Filtering Fact from Fiction
One of the simplest things you can do to improve the efficiency of you HVAC system is to stay on top of your filters and keep them clean and fresh. A clogged filter not only decreases the efficiency of your system, but it also costs you money and is terrible for quality of life.
I. Filter technology works to reduce:
Bacteria and microorganisms
Dust and dirt
Fibers and lint
Hair and animal fur
Metal, plaster or wood particles
Mold and mold spores
Pollen
II. What are filters made of :
Typically are constructed in variation of spun fibergrass, pleated paper, foam rubber or cloth and wire and secured in a cardboard frame. The purpose is to reduce the particulates in the air.
There are a wide range of air quality filters, and they range from very simple low quallity filters to very high quality filtration. Filter quality is rated with MERV Ratings. While typical filters used in most applications are in the 8-10 range of their MERV rating. But the ratings run the gamut from a MERV rating of 1, up to a high rating of a MERV of 20 which can theoretically control and trap particles as small as <0.30pm particle size. ( MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)
The most common particles filters are tested for tobacco smoke, dust, pet dander, mold spores, textile and carpet fbers and pollen. MERV ratings in the 7-12 will remove these irritants. Hospital and surgery filters are typically performing in the 13-16 MERV range.
Something that eludes many people is that their first assumption is that if 12 is good 20 is better.
Unfortunately the strain this places on the AIR HANDING SYSTEM will produce poorer air quality and terrible inefficiencies in your HVAC system.
Keep your filters clean and stay GREEN!