When it comes to keeping your home's air clean and healthy, the type of filter you use for your HVAC system is an important factor. Filters with MERV-13 ratings or higher are capable of trapping smaller particles, including viruses, making them the best choice for domestic HVAC systems. Spun glass filters are one of the most common types of HVAC filters and are one of the most effective. They are cost-effective, disposable, and protect air conditioners and ovens from dirt.
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 can help alleviate respiratory ailments. If you can't find Nordic Pure in your size, or if you prefer to buy a new filter in a store right away, Honeywell's FPR 9 filters and Filtrete's MPR 1500 filters are similar and widely available in retail stores. The pleats of these filters give them an advantage over creaseless options because they increase the filter surface area for better filtering. Reusable Air Filters Reusable air filters can be washed for continuous use, making a complete replacement unnecessary.
To maintain good air quality and keep your home clean, you'll want to replace the filter at least two to three months apart. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Report Value and is a measure of how well a filter removes particles from the air. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered HVAC system grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. The best filters trap indoor contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen, helping to clean the air in your home.
The magnetism is strong enough to prevent these particles from spreading throughout the house, making them one of the best options for those who need a filter that can combat allergens. If your HVAC system uses a coarser filter (usually in the 4 to 5 inch range, and typically mounted on the air handler), it's likely designed specifically for medium efficiency MERV filtration. An air filter's minimum efficiency report value, or MERV rating, measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter into the air stream.
