5 facts about air filters

5 facts about air filters



air conditioning

air conditioning air conditioning 23 March 2025 0 Comments

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5 Facts About Air Filters

 Brief explanation from https://www.kan-service.com/ Air Conditioning contractor in LA, California.

Air filters are vital to keeping our homes clean, our HVAC systems running smoothly, and providing proper indoor air quality and comfort. However, you may not be aware of some of the things your air filters do. Here are five facts about HVAC air filters you may not know.

 

1. Standard Air Filters Were Designed Only to Protect Equipment

People think that HVAC air filters clean the air you breathe in your home, but not all air filters are created equal. Standard air filters were designed only to protect the HVAC system by filtering out large dust and debris, but not smaller particles like common allergens.

Air filters have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating.

Filters with a low MERV rating (4 or less) will help protect your air conditioner but won't clean the air. The EPA recommends air filters with a MERV rating of 7 to 13 to remove small particles that can cause allergies.

If you want cleaner air, consider the Air Scrubber by Aerus.

A whole-home air purification system is installed directly into your existing HVAC system. It's proven to remove 99% of all surface and airborne contaminants, including VOCs, odors, dust, pet dander, mold, mildew, and other allergens or asthma triggers.

Plus, it's the only air purifier scientifically proven to reduce the amount of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) on surfaces.

 

2. An Overused Filter Can Cost You

If your HVAC system's air filters aren't being replaced regularly, they can cost you more. Your HVAC system will have to work harder to pull air through dirty and clogged filters, which uses more energy (increasing energy bills) and causes more wear and tear on the system (which can lead to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan).

Talk to a professional HVAC technician who can advise you on which air filters are right for your system and how often they should be replaced.

 

3. Don't try to clean and reuse an air filter

Unless you have purchased special air filters designed to be cleaned and reused, never try to clean a disposable air filter. This can damage the filter, allowing particles into the air you breathe, and if it is stored in a damp or humid area, it can grow mold, fungi, and bacteria.

 

4. Don't Always Buy the Filter with the Highest Rating

Especially if you have a family member with allergies, you may assume you should buy an air filter with the highest MERV rating (16). Filters with a MERV rating of 16 and above are typically used in environments where air filtration is critical, such as hospitals.

However, air filters with higher MERV ratings tend to be more expensive, and they can also cause your system to work harder than necessary, which will again increase your energy bills and shorten the life of your system. Many HVAC systems have a maximum MERV rating listed – don't exceed it.

 

5. Turn Off the System When Changing Air Filters

Finally, ensure that you turn off your HVAC system when changing your air filters first. Otherwise, you could spread unfiltered dust and particles throughout your home. Having the right air filters and replacing them regularly is essential to maintaining the air quality in your home.

To help you remember to change your air filters on time, order them through our online store and schedule them to be delivered regularly.

 

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