Selecting the Right Air Filter

When it comes to ensuring you don’t need air conditioning service or air conditioning repair, your air conditioner’s filter is one of the most important things to take care of. It ensures that the quality of your household air is pure and free of particulates, and if you are prone to allergies from things like pollen and pet dander, then having a high-quality air filter is a must. But how do you go about selecting the right air filter? Air conditioning experts recommend focusing on three points: filter size, MERV ratings, and your household’s needs. Here, we’ll take a more in-depth look at what each of these factors mean to help you better find the right air filter.

Filter Size

The first factor to consider is the size of the filter you need. If you have looked at an air filter before, you might have noticed that they are categorized by size, generally in the form of three numbers like this: 16 x 25 x 1. It is important that your air filter is the proper size for your home because using one that is too big or too small will not properly regulate your home’s air quality. This is because an air filter works by being sealed against the frame of its filter slot as a result of air pressure. An improperly sized filter will allow unfiltered air to leak through into your home. You can easily determine the correct size of your air filter by looking at the filter currently in your air conditioner; there should be a size printed along the side of the filter. If not, you can bring the filter into a home improvement store to find the correct size.

MERV Ratings

As any air conditioning expert will tell you, MERV ratings are one of the best ways to determine whether an air filter is high-quality. MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Rating Value, is a system developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers that allows you to quickly compare filters produced by different manufacturers. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 20, with 20 representing highest efficiency and how well the filter collects unwanted particles. Ask a professional at Chas Roberts for more information about MERV ratings.

Your Home

Finally, you should always consider your personal needs when it comes to selecting the right air filter. Are you prone to allergies, or do you have pets? You might want to consider purchasing a filter that ranks higher on the MERV scale. You can also purchase a disposable filter, washable filter, or an electronic air cleaner. Disposable filters are the most common and generally need replacing every month. Washable filters can be washed every 1 to 3 months and reused for a number of years.

One of the newest options for air filtration comes in the form of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are generally regarded as one of the most efficient air filtration options on the market today. HEPA filtration technologies can be combined with options like carbon filtration, germicidal UV lamps, and more to completely purify the air within a home or building. Electronic air filters are permanent options that are very effective at cleaning the air, but they are more expensive and require regular cleaning and filter pad replacement. Talk to a professional at Chas Roberts to learn more about your air filter options today!

At Chas Roberts, we are the experts on air conditioning repair and air conditioning service. We pride ourselves in our longevity in the community, our professionalism, and our quality work. We can help you determine the best air purification for your needs. Schedule an appointment online today or call (602) 328-5066 in the Phoenix area or (520) 618-1884 in Tucson.