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Choose the Best Filter

How to Choose the Best Filter for Better Indoor Air

Whether or not you have allergies, everyone wants to breathe good, clean air. With all the different options available for your Palatine, Illinois, home, choosing the right filter for your HVAC system can be difficult. With a bit of information about the differences between various filters, you can find the right one for your home.

Ratings

All filters are rated in some way. The most common rating system is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale. This rating system ranks filters between one and twenty based on the percentage of particles they filter between 0.3 and 10 microns. A higher MERV rating is generally better. However, the highest rated filters are not needed for your home.

Particles Captured

Understanding the different sizes of microns that can be filtered will help you make sense of the rating system. Filters with a MERV rating between one and four will filter particles up to 10 microns in size, while filters with a MERV of 13 to 16 can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters are typically a higher quality and will give you more breathable air.

Types of Filters

Once you understand the rating and particle sizes, it’s time to decide on a type of filter. This is one of those times where you get what you pay for.

  • Flat-paneled fiberglass air filters: Inexpensive and disposable with a MERV rating between one and four.
  • Pleated filters: Slightly more expensive and also disposable with a MERV rating between five and thirteen.
  • Washable filters: High-cost filters that are reusable but are high maintenance with the MERV rating ranging from one to four.
  • High-efficiency air filters: These are higher cost, disposable filters with a MERV rating between 13 and 16.
  • HEPA filters: removes 99.97% of 0.3 microns from the air and has a MERV rating between 17 and 20. These filters are not practical for home HVAC use.

Now that you know the difference in filters and what to look for, you can feel more confident that you are choosing the right one to keep your indoor air clean. If you are looking for other ways to improve your indoor air quality, contact Tempco Heating and Air Conditioning today at (847) 670-7000.