The filter in your AC and heating system serves two purposes: protecting your furnace and air handler from damage and keeping the air you breathe as clean as possible. Standard air filters help protect HVAC systems by removing pollen, dust, mold, dust mites, and bacteria from the air. Regularly changing or replacing your air filter is essential for maintaining both system protection and healthy indoor air, especially for those with allergies. It’s widely recommended to change your home’s air filter every 90 days.
However, the very first air filters were not designed for air cleaning so much as for system protection, and there are still many air filters out there that are not so effective at keeping your air clean and healthy. High-quality filters made from the highest quality materials are more effective at capturing allergens such as dust mites and pet dander, which can trigger allergies. Air filters with higher MERV ratings are better for managing pet dander, pollen, and dust. With so many options available, including custom air filters, there is a wide variety of air filter products and brands to meet different needs. High-quality air filters are conveniently available online for high-performance air purification. Selecting from a variety of trusted brands ensures you can find the right product for your system.
Premium filters, such as those rated MERV 13, often outperform original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters in both filtration efficiency and durability. While OEM filters are standard, higher-rated filters can provide superior air quality and longer lifespan. Choosing the right filter can also save you money by improving energy efficiency and preventing costly HVAC repairs.
We are dedicated to providing each customer with a positive experience and high-quality air filtration solutions.
Our company is focused on supplying a wide range of air filters to meet the needs of both residential and commercial clients.
Introduction to Air Filters
Air filters are essential components in maintaining the air quality of both homes and commercial spaces. Our company serves both residential and commercial customers by offering tailored air filtration solutions designed to meet their specific needs. By acting as barriers, air filters help prevent harmful airborne particles, such as dust, mold, pollen, and bacteria, from circulating throughout your environment. This not only supports a healthier space to breathe but also ensures that the air you and your family inhale is as clean as possible. Activated carbon filters are effective at reducing indoor odors and neutralizing smells from sources like pets and cooking. Visible dust accumulation or dust on surfaces is a sign that your air filter needs to be replaced. With so many options available, including custom air filters designed for unique needs, it’s important to understand the different types of filters and their specific benefits. Choosing the right air filters can make a significant difference in the overall quality of your indoor air, helping to reduce allergens and improve your comfort.
Understanding Air Filter Types
When it comes to selecting air filters for your HVAC system, understanding the different types available is key to ensuring both air quality and system efficiency. Traditional fiberglass filters are commonly found in most homes due to their affordability, but they offer lower efficiency and need to be replaced more frequently. It is important to replace these filters regularly to maintain system performance. For those seeking better filtration, residential air filters with higher MERV ratings, such as pleated or synthetic options, are designed to capture smaller airborne particles and provide improved air quality. Deep pleated air filters are available in 4-5 inch sizes and also remove airborne irritants like pollen and dust. The right size filter is also crucial, choosing a filter that fits your system properly helps maintain optimal airflow and prevents unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. If you cannot find the correct sized filter, you can order custom sizes. By carefully selecting the type and size of your air filter, you can enhance both the performance and longevity of your system.
MERV Rating and Filter Efficiency
The MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a key measure of an air filter’s effectiveness in capturing airborne particles. Filters with a higher MERV rating are capable of trapping finer particles, which leads to better air quality throughout your home or commercial space. MERV ratings typically range from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating greater efficiency. For example, a MERV 13 filter can capture up to 98% of airborne particles, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize air quality and system performance. MERV 13 rated air filters can capture airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Activated carbon filters work well for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Understanding MERV ratings helps you select the right filter for your HVAC system, ensuring that you achieve the best balance between filtration effectiveness and system efficiency.
Finding effective filters for cleaning the air
If your family members suffer from asthma or allergy symptoms, your air conditioning and heating systems certainly are not helping. These circulate contaminants around the air, forcing them back out into your living space and making it easier to inhale them. Stop dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, and even bacteria and viruses by selecting the filter that is right for your home. If you have pets or smokers in your home, air filters should be replaced every 30 to 60 days. Shoppers can select a delivery schedule for their air filter purchases, enabling easy refills.
With so many options available, including custom air filters designed for unique needs, it’s important to understand the different types of filters and their specific benefits. We keep a wide variety of air filters in stock to ensure quick delivery and availability for both residential and commercial needs.
- Fiberglass: This is the most basic filter, and it tends to have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of about 1-4 (on a scale that goes up to 16, or up to 20 in some cases). While these are effective at blocking debris and removing some contaminants, they really don’t do much to improve your air quality.
