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Get the Most Out of Your Air Filter

how often do you really need to change your air filterEvery homeowner wants to make sure their living space is comfortable AND energy efficient. One of the most effective ways to do just this is to make sure you give your HVAC system the attention it needs, especially when it comes to the air filter. The following four tips will help you get the most out of your HVAC air filter and once you implement them, you’ll see what a difference they make.

What Filter Type Do You Need?

The first thing to understand is a filter’s MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning) developed the MERV system in 1987 as a scale used to measure the effectiveness of air filters. The MERV ratings system makes it easier for consumers to compare the effectiveness of all the different air filters available.  The table below shows a low-level comparison of MERV ratings. Check out our MERV Rating Comparison chart for a more in depth look at the differences.

System Protection Level Dust Control Level Allergy Concern Level
MERV 8 Good Good Mild
MERV 11 Better Better Moderate
MERV 13 Best Best Severe
  • MERV 1-4: Provides minimal filtration and inexpensive. Will keep dust off equipment but won’t do much to improve indoor air quality.
  • MERV 5-8: The ideal range for most homes. Captures smaller particles efficiently that can irritate allergies without restricting airflow.
  • MERV 9-12: Best for those with severe allergies  or multiple pets. A higher efficiency filter that could help you breathe easier.
  • MERV 13-16: Typically reserved for hospitals, commercial buildings and smoke lounges and rarely used in the home.
  • MERV 17-20: Also known as a High Efficiency Particulate Absorption (HEPA) filter, this filter is used mainly used in vacuum cleaners and is not meant for HVAC systems.

Know Your Household’s and HVAC’s Requirements

The rule-of-thumb for any filter with a MERV rating from 1-8 is to replace it every 30-90 days. Since this is such a big range, it’s best to follow the air filter manufacturer’s guidelines but here are some tips to keep note of:

  • Vacation homes or single occupant (no pets/no allergies): New filter every 3 to 6 months.
  • “Normal” suburban home
    • No pets: New filter every 90 days.
    • One pet (cat or dog): New the filter every 60 days.
    • Multiple pets (2 or more dogs/cats): New filter every 30 to 45 days.
  • Someone in your home has allergies or other respiratory problems: New filter every 30 to 45 days.

If there is any nearby construction or higher air pollution levels in your area, you may need to change your filter more frequently.  When in doubt, check the filter visually and change it if it looks dirty.

Set Reminders

Air filters are things that are easily forgotten as they are usually tucked back into a closet or storage space. The key to keeping on top of regularly changing the air filters in your home is to set yourself reminders. Here are a few options:

  • Write the date you changed it on the edge of the filter.
  • Write the date to change the filter on the family calendar.
  • Set up automatic reminders on your phone.

Make Buying Replacements Easy

It’s a pain to have to go to the store every time the air filter needs to be changed. Plus, if you don’t have one on hand, the task may never get done. To combat this, US Home Filters offers reminders or automatic re-orders where filters are sent to your home every 30, 60, 90 or 120 days. Another option is to buy a years supply at once or you could even buy filters by the box for a lower per-filter cost.

US Home Filter Carries AC Filters to Fit All HVAC Units

No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly in order to keep your indoor air quality clean and your unit running at its maximum efficiency. US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter in your furnace is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filtersgrille filters, and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.