The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a MERV 6 or higher filter for most residential areas. Most people opt for a MERV 8 filter, which can remove contaminants from MERV 8 to MERV 13. Hospitals usually use MERV 14 to MERV 20. To make sure you get the right replacement, you should check the size of your air conditioning system's air filter. Most filters have the sizes listed on the side, including the length, width, and depth in inches.
They usually appear in that order. Disposable filters should be checked monthly during heating and cooling seasons. Investing in a washable filter is a great way to provide longer service and be more environmentally friendly. This type of filter should be replaced once a year to reduce waste associated with common filters.
A monthly check will allow you to make sure that the filter is clean and working properly. Electret filters will lose effectiveness when capturing particulates, and should be replaced at least every three months according to the manufacturer's recommendations. FilterBuy does not sell or recommend fiberglass filters due to their low MERV rating and inefficiency. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has a standard that is regularly updated to address changes in filter technology. In the real world, since the air in your home is constantly recirculating through ducts and passing through filters each time, the cumulative effect of filters increases. High MERV ratings (11 to 1) with a low pressure drop are possible with recent innovations in air filters.
However, these filters can restrict airflow, affecting indoor air pressure and endangering equipment. The clog increases the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet sides, which can cause the folds of the filter to flatten or the filter frame to bend. There are also visual cues you can consider when deciding whether to replace your oven filter. Both are evidence that smoke-filled air is finding its way around the clogged filter and not through it, and that it's time to install a new one. The company that also manufactured the air conditioning unit makes an OEM oven filter, while aftermarket air filters are manufactured by specialized external companies. So, if you look at the full spectrum of what floats in your home's air, MERV ratings reflect the performance of the filter in all its components.
If yours doesn't have a printed size, you can measure it yourself and do some calculations to determine the length, width, and depth of the replacement. When it comes to replacing your current air conditioner filter, it's important to consider all factors before making a decision. You should take into account your home's size and layout as well as your budget when selecting a new filter. Additionally, you should consider how often you need to replace your current filter as well as what type of filter will best suit your needs.
It's also important to remember that different types of filters have different levels of efficiency when it comes to removing contaminants from your home's air. Higher MERV ratings indicate higher levels of efficiency when it comes to removing particles from your home's air. Additionally, some filters may require more frequent replacement than others depending on their type. Finally, it's important to remember that some filters may restrict airflow more than others which can affect indoor air pressure and endanger equipment.
Therefore, it's important to select a filter that has both a high MERV rating as well as a low pressure drop. By taking all these factors into consideration when selecting an air conditioner filter for your home, you can ensure that you get the best possible filter for your needs.