When it comes to air filters, size matters. My sister can get 3M oven filters quite cheaply, but the size that my oven has installed now is 20x25x2 inches, and the only ones I can get are 20x25x1 inches. In certain circumstances, such as during a wildfire, you may need to change your filter more often than usual. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an effective, well-adjusted air conditioner filter can also help filter indoor air when outdoor air quality is poor.
The decision to pay more for a better filter or not depends on whether cleaner air is a priority for you or not. An independent test on the effects of MERV filters 8 to 13 on air flow and HVAC energy consumption concluded that, even if steps are not taken to account for the greater pressure drop of filters with high MERV content, the air flow and energy penalties are not likely to be serious until the filter is full of dirt. These filters are usually installed on wall-mounted air return vents (most common in the south) or on the air controller (more common in the Mid-Atlantic and North Atlantic states). All of them (and Owen) told us that the MERV filters in this range restrict air flow more than filters with a low MERV content, measured by the drop in atmospheric pressure generated by the filters when they are installed. If your air conditioning system uses a thicker filter (usually 4 to 5 inches and is usually mounted on the air controller), it is likely that it was specifically designed for medium-efficiency MERV filtration. Clean the air in your home and protect your air conditioning system with one of these high-performance filters from CR tests.
We measure how well an air filter removes dust, pollen, and smoke from the air, and we check how freely the air flows through the filter at any fan speed. Compared to the cheapest basic filters available, medium-efficiency MERV filters, such as the Nordic Pure MERV 12, can significantly reduce airborne dust, mold spores, pollen, and even smoke. This can help alleviate respiratory conditions according to an NIH study. An innovation in air filters allows for high MERV ratings (11 to 1) with a low pressure drop. This means that smoke-filled air is finding its way around the clogged filter and not through it, and that it's time to install a new one. In addition, the best filters trap indoor pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen and help clean the air in your home so you can breathe better. When it comes to finding alternatives to using a 20x25x1 inch air filter, there are several options available.
The most popular option is to purchase a medium-efficiency MERV filter. These filters are designed to trap airborne particles such as dust, mold spores, pollen, and smoke while still allowing for adequate airflow. They are also designed to last longer than basic filters before needing replacement. Another option is to purchase a high-efficiency MERV filter.
These filters have higher ratings than medium-efficiency MERV filters and can trap even smaller particles from entering your home's air supply. They also have a lower pressure drop than other types of filters so they don't restrict airflow as much. No matter which type of filter you choose for your home's HVAC system, it's important to remember that regular maintenance is key for keeping your system running efficiently. Be sure to check your filter regularly and replace it when necessary. Doing so will help keep your home's air clean and healthy.
