The MERV rating are a measurement of how effective an air filter is at capturing particle in the air. The MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating of an air filter is, the more effectively the air filter will be at capturing small particles.
A micron is a unit of measurement that indicates the size of microscopic objects. Human hair is approximately 70 microns in diameter. Therefore, human hair is much larger in diameter than the particles that air filter are designed to capture.
How to Choose the Right Air Filter
Many of the particles that can make people sneeze is relatively large in diameter. Therefore, a basic air filter is able to capture those relatively large particles. However, a basic air filter is not necessarily able to capture all of the small particles in the air, and, therefore, may not be the best solution for individuals with health issue related to those air particles.
When choosing an air filter to use in an HVAC system, it is important to consider the MERV rating of the air filter. The MERV rating will determine the amount of air that can pass through the air filter. Air filter act as a barrier between the air and the HVAC system.
Air filters with higher MERV ratings are made of a material that is more tightly woven to ensure that small particles in the air is captured. If the material of the air filter is very tightly woven, the HVAC system has to work harder to push the air through the air filter. If very high MERV rating air filters is installed into a residential HVAC system, the HVAC system may begin to work against the air filter due to the restriction of the airflow.
This can lead to increased electricity bills for the residential property, as the HVAC system will be working longer period of time to move the air through the HVAC system. Additionally, if the cooling coil of an HVAC system become frozen, it is likely that the restricted air movement caused by the air filter is the cause. These factors indicate that it is important to choose an appropriate air filter for a residential HVAC system.
Many individuals may find it best to choose an air filter with a mid-range MERV rating. Such air filters are effective at capturing the common particles that make individuals sneeze, such as pet dander and mold. Additionally, air filters with a mid-range MERV rating are less likely to restrict the airflow through the HVAC system to the point that the HVAC system and air filter experience wear and tear compared to higher MERV air filters.
However, if the person selects an air filter that has a higher MERV rating, it may be appropriate to use it in an area that have high levels of smog or where individuals have severe allergy to the particles in the air. The depth of the air filter that is used can also impact the performance of that air filter, as well as how often that air filter need to be replaced. If a thin air filter that is one-inch thickness is used, the air filter has a small area in which to move the air through the HVAC system.
As a result, thin air filters will become clogged with the dust in the environment more quick than air filters that are thick. Four-inch pleated air filters provides more area for the air to move through the HVAC system. Additionally, there is more area for the dust in the air to be contained in the air filter rather than restricting the movement of air.
Therefore, four-inch pleated air filters will last longer in the HVAC system than thin air filters. In order for an air filter to function as it was designed to perform, the air filter must be replaced at regular intervals. Air filters are only effective within the HVAC system while the pores of the air filter is clear of dust.
If the pores of the air filter become clogged with dust, air will not be able to move through the air filter proper, and air will leak around the air filter to move through the HVAC system. Air filters should be replaced according to the time schedule that is listed on the air filter itself. If the air filter is located within an area that have many pets or if the air filter is present in the air filter in a dusty portion of the environment, the air filter will need to be replaced at more regular intervals.
By changing the air filter at regular intervals and with the correct air filter for the HVAC system, an individual can ensure that the air in the environment is clean and that the HVAC system isnt wearing down too quick. You should of checked the its condition regularlly.