Air filters are inserted into the return vent duct in your HVAC system to stop contaminants from recirculating. They are fabricated from spun fiberglass, paper or cardboard and plated into various sizes. The cheapest disposable fiberglass filters have a low MERV rating of 1 to 3 and are good for stopping large contaminant particles such as lint, mold and bacteria. Washable filters are a better option, but they must be cleaned regularly and dried before reuse to minimize mildew and mold growth.

Reduces Allergens

As flowers bloom and trees bud, allergens start floating around, causing itchy eyes, runny noses, and other symptoms. Luckily, an HVAC air filter housing catches the pollen and other particles before they reach your furnace and circulate throughout the home. The basic spun fiberglass filters, often found in stores, provide the minimum cost and protection for your system. These filters only catch large particulates and are not recommended for those suffering from allergy symptoms. Higher MERV-rated filters offer superior filtering and enable your system to run more efficiently without limiting airflow. You can find these filters at many hardware stores, and they are easy to change out in a wall-mounted return vent.

Reduces Dust

Dust is one of the biggest nuisances in a home, coating surfaces and triggering allergy and asthma flare-ups. The best way to reduce dust in your home is with regular cleaning and an air filter that traps particles before they can recirculate throughout the house. Standard 1-inch fiberglass filters are inexpensive but help prevent large particulates like pet hair and dander, carpet fibers, and heavy dust from clogging the HVAC system. The next step is a MERV 2 or higher (or even a pleated filter) that captures smaller particulates like smoke and pollen. Airflow is impeded by a filthy filter, which makes the heating and cooling system work harder. It causes an increase in energy costs. Changing the air filter regularly (every three to 12 months) cuts energy consumption and lowers bills by 15% or more.

Reduces Dirt

The quantity of filth that may flow through the air conditioning will decrease with an HVAC filter compatible with your system. It helps prevent your ductwork from becoming dirty and clogged with dust, pet dander, dead skin cells and other contaminants. Clogged filters can allow these contaminants to circulate throughout your home and cause allergy and asthma episodes, resulting in pricey doctor visits. Clean HVAC filters regularly will protect your home from these particles and save you money in the long run.

Investing in a good MERV-rated air filter that fits your system and changing it once every month is the most cost-effective way to get the best results from your HVAC system. Be sure to check the manufacturer guidelines and follow all recommended maintenance practices.

Reduces Corrosion

Keeping the air in your home will reduce allergy symptoms and prevent corrosion of the HVAC system’s coils. Corrosion on the rings is caused by various chemicals in the home’s air, including household chemicals, paint fumes, hair spray particles, and cigarette smoke. The least expensive filters are fiberglass, with a MERV rating of 1 to 4. Drawing in the air, they cause less strain on your HVAC system and do an okay job of capturing large contaminants. However, microscopic pollutants can still pass through these filters and irritate those with allergies or respiratory issues. To keep your filters fresh, consider a subscription service that delivers the size of filter you need for your home or business on an automatic schedule. 

Reduces Noise

Air filters help keep your system from overheating by ensuring it doesn’t work too hard. It can save you 5-15% on your energy costs. Smaller filters are very inexpensive, but they’re also the least effective. These filters are unable to trap particles smaller than the size of a pollen or dander spore, and they’re also poorly suited to reducing dust.

On the other hand, bigger filters are more expensive up-front, but they provide better service in terms of air quality and energy cost savings. If you want to cut costs, consider switching to a 5-inch filter for the best results. You can order filters online from companies and deliver them to your doorstep.