The importance of proper selection of the air conditioning filter

rnIn addition to the recommended annual maintenance, did you know that onee of the easiest ways to maintain your home air conditioning system is to regularly replace your air filter? Well, most of you already knew that, but what factors do you use when replacing your filter and, more importantly, what factors do you use when buying an air filter for your home air conditioning system? In this quick tip, we'll take a look at the different types of air filters for your home and a few things to consider when buying one. An interesting fact is that, according to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times worse in air quality than outdoor air. (source: epa.gov) This may sound surprising, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. The reason for this is that your indoor air is recirculated through your home. The only "leak" this air gets is from your air conditioning system. And as you, your family, and your pets use your home, air quality worsens over time if it is not filtered efficiently. Fortunately, in 1987, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ashrae.org) created the MERV Rating system to evaluate the effectiveness of air filters. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with a higher number corresponding to a higher percentage of particles trapped by the air filter. Air filters with a low MERV rating will only trap large particles, while filters with a high MERV rating will trap large, small, and even microscopic particles, such as bacteria and even odor. There are 4 basic types of filters, each with a different range of MERV ratings: The first type that is generally made of fiberglass, spun glass, or polyester is designed more to protect your system rather than improve the air quality in your home. The reason for this is that these filters have a low MERV rating and will only remove large particles from the air. The second type is the pleated filter, which has a higher MERV rating and will remove large and small particles from the air. Third, there is the pleated electrostatic rheem furnace. This is the best filter available and will remove large, small, and even microscopic particles from the air. Air filters with the highest MERV ratings will even remove small bacteria and even odors from the indoor air. These are especially good for people who suffer from allergies. And finally, the washable air filters. When considering these, you should remember that while they may last longer due to the ability to be washed and reused, they are generally not as effective as pleated and pleated electrostatic air filters. The EPA (epa.gov) recommends air filters with an MERV rating between 8 and 13, while the American Lung Association (lungusa.org) recommends air filters with a MERV of 10 or higher.