Picking up an air filter for your HVAC system is as easy as going to your local hardware store and grabbing the one that fits your unit—right? Not if you want quality filtration for your indoor air quality. As it turns out, air conditioning and heating filters were not originally designed to improve our health. In reality, a filter’s first function is to keep debris out of the HVAC system. Imagine if a large piece of debris jammed a motor. This would result in a costly repair, which is why a filter first and foremost protects the unit.
Over time, professionals found ways to filter smaller particles out of the air with more advanced air filtration systems. The HVAC filter you use currently does provide some level of filtration. But it may not filter some of the most common contaminants that stay in the air you breathe. A quality air filter will help to eliminate some of the most common pollutants found in homes in Miami, FL. So how do you choose the right one?
Look for the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating! The MERV is a number 1-12 which lets you know how effective that filter is. A filter with a MERV of 3 is effective enough to eliminate dust mites but not pollen in many cases. A MERV of 4 can get rid of pollen, while it takes a MERV of 8 to eliminate mold spores that pass through the filter.
Unfortunately, if you choose a filter that has a MERV that is too high, it can damage your system. Your air conditioner needs a certain amount of airflow in order to work properly, and a filter that is too thick will prevent air from flowing in, which could lead to frozen coils and overworked parts.
It’s best to work with a technician when choosing the best filter for your health, family, and HVAC unit. The indoor air quality experts at air on Demand offer air filtration service, and can even help you to find an electronic filter for advanced purification. Give us a call today to get our quality air filtration services in Miami, FL.