Air filters is components that sit inside an HVAC system, and air filters work to removing particles from the air that passes through the HVAC system. Air filters use different rating systems to indicate how much particulate matter that the air filter are capable of capturing. The different rating systems for air filters, such as MERV, MPR, and FPR use different scale and different methods for testing the air filters to determine how effective they will be at filtering the air that moves through an HVAC system.
Because these systems use different scales to determine the effectiveness of air filters, it is impossible to compare the number associated with each of these systems; a MERV number and an MPR number, for instance, indicate different levels of filtration then the other system, so a person must use cross-referencing charts to determine how the two compare with one another. An independent engineering group created the MERV system, while only one specific company that manufacture air filters created the MPR system. Similarly, a retailer created the FPR system to assist customers in the retailers retail store.
How to choose the right air filter for your home
Because each of these scales uses different methods to determine the effectiveness of air filters, a person may find it difficult to determine the best air filter for their homes. A chart can be used to provide an equivalent rating for each of the air filter systems so that a person can understand there rating. Most homes dont require the highest rating for air filters.
Air filters in the mid-range in effectiveness can remove particles like pollen, dust mite fragment, and pet dander from the air, while also allowing the air to move through the HVAC system at an adequate rate. Individuals that have asthma, or those that live in areas that are prone to wildfire, best use high-level air filters. However, high-level air filters may lead to health issues for the HVAC system if the HVAC system was not created with the features of such high-level air filters.
Using an air filter with such high ratings may lead to the HVAC system working harder to move the air through the system, increasing the energy cost for the homeowners. Therefore, using an air filter with an appropriate rating for the HVAC system will provide the best comfort for the individuals in the home. Another factor to consider when purchasing air filters is the size of the particles that will be removed from the air.
Air filters of each rating are only effective in capturing particles of a certain size. For instance, air filters can remove most large particles like carpet fibers and visible dust, but small particles can enter the lung of the individuals in the home. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the air filters that the cook uses in the HVAC system are able to remove those small particles of air from the home.
The chart demonstrate which air filter ratings are capable of removing particles within the sub-three-micron range. Another factor to consider is the frequency that the air filter will need to be replaced. Air filters of higher ratings will catch more particles in the air than those with lower rating.
As a result, higher-rated air filters will need to be replaced at a more rapid rate than air filters of more modest ratings. For instance, an air filter with a MERV 13 rating may need to be replaced every three month in a dusty environment, while an air filter of the same MERV rating in an apartment with less dust may only need to be replaced every twelve months. If air filters are not properly replaced, the air filters may no longer perform their primary function of filtering the air that passes through the HVAC system.
Another common mistake with air filters is to believe that a higher-rated air filter is always better for the home. However, only medical or laboratory environment create higher-rated air filters for use. Furthermore, using air filters of the highest ratings in a residential HVAC system may cause the blower motor of the HVAC system to work harder to move the air through the system.
Therefore, cross-referencing charts that compare each of the different air filter systems will allow a person to choose the best air filter for their HVAC system. Finally, to ensure the HVAC system and the homes air quality is maintained, the air filter should of be replaced at regular intervals.