Purchasing the right filter for your home or office can lead to so much confusing information and often leave you wondering “Did I buy the right filter?”. In efforts to clear up any confusion and misleading information we have narrowed down some of the top filter questions and concerns.
1 How often should I change my A/C filter?
When determining how often you should change your A/C filters you have to take into consideration the following:
- How many people reside in the home?
- How many pets reside in the home?
- How many people in the home suffer from allergies?
- What is the size of my home?
- How is the air flow and air quality of my home?
- Is a lot of construction happening near my home?
It is highly recommended to check your A/C filters monthly to see if they need to be changed. Check for signs of visible dirt, wear and tear, dust build up, and pet hair. If you find your filter gets dirty quicker then a month to month basis it is suggested to try a higher quality air filter. There is not a magic number for when to change the filter, but to assist in the efficiency of your air conditioning system it is best to change the filter as soon as you notice it is dirty. Like and follow our Facebook page for monthly filter change reminders.
2 MERV Rating System
Most filters use a MERV rating system. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating will allow you to determine which air filter is best for your home or office. This rating can range from 6 to 13. The higher the rating (13) the more particles can be captured and removed from the air you breathe. The downside to a higher rated air filter, is you can reduce the air flow within the home or office so you want to select our filter carefully. You may find a chart on the filter packaging to help you select based on your home needs. For example, a filter with a MERV 8 rating can assist in removing/capturing lint, dust, pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
3 Should I buy the highest rated filter?
This is not necessarily the best idea! A filter with a MERV rating of 13 is best for obtaining cleaner air in the home, but these filters force the air handler to work harder. Which in return can increase energy cost and can possibly shorten the life of your system. It is suggested for a standard size home to use a MERV 8 or possibly 11 depending on the amount of allergies in your environment.
4 Which filter should I buy for my home?
True Temp has an affordable filter plan in place for all our customers. We can assist in making sure you are using the proper filter. For the home we suggest an 8 or 11 MERV rated filter. We find this will cover the needs of the typical household and is efficient for homes, condos, and apartments. Higher rated filters are usually found at commercial locations and hospitals.
5 Why do I need to change my A/C filter at all?
There are many benefits in changing your air filter on a regular basis. It is important to keep A/C filters in stock at home and readily available to change. True Temp offers free delivery on 6 or more filters so you never have to worry about running out. Changing the filters regularly will assist in decreasing mold and mildew growth in the home, help lower/decrease allergens in the air and prevent recirculation, assist in lowering the cost of your electricity monthly, and assist in keeping a smooth and effective running system all year long.
