If you’re looking for the right air filter, understanding MERV can be to your advantage. MERV is a rating given to air filters based on their minimum efficiency reporting value; in other words, it's a rating of their capacity to efficiently remove airborne particulates down to 0.3 microns. This value can range from 1 to 20, with higher MERV ratings indicating a higher-efficiency air filter.With regards to shopping for air filters, MERV can be broken down as follows:
For use in residential settings, air filters with a MERV between 1 and 4 are often lower-quality, disposable filters.
A MERV between 5 and 8 would represent a better variety of residential air filter.
A MERV between 9 and 12 might be found in superior residential settings or commercial buildings.
In hospital settings and superior commercial settings, air filters will likely carry a MERV between 13 and 16.
Capable of removing 99.97 percent of airborne particulates down to 0.3 microns, True HEPA filters carry a MERV between 17 and 20 and are used in applications such as laboratory clean rooms and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
What's surprising is that there is really no mandate set on how a MERV rating is performed. Therefore, it's highly likely that MERV ratings on a filter may be tested at levels that don't work with the amount of air your comfort system produces. In other words, a higher MERV rating could be a marketing ploy, and actually damage your system or it's performance.When choosing an air filter, you have to take the specifics of your system into account. Filters may not fit your system, or in some cases may be entirely too powerful for practical use in your home. With those things in mind, MERV should be used as one reference point for filter comparison, but not as the sole reason for your filter decision.That's why Air Assurance has tested all of the filters we offer to our customers with the air flo commonly used by the comfort systems we service and install. To ensure that the air filters you choose are the most efficient and system-appropriate available today, let our trained technicians guide you through the process. For expert consultation, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, today!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.
When deciding what kind of HVAC air filter you want to use, there are a number of factors to consider. Some are designed to be cleaned more frequently than others while some are more efficient. Here are five of the most common types of air filters for use in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow region.Disposable FiltersThese are the most common air filters that are used because of their economical pricing and ease of use. They should be replaced every six to eight weeks for maximum efficiency. They are not designed to be washed. This will only create holes which will make them less efficient. As for efficiency, these are what is described as "boulder catchers". They can only filter the extremely large particles flowing throughout your system, for instance, many can't stop salt when sprinkled on top of them.Permanent FiltersThese come in various sizes to fit your needs and do not need to be replaced. They are easily removable to allow the user to clean them. It is recommended that you clean them every 30 to 60 days to keep them operating at full power. These are normally the most restrictive type air filters due to the long lasting fiber the filter is made out of. This can put a major strain on airflow, causing increased dust, reduced comfort, and potential harm to the system.Hammock FiltersThese come in a 20-foot roll, allowing you to cut the filter to the appropriate size for a your hammock frame. Once cut, you simply place them in the frame and trim any excess. They should be disposed and replaced every 60 days. This is similair to the disposable in efficiency. Most homeowners are bothered by the time it takes to maintain these.Electrostatic Air CleanerThese use electrostatic attraction to trap charged particles in the air and are very efficient at arresting dust, pollen, bacteria and other airborne pollutants. They are permanent and can be easily washed every month. Again, these type of filters are extremely restrictive to air flow.Large Pleated Media FiltersThis type of filter is popular because of the low maintenance required to keep them lasting for at least five years. They tend to have very high efficiency levels and use a media cartridge that has to be replaced only every six months. There are several different "levels" of pleated media. You don't have to get the most expensive! Usually those are very restrictive as well.If you are wondering what type of filtration system is best for your and your family, just ask your technician. And by the way, Air Assurance has designed their own filters. They're called Clean-Climate and we've tested them to make sure you get the optimum value of low resistance, high efficiency cleaning, as well as economic pricing.Air Assurance has been serving Oklahoma residents for more than 30 years. Experts are available to answer any questions you may have and provide any services you may need.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.