- Washable filters: Washable filters are convenient, but they also tend to have low efficiency ratings, and they may contribute to the spread of bacteria.
- Pleated Filters: Pleated filters have a larger surface area, so they are better able to trap dust and other incoming debris. These can have MERV ratings of between 8 and 13. Filters with a MERV 13 rating are comparable to other high-performance filters like MPR 1500/1900 and FPR 10 in their ability to capture fine particles.
- Furnace filter: A furnace filter is essential for maintaining your HVAC system and improving indoor air quality by capturing dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne contaminants.
- HEPA: A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can trap most of the smallest pollutants moving through your air.
Resources and guides are available to help you find the right filter for your specific needs.
Make sure it’s the right fit for your system
You should keep in mind that, sometimes, air filters are so effective that they can actually restrict airflow into the system. If your HEPA filter is too restrictive, the heating and air conditioning systems will not be able to pull in enough air to run properly and they may encounter a number of issues as a result, not to mention an increase in your energy bills. Don’t choose a MERV rating higher than 12 to be safe, and have a technician advise you on selecting the right filter size when you get an opportunity. The depth of the filter is an important dimension to consider for proper fit and optimal performance, as filters typically range from 1 to 5 inches thick depending on your furnace’s specifications. Professional assistance can help ensure you select the correct filter size and type for your system. The right filter not only protects your system but also supports efficient cooling by maintaining proper airflow.
Standard Filter Sizes: What You Need to Know
Selecting the right size air filter is a crucial step in maintaining the air quality and efficiency of your HVAC system, whether in a home or commercial space. Standard filter sizes are designed to fit most residential air filters and furnace filters, making it easy for most homes to find a compatible option. However, using the wrong size filter can lead to reduced airflow, decreased efficiency, and even potential damage to your system. A dirty air filter that doesn’t fit properly can allow dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria to circulate, undermining your efforts to keep your indoor air clean.
To ensure you’re getting the right filter, always measure the width, height, and thickness of your current filter or the filter slot in your system. Accurate measurements are essential, as even a small difference in size can impact the filter’s effectiveness and your HVAC system’s performance. For most homes, a standard filter with a MERV rating of 13 is sufficient to capture airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust mites, pollen, and bacteria. If you have pets or allergies, you may benefit from a higher MERV rating, but it’s important to balance filtration efficiency with proper airflow to avoid straining your system.
If your system requires a unique size or you have specific air quality needs, custom air filters are available to ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance. At Air Filters Inc., we offer a wide variety of residential and commercial air filters, including both standard and custom sizes, all made from the highest quality materials. Our products are designed to capture a broad range of airborne particles, helping you maintain a healthier environment and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Regularly replacing your air filters with the right size and MERV rating not only improves air quality but also helps reduce energy bills and keeps your system running smoothly. Whether you’re shopping for standard filter sizes or need a custom solution, our team is here to help you find the right filter for your specific needs. By selecting and replacing your air filters with care, you can ensure clean air, efficient system operation, and a comfortable living or working space.
Benefits of Regular Replacement
Regularly replacing dirty air filters is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain the efficiency and cleanliness of your central air system. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and operate less efficiently, which can lead to higher energy bills and even potential damage to the system. By replacing your air filters at recommended intervals, typically every 3 months or 90 days, you help ensure clean air, optimal airflow, and a healthier indoor environment. Having your air filters changed regularly prevents system strain and promotes healthier indoor air. Unusual or persistent odors may indicate that your air filter change is overdue. Regular replacement also helps reduce odors, mold, and mildew, contributing to better overall air quality and comfort in your home.
Installing Your New Air Filter
Installing a new air filter correctly is essential for maintaining optimal airflow and ensuring your HVAC system operates at peak performance. Before purchasing a replacement, take the time to locate your system’s filter slot and carefully measure the dimensions, width, height, and thickness, to guarantee a proper fit. The measurements may also be included in your HVAC system manual before purchasing a replacement filter. You can ask an HVAC professional to measure the filter slot if you don’t have the filter you were previously using. When it’s time to install the new filter, handle it by the edges to avoid damaging the filter media, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement. By choosing the right filter and installing it properly, you’ll enjoy improved air quality, lower energy bills, and a longer-lasting HVAC system. Regularly replacing and correctly fitting your air filter is a simple step that makes a big difference in the comfort and health of your home.
We carry all different filter sizes and we can advise you on all of the best methods of AC maintenance in the Jacksonville area. Give AC Designs Inc. a call. We will deliver above your expectations!