Determine the Best Air Filter for Your Home’s HVAC System

Getting the best air filter for your home is important, as indoor air pollution can lead to many health risks. If you’re looking to protect yourself and your family with a good, dependable air filter, start by figuring out which ones represent the best options for your house’s HVAC system. Read on for some assistance with making this important decision.

To Identify the Best Air Filters, You Need to Understand the Ratings

Filters have ratings that can help you understand which ones are superior to others. Unfortunately, these ratings might just confuse you even more if you don’t understand what they mean. Following here is a quick rundown:

n
• MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, ranges from 1-20 based on the effectiveness with which a filter can pull particles from the air passing through it. The higher the number, the better the filtration.

n

• MPR, or Micro-particle Performance Rating, showcases a filter’s ability to grab the smallest of air particles. A higher number is once again preferable here.

n

• FPR, or Filter Performance Rating, is used by Home Depot stores as a ranking system for the filters they have available for sale. Once again, the higher numbers mean better filters.

The Types of Air Filters

Fiberglass air filters use a flat surface to trap air particles. These filters are cheap (sometimes going for a dollar or less), but unfortunately, they’re worth exactly what they cost. They only remove a tiny percentage of air pollutants and are not recommended for your filtration needs.

Pleated filters remove a larger amount of pollutants, and the number of pleats has a direct impact on their effectiveness. They cost roughly $10 each, and while fiberglass filters have a MERV rating between 1 and 4, pleated varieties fall into the 10-13 range. Even better are high-efficiency air filters, which can remove 85% of particles from the air you breathe. This MERV rating falls between 14 and 16, making them the best choice for HVAC systems in most residences.

For more information on the best air filter for your specific needs, or for help choosing or installing one, click to get in touch with the experts at Brummitt Heating & Cooling.