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Did you know that indoor air quality is often 2-5 times worse than outdoor air quality? In extreme cases, indoor air quality can be over 100 times worse than outdoor air quality. The air inside many homes is full of pollutants such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, bacteria, mold, smoke, and odors. At Pyramid Heating & Cooling, we believe fresh, clean indoor air is an absolute necessity. Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, cause respiratory problems, and make a family extremely uncomfortable in their home. Air filters are one of the most cost-efficient indoor air quality solutions. Our team is here to guide you through all of the factors you need to consider when it comes to selecting the right air filter for your home.
Factors to Consider
When it comes to selecting the right filter for your home and family, there are different factors that you need to take into consideration.
Size
Finding the correct sizing for your air filter is crucial. Check either the label on your current air filter or read through your manufacturer’s guidelines to find the exact measurements required for your system. An incorrectly sized air filter will affect the safety and efficiency of both your air filter and your HVAC system. For example, an air filter that is too small will allow particles such as dust and dirt to flow right past it, making it easy for these contaminants to circulate through your home.
MERV Rating
Air filters are rated on a scale of 1-16 based on their levels of efficiency. These ratings are called MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV ratings help consumers identify how well designed a filter is and how many contaminants it can filter out. You will want to choose a filter with a rating that best suits your air quality needs. Whether you have a family member with allergies or one with respiratory problems, there are plenty of air filters that are perfect for your home.
The higher the MERV rating, the more airborne particles the filter can trap. Below are the MERV rating guidelines:
- A filter with a rating of 1-4 can filter out 60-80% of particles
- A filter with a rating of 5-8 can filter out 80-95% of particles
- A filter with a rating of 9-12 can filter out 90-98% of particles
- A filter with a rating of 13-16 can filter out 95-99% of particles
You should keep in mind that the highest MERV ratings aren’t necessarily the best for you. Filters with the highest ratings can actually put quite a strain on your HVAC systems as they must work harder to send air through your home. It is important to select a filter that both filters out airborne contaminants and reduces strain on your systems.
Types of Air Filters
Air filters can have a serious impact on the health of your home, so choosing the right one is important.
There are several different types of air filters to choose from, including:
- HEPA: HEPA filters provide the highest level of protection against airborne particles. They remove at least 99.97% of contaminants measuring 0.3 microns or higher from your indoor air.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass filters are the most used, least expensive, and least efficient air filters. They tend to filter out the largest particles, such as dust, from your indoor air.
- Pleated: Pleated filters are a step up from fiberglass filters in terms of efficiency. They trap dust, pet dander, and dust mites in your air before it circulates through your home.
- Reusable: Also known as washable or electrostatic filters, reusable filters cost more than other filters but can be used time and time again for several years. They are most effective against small particles.
Install an Air Filter in Your Home Today
At Pyramid Heating & Cooling, our team is here to help your home thrive. We are committed to ensuring you and your family are safe and comfortable, which is why we provide premium-quality air filter services. Our indoor air quality specialists can help you determine which filter is right for your home, so you can start breathing in fresh, clean air as soon as possible.
Reach out to our team online or by calling (503) 783-8488 to learn more about how we can take care of your home. We aren’t comfortable until you are!