Indoor air quality can be an important concern for residents of Pine Mountain GA. Some are affected by allergy issues during the year. Others need to be careful about exposure to germs during heavy flu epidemics. Our sub-tropical climate creates a lot of potential for mold problems in residential HVAC systems as well. It’s important to choose the best air conditioning filter for your needs, but there are so many available that it can be tough to know which is the best design.
MERV Ratings and Air Filtration
It’s easy to assume that an expensive air filter is a good choice. However, it’s more important to select a filter that is rated appropriately for your residential needs. Minimum efficiency reporting value is a rating scale designed by HVAC professionals to provide a standard for choosing the best filter for a given setting. At the lowest end of the scale, a MERV rating of one is best for controlling such contaminants as textile fibers, dust mites, sanding dust, and pollen. Ratings between one and four are suitable for window air conditioning units in residential settings.
A MERV value from five to eight provides the additional control of mold and spores, dog and cat hair, and household sprays. Ratings above eight indicate filters that will additionally control milled flour, nebulizer droplets, lead dust, and certain bacteria. Levels above 12 are generally most appropriate for industrial and commercial settings as well as hospitals. Selecting an air conditioning filter with a MERV rating above 12 isn’t beneficial to your home’s HVAC system because the density of the filter can impede air flow and create a problem with the efficiency of your system.
Air Conditioning Filter Measurements
In addition to deciding on the best quality for your filter, you need to know the appropriate measurements before you make a selection. Dimensions needed include the height, width, and depth. Check your current filter to see if these numbers are listed on the side. If they aren’t available, you can measure to make sure of the values. Be certain to round up fractional measurements. If you don’t have a filter to check, examine your owner’s documentation for the system. You can also call us at Indoor Solutions with information about your system model and brand for assistance.
Air Cleaners and Other Indoor Air Quality Equipment
Some of our customers find that they would like even more protection than that provided by an air conditioning filter. Air purification systems provide dedicated equipment that is used to address these needs. One of the biggest concerns is the flu season. While a high quality air filter may remove bacteria from circulation, there are germicidal purification systems that trap and kill viruses, bacteria, and other airborne pathogens. You can also make use of UV lamps to kill mold and bacteria that can develop on your indoor coils. A comprehensive approach to air quality can make a big difference in your family’s wellbeing. Our experts at
Indoor Solutions can help you evaluate the options.
