How Do I Choose The Right AC Filter?
Indoor air quality is one of the most important factors for homeowners in South Florida. Even more important than that is having a well-functioning AC unit to combat those humid days. Your AC filter works to purify the air and keep the unit running efficiently and effectively.
When it comes to choosing the right filter for your home, there are different factors to take into consideration. The type of filter you decide to choose should depend on how you want your AC unit to perform in your home, and for your needs. Choosing the right filter is not only important to ensuring your equipment is clean. It’s also integral to your indoor air quality that can impact your family’s health. Our experts at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric are here to help you choose the right AC filter for your home.
What Are The Different AC Filter Factors?
When it comes to choosing the right filter for your AC, there are different factors that might affect how your AC performs. Here our AC experts break these factors down for you and help you choose the best one for your unit and family needs.
Air Filter Sizing
Choosing the right filter size for your AC unit is important to make sure it functions correctly and optimally. Your AC filter exists to not only keep dust out of the air in your home but to also keep dust away from the unit itself.
For example, dirt on the coils inside your AC unit can obstruct the process in which the unit produces cold air. At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, our HVAC technicians can help identify the correct filter sizing for your AC unit to ensure it is performing optimally.
MERV Rating & Air Quality
Every AC filter comes with a MERV rating – a minimum efficiency reporting value. This rating is helpful to understand how effective the filter will be at filtering out unwanted particles to produce a higher indoor air quality. The higher the MERV rating, the better filtration will be. Although it is important to note that MERV ratings range from 0 to 20 but AC filters with values greater than 13 are not intended for home HVAC systems. These air filters can actually restrict airflow and put your HVAC system in jeopardy.
If you need a filter for your window AC unit then you want to look for a filter with a MERV rating of between one and four. AC filters with a MERV rating of between five and eight provide good home HVAC filtration, whereas ratings between nine and 12 provide excellent home HVAC filtration for superior indoor air quality. If you’ve got pets at home, then Art definitely recommends getting a filter with a MERV rating of 12 to combat that extra hair our furry friends bring.
Disposable vs. Washable AC Filters
Another factor to take into consideration when choosing an AC filter is to decide between disposable or washable filters. Disposable filters need to be checked on a monthly basis and should be replaced regularly. A washable filter lasts longer and is an eco-friendly option. A washable filter should be replaced yearly but checked throughout the year to make sure it is clean and performing optimally.
Choosing The Right AC Filter For Your Home
Selecting the right filter for your AC unit means cleaner air, and a better performing unit that is energy-efficient and works well on those hot summer days.
When it comes to everything HVAC, Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric has all the answers you’re looking for. We can help you choose the right filter for your needs, and help you get the most from your AC system. Having a clean home is important to us and we understand the implications the wrong AC filters can have.
Give us a call today at 1-800-475-1504 and you can trust us to give you the help you need.
