Here at Aireman Filtration, we are passionate about clean air, so we know how important choosing the right filter is.

This is why we want to tell you you’d be wrong to assume all air filters are the same and that they will all work equally well for your home

Choosing the wrong type of air filter for your HVAC system could be a waste of time and money, and could mean the air you breathe is still full of allergens, dust and pollutants.

The different types of filters

The easiest way to tell different types of air filters apart is to check their MERV rating. MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value,” which basically means how many particles the filter will trap and remove from the air, and the higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles that will be removed.

Usually, HVAC systems use air filters that have a MERV rating of around 8, while air filters of around 16 – 18 are usually reserved for industrial facilities.

Choosing the right filter for your home

Obviously, you need to make sure the filter you buy is the right size and shape to suit your current HVAC system, in order to ensure it fits and is able to do its job.

There are many factors that have an effect on which type of filter will be best suited for your home:

Health

If you, or a member of your family, suffer severely from asthma, hay fever, or any other respiratory issues, then it is more than likely you will need an air filter with a stronger MERV rating. This ensures that as many allergens and particles of dust as possible are removed from the air you breathe, to make sure your symptoms aren’t being exacerbated while your home.

You can always switch your filter type seasonally if you suffer from a condition like hay fever, which affects you more at certain times of year.

How full your house is

If you are living in a large house with just one other person, then your air filter won’t have to work as hard as it would for a family of seven living in the same sized home. The more people there are in your home, the more skin cells and dust particles your air filter will have to deal with, and so the higher the MERV rating will have to be.

Pets

We all love our pets; they become part of the family. But if you do own pets, especially breeds that tend to shed a lot of fur or dander, then you will again need a stronger air filter. This is to make sure all the fur and dander your pet sheds are caught by the filter and removed from the air, while a weaker filter will simply clog up with the debris much too quickly, which will in turn make your HVAC system work harder than it should have to.

For all your air filter needs and queries, just visit Aireman Filtration today.