3 Tips to Follow When Choosing Your Air Filter

December 18, 2019

If you are looking to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system easily, or give the IAQ in your Oak Ridge, Tennessee, home a boost, one of the best places to start is with your air filter. Choosing the right filter can rid your home of pollutants and help your system run as optimally as possible. Not sure how to get started with choosing the right filter? Follow the tips listed below.

Find the Right Size

One of the first steps to choosing the right air filter for your system is determining the size you need. You should be able to find the required size in your HVAC system’s manual and make sure that you adhere to it. When a filter is the wrong size, it will underperform and can cause airflow restrictions, leading to inefficiency.

Determine the Ideal MERV Rating

The MERV (minimum efficiency rating value) on a filter will provide you with information on the size of particles the filter allows through. Lower MERV ratings between one and four will stop about 75% of particles, while ratings from five to eight can trap up to 90%. Filters with MERV numbers above eight have the most commendable qualities, with 12 being the highest for residential use. They can trap 98% of particles.

One thing to note when considering MERV ratings is that the higher MERV ratings can also lower the efficiency of your system as it has to work harder to pull air through the small holes on the filter. This makes MERV ratings between six and eight the most common for finding the right balance between function and efficiency. Be sure to use the filter that your manufacturer recommends for your system.

Choose the Correct Type

You will also want to decide whether you would be better served by a washable or disposable filter. If choosing disposable, you should consider choosing fiberglass, pleated, or polyester.

If you need help finding the right filter for your system, contact us at 865-238-4835. One of our Cook’s Comfort Systems specialist will help you choose the ideal one.

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