When it comes to choosing the right air filter for your home, it's important to understand the different types of filters available and the factors to consider. The first step is to turn off the oven and remove the existing oven filter, which will be inside the oven or inside the return air vent. Look for an arrow on the filter that indicates the direction of the air flow and use a permanent marker to draw the direction of the air flow on the outside of the oven, so you always know the correct way to install the filter. Note the size of the oven filter, which will be printed on the cardboard frame. Unless you have a properly sized household air filter, you'll never enjoy the full efficiency that your system and filter can provide.
Simply look at the label of your existing filter for proper measurements, or simply measure it yourself. Typically, household air filters have a thickness of 1, but there are numerous standard dimensions of width and height, and some systems have thicker filters. It's helpful to know that there are different levels of quality available when you buy a replacement air filter. MERV stands for minimum efficiency information value, and a higher value means particle filtration will be more effective. This helps both the indoor air stream and your indoor equipment.
MERV ratings range from one to 20, but values of 13 or higher are generally not designed for use in domestic HVAC systems. These high MERV filters can restrict airflow, affecting indoor air pressure and endangering your equipment. Ratings one to four are excellent for use in window air conditioning units. Ratings five to eight provide good domestic filtration, while ratings nine to 12 provide superior filtration. Costs aren't always indicative of the best MERV ratings, so it's important to check the details when selecting a filter. ASHRAE analyzes filters for particulates such as pollen, dust, dust mites and smoke by determining the MERV rating of each filter.
While a higher MERV number can provide better filtration efficiency, it is very important to understand that a MERV filter that is too high can also cost you more to operate your furnace and air conditioning system.With all the different types of HVAC air filters available at the average home improvement store, choosing the right air filter can be confusing. This is just a guide, so be sure to read the filter manufacturer's information when buying specific filters. Checking the manufacturer's recommended filter change program is another part of choosing the right air filter. Many property managers believe that it is better to buy an electronic media filter rather than going to the rental house every month and replacing the filter.
HVAC professionals recommend choosing AC filters
because of their ability to purify and protect the central system. The easiest way to ensure that the replacement filter is the right size is to check the numbers printed on the existing filter.Once you know what type of filter you are looking for, knowing the MERV range you want will help you choose the right air filter. There are different types of air conditioning filters and other factors to consider when choosing the right one for your home. While most consumers think the filter is in place to keep dust out of the air, its most important function is actually to keep dirt out of your indoor air conditioning equipment. There is another type of filter (a high-efficiency pleat with a MERV of 14-20), but most household ovens cannot withstand blowing air through this filter. But did you know that there are filters that are so effective that you don't have to replace them for up to a year?The truth is that not all HVAC filters are created equal.
Because choosing the right air filter is both about cost-effectiveness and efficiency, the MERV 7 and 8 filters are usually considered as sweet spot for most homes. It's important to read manufacturer's information when buying specific filters and check their recommended filter change program.
