The AC filter in your return vent can only trap so many pollutants, and it has limits as to what kind of pollutants it can trap. There are, in fact, different kinds of filters from fiberglass and pleated filters to high-grade HEPA and electrostatic filters. Not just any filter will work well with your home. Below, we’ll give a few reasons why it’s important to be careful when choosing an air filter.
Effect on Indoor Air Quality
Fiberglass filters are the cheapest, but they capture only large particles of dust and dirt. This means that if you own pets or someone in your home smokes, the pet hair and tobacco smoke will circulate freely throughout your home. Bacteria and mold spores will also float around, making life miserable for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Besides that, fiberglass filters don’t last long; one must usually change them out every 30 days. The cost can add up, making a higher-grade, pleated filter more worthwhile.
Consider Airflow
Each filter comes with what’s called a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The higher this rating, the finer the particles it can trap. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should go to the opposite extreme and buy the filter with the highest MERV rating. Your AC may not be compatible with such a finely meshed filter.
The higher the rating, the more restricted your airflow will be, which will put strain on the AC motor as it struggles to circulate a consistent amount of air. You don’t want to find yourself faced with a motor or compressor replacement because these jobs aren’t cheap. In the meantime, filters with too high of a MERV rating could potentially increase your monthly bill as the AC is forced to use more energy to cool your home.
Contact the HVAC Professionals
GVEC Air Conditioning & Heating is able to serve homeowners all across South Central Texas, Including with our HVAC spec check and Check-N-Save maintenance programs. We also deal in indoor air quality systems such as Micropure© and REME HALO©. We also perform ductwork services. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
