dirty.

Performance

Even if you clean a washable filter every month, it's going to start clogging up with debris over time. The particles that stay lodged in the filter can slow essential HVAC system airflow over time, which can cause costly problems. Another thing to consider with washable air filters is that the electrostatic charge can diminish over time. You can repeatedly wash and reuse a washable air filter, but you will eventually need to replace it with a fresh, fully charged one.

That being said, a well-maintained washable HVAC air filter can last 5-10 years before needing to be replaced.

Cost

Washable air filters are more expensive than disposable air filters, but they do not need to be replaced as often. Disposable air filters are less expensive, but it&#;s recommended to replace them at least twice per year.

Performance also factors into the cost analysis. Washable air filters tend to have a lower MERV rating and are less efficient, whereas a high-quality disposable filter could do a better job at filtering your air. There are many variables at play when cost is considered, so be sure to keep these factors in mind when choosing the best HVAC filter for your home.

Interested In Learning More About Washable Air Filters? Talk To Lozier!

If you have more questions about washable air filters, or if you&#;re interested in a home energy audit, reach out to the HVAC professionals at Lozier! Contact us today or give us a call at 515-267-.

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