BUY HVAC FILTERS DESIGNED TO FILTER OUT MOLD

What is the difference between an "Air Purifier" and an "Air Filter?"

While both air purifiers and air filters play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality, there are distinct differences between the two that are important to understand.

AIR PURIFIER:

Air purifiers utilize more advanced technology to not only filter the air, but to actively clean and purify it.

Air purifiers often incorporate mechanisms like HEPA filtration, activated carbon, and even ionization to trap even the smallest airborne contaminants and neutralize odors, volatile organic compounds, and other hazardous gases.

Air purifiers actively work to sanitize the air, breaking down and eliminating a wider range of pollutants. Additionally, many modern air purifiers feature built-in sensors that can automatically adjust their settings to adapt to changing air quality conditions, making them a more dynamic and intelligent solution for maintaining healthy, clean indoor environments compared to the more basic air filters.

AIR FILTER:

An air filter is a device that is placed inside an area of your HVAC system in your home and physically traps and removes airborne particles, such as mold, VOC's, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, as air passes through it.

These filters are typically made of pleated fabric or paper and are designed to capture larger pollutants, acting as a barrier to prevent them from circulating throughout a room or building. HVAC filters are an essential component of any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, playing a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and the efficient operation of the equipment. These filters are designed to capture a wide range of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants, before they can circulate through the ductwork and into the living spaces. By trapping these pollutants, HVAC filters help to reduce the buildup of debris that can impede airflow and cause the system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and potential breakdowns.

The filters come in a variety of materials, such as pleated fabric, fiberglass, or electrostatic media, each with its own unique properties in terms of efficiency, airflow resistance, and longevity. Regularly replacing the HVAC filter, as recommended by the manufacturer, is important to ensure optimal system performance and to support the health and comfort of the building's occupants by providing them with clean, filtered air. The frequency of filter changes can vary depending on factors like the size of the home, the number of occupants, and the presence of pets or other indoor air quality concerns, but following a routine maintenance schedule is crucial for maintaining a well functioning HVAC system and a healthy indoor environment.

What type of "special air filter" should I use with my HVAC system?

Most people do not realize that just "any old hvac filter" is NOT going to offer the added filtration and protection that a highly "MERV RATED" filter will provide.

What is a "MERV RATING?"

The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating is an important consideration when choosing HVAC air filters for your home or building. This numerical rating, which ranges from 1 to 16, provides a standardized measure of a filter's ability to capture and remove airborne particles of varying sizes. A higher MERV rating indicates a more efficient filter that can trap smaller and more microscopic contaminants, such as mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria and viruses.

Filters with a MERV rating of 5-8 are considered the minimum recommended for residential use, as they can effectively remove larger particles that can aggravate allergies and asthma. However, stepping up to a MERV 11-13 filter offers even greater protection, capturing very small particles down to 1-3 microns in size. These higher-rated filters are often preferred in healthcare settings, clean rooms, and other environments where air quality is paramount.

It's important to select a MERV rating that aligns with your specific needs and doesn't overwork your HVAC system - consulting an HVAC professional can help ensure you find the right balance of filtration and airflow. Proper MERV-rated filter maintenance is also crucial, as clogged filters can diminish efficiency and put strain on your equipment. Understanding the MERV scale and choosing the right filter for your application is an essential part of maintaining optimal indoor air quality and HVAC system performance.

Which MERV rated filters do I use?

Because I have properly consulted with my HVAC professional AND I want the HIGHEST MERV RATING available to offer my home the maximum protection and filtration of mold, I use a "MERV 14".  Below are the filters I use for our home.

MERV "14" HVAC Air Filters

2 - pack $49.95