When it comes to air filters, there are many different types available and choosing the right one can be a challenge. Air filters come in various shapes and materials, each with different capacities and prices. The main purpose of an air filter is to remove impurities such as dust, pet dander, bacteria, and other small particles from the air that flows through the system. In most cases, it is recommended to use the filter that the HVAC manufacturer recommends pairing with your system.
This is because some HVAC systems are not strong enough to push air through more restrictive filters that block smaller particles, such as those with a higher MERV or CADR rating. This can reduce airflow and cause your home to heat and cool less efficiently. All forced air cooling and heating systems use at least one filter, so homeowners (and some tenants) with these systems should know how and when to replace them. During a wildfire, you'll need to change your filters more often than you would under normal air conditions, and there are some indicators that can help you know when it's time to replace one.
Any pleated air conditioner filter can improve the quality of your home's indoor air by trapping dust, pollen and other small particles, such as a quieter, more passive vacuum cleaner. If you really want to clean the air as it flows through your HVAC system, you should consider installing an air purifier for the whole house or a UV light that goes inside your HVAC unit. We also control the extent to which each filter restricts air flow, using a differential pressure transducer installed in the air filter. Some air filters are primarily designed to protect the HVAC system, while others can protect the system and improve air quality.
You've probably already heard how important it is to change your home air filter regularly. Compared to the cheaper basic filters available, medium-efficiency MERV filters, such as the Nordic Pure MERV 12, can greatly reduce airborne dust, mold spores, pollen and even smoke, and doing so may help alleviate respiratory illnesses. Newer central air conditioning systems and heat pump systems are usually designed so that the heating unit and the cooling unit share the same air controller and the air intake air filters.
