What is an air filter and why do I need one?
Just as there are many sources of air pollutants , there are many methods to clean the air you breathe . At TZOA, we believe that one of the biggest investments you've made in your home can also be the best method of cleaning the air - your central air system.
If you have a central air system in your home, it will typically be comprised of the following elements:
A series of ducts throughout your home to circulate air from the central system
A fan that pushes and pulls the air through the ductwork
Heating and/or cooling elements that changes the temperature as the air circulates
A Thermostat that modulates the heating, cooling and fan functions
A filter medium that is installed in the return air duct, just before the fan and heating/cooling elements
For most people, your central air system will last 5 to 15 years and should undergo annual maintenance from your trusted HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) service company. That's not the case with filters, as particles will load up on the filter over time. For more information on how often you should change your filter, see How often does my filter need to be replaced? .
Most air Filters have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value), MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating), or FPR (Filter Performance Rating). MERV is the most commonly used rating system, so that's what will be used to explain filter effectiveness.
When you search for filters online, you will typically see something like this:
If you're a home owner, this chart can be a bit confusing - it appears that residential use usually requires a MERV rating of 3-7. In workplaces, hospitals and laboratories, there are air quality standards that the building operator needs to comply with to protect the workers and equipment inside of the building. Unfortunately, residential homes don't have standards that regulate what type of air filter used.
The air filter recommendation of 3-7 for residential homes is not meant to protect your health, but rather to protect the central air equipment from larger particles. The typical filter range installed by contractors is anywhere between 3-8, which stops (arrests) the majority of large particles from getting into the electronics or heating and cooling elements.
In short, your air filter is probably not selected to protect your family's health.
In addition to the MERV rating, there are a few different types of filter mediums. The amount of attention your filter needs depends on the type of filter and the medium is it made from. The most common type of filtration system is mechanical, which remove airborne pollutants by capturing them on the filter medium.
The size of air filters will vary in length & width, as it depends on the size of the ductwork it's being installed in (eg - 20"x20", 16" x 25"). The filter depth is typically 1", but 2" & 4" filter depths are also found in many larger systems.
At TZOA, we are focused on providing the right solution to our customers. Through HAVEN, we take care of your air quality by collecting air quality data throughout your whole home, selecting the right filter for your system, and delivering your filter before the last one needs to be replaced.
Certain central air systems may not be capable of getting the appropriate air filter installed due to the age or state of repair of the furnace or AC. HAVEN's air filters are tested for compatibility for your furnace, and the HAVEN certified technician will be able to recommend and upgrade your home to a new system if needed.