We’re all familiar with the importance of clean air, but did you know that the air inside your home can contain up to five times higher levels of pollutants than outside? That’s right—a good air filter can mean the difference between breathing in clean air and breathing in polluted air.
Regardless if you have allergies, asthma, or are just looking to improve the quality of your home environment, an effective home filtering system is a must. But with so many different types of filters available on the market today, you might be feeling overwhelmed or unsure about which filter is best for your needs.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the basics of home air filters and guide you through choosing one that fits both your needs and budget. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the information you need to choose an effective home filtering system for clean, fresh air in your living space.
What Are Home Air Filters and Why Are They Important?
You may have heard that having a home air filter is beneficial for reducing allergens and improving your indoor air quality. But what exactly is a home air filter? And why are they important?
Put simply, a home air filter is an HVAC system accessory that helps to remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants from the air in your home. By creating a cleaner and healthier environment in your home, you can help reduce allergy symptoms in both adults and children.
Furthermore, regular use of an air filter can help reduce the accumulation of dust on surfaces around your house—resulting in less time spent cleaning.
In addition to improving indoor air quality, air filters make it easier for your HVAC system to continue running efficiently by removing dirt and debris that can damage components over time. Keeping this important equipment clean and well-maintained can prolong its life and save you money on expensive repair or replacement costs down the road.
Identifying the Right Size Filter for Your Home
Making the right choice when it comes to home air filters is all about knowing your home's size, fit, and space. To start, you'll want to measure your existing filter and identify the size you need for your air filter replacement. That means looking for an exact replacement in terms of size and type, or else you may find yourself overrun with dust, dirt, and allergens.
Once you've identified the right size for your home, you'll need to find a filter that fits those dimensions with precision. This can be more difficult than it sounds because certain brands offer measurements in metric rather than imperial units. To help navigate these conversions, use a conversion calculator to get the exact measurements you need in inches or centimeters.
Lastly, be sure to check what type of filter frame your current filter uses as there are several different types out there to pick from, flex-frame filters are popular among new construction projects while box-type frames tend to be more common in older homes and buildings. Make sure that whatever type of frame you select matches up with your current system.
Choosing the Right Type of Filter Material
Choosing the right type of filter material is key. The most commonly used types of filter materials are fiberglass and pleated paper.
Fiberglass Filters
Fiberglass filters are the cheaper option, and they do a decent job at removing dust and other particles from the air. One thing to keep in mind is that they don't last very long—you'll need to replace them once a month. They also can't trap smaller particles, like smoke or pet dander, which could be bad news for anyone with allergies or asthma.
Pleated Paper Filters
Pleated paper filters can catch even the tiniest particles, so they're a better choice if you have family members with allergies or asthma. They also last longer—up to three months before needing replacement—so you won't need to change your filter as often. Plus, since pleated paper filters have more surface area than fiberglass ones do, they're more effective at trapping air pollutants.
Understanding MERV Ratings and What They Mean
Choosing between different home air filters is a lot like shopping for a new car—you need to understand what you’re getting before you make a purchase. That's why you should familiarize yourself with MERV ratings and what they mean.
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It's how air filter manufacturers measure the effectiveness of their products. The rating is based on how well it captures the particles in your home, like pet dander, dust particles, mold spores, and pollen. A higher rating means your filter can capture more particles from the air.
Here's an overview of MERV ratings and what they mean:
MERV 1-4: Designed for protection from large particles like dust mites and carpet fibers, but not as effective at capturing tiny particles like smoke and viruses.
MERV 5-8: Can help remove smaller particles like mold spores and pet dander, ideal for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
MERV 9-12: Can remove even finer particles like smoke and smog, perfect if you live in a high-pollution area or have severe allergies/asthma.
MERV 13-16: Designed for the removal of the smallest particles like bacteria and viruses. This is great if someone in the house has a weakened immune system, such as an elderly person or small children.
A range of MERV ratings means that you can find one to suit your individual needs, no matter where you live or who lives in your home.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Home Air Filters
You’re almost there! Now it’s time to put all this knowledge into practice. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the perfect home air filters for your needs.
Size
Make sure you measure your air filters’ size carefully. A filter that is too small can allow contaminants to pass through, while one that is too large could cause airflow restrictions which could damage your HVAC unit.
MERV Rating
MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and is used to rate the efficiency of air filters from 1-16. Generally, the higher the number, the better filtration quality you will get from the filter. However, a MERV rating that is too high can also cause airflow restrictions or damage to your HVAC unit so be sure to choose one that is suitable for your system.
Price
Price may be a deciding factor when it comes to air filters—but don't sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks. Cheaper filters may need replacing more often and won't be as effective in capturing airborne particles such as dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. Higher-quality air filters can last up to 3 months and offer superior filtration against even the tiniest contaminants in your home's air supply.
Now you should be well on your way towards making an informed decision about which home air filter best suits your budget and needs!
How Often Should You Change Your Home Air Filters?
Making the right choice for your home air filters isn't just about which filters you buy—it's also about how often you change them. Depending on the type of filter and the air quality in your home, you could need to replace your air filter once every month or so.
MERV rating
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of the filter can help in determining how often they need to be replaced. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles it traps—which means that more particles build up over time, so higher-rated filters need to be swapped out more often than lower-rated ones.
Type of Filter
The type of filter also affects how often they should be changed out, as different types of filters are better at capturing different sizes and types of particles. Some filters are made to capture pet dander, while others are specifically designed for dust mite or mold allergen reduction.
Air Quality
Depending on your home's air quality and the quality of the air where you live, you may need to change out your air filters more often—especially if there is a lot of pollen or other allergens in the air. If it's especially smokey outdoors from wildfires, or from people burning wood stoves nearby, then changing out your home air filter every month is a good idea as well.
By keeping an eye on your home's indoor and outdoor air quality, and swapping out your filters accordingly, you can make sure that your family is breathing easy—and reduce potential health risks associated with poor indoor air quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right home air filter involves a lot of decisions. First, you’ll need to determine the size you need, the type of filter that best suits your household's needs, and your budget. You’ll also want to consider the ease of filter replacement, how often replacement is needed, and if the filter's performance matches the stated claims of the manufacturer.
Getting the right filter can make a big difference in the air quality of your home, so take the time to consider your options. Whether you choose a standard filter or a specialty filter, you’ll be providing your family with clean, healthy air for a healthier, happier home.
Further Reading:
What to Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier?