You simply need the filter size that fits your air return. You can usually find that size on the side of the air cleaner you already have in use. This size will be the nominal size, which means that it is rounded off its actual size. Consumer Reports tests air filters for homes with forced air heating and cooling systems. We tested airflow resistance, which measures the freedom with which air flows through the filter.
Our recommended models are best for filtering dust, pollen and smoke from the air without impeding airflow. Your existing air filter Does your current filter fit well? The easiest way to get a good fit is to stop measuring the existing filter. These are the most recommended filters for your home. They filter 85% of pollutants in the air, making it much healthier for you and your family. They look like pleated air filters in that they are made of a pleated material, but this material is a much thinner pleated material and is sometimes even coated to kill microbes such as mold and bacteria.
These filters will cost more, but you'll make up for it with a more efficient and durable heating and cooling system, as well as fewer doctor visits. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) measures the effectiveness of an oven air filter in capturing particulate matter. Buying directly from the company's website will generally give you the cheapest price for air filters, as the company doesn't have to pay a commission to Amazon or eBay. Aerosol ions are effective in reducing bacteria, viruses, odors and other contaminants that exist in the air you breathe inside your home. This is important because the concentration of air pollutants inside your home can be two to five times higher than the concentrations normally found outdoors. But how do you know which air filter will do the job without spending more money than necessary? How do you know which air filter is best for your system and lifestyle? Start by determining the specific needs of the occupants of your home, which should be directly correlated with the CADR or MERV ratings of your air filters.
Poorly adjusted air or oven filters can allow contaminants to enter your home, reduce the efficiency of your system, and increase electricity bills. The Lennox filter below shows part number X0583 and Honeywell part numbers, FC100A1029 and FC35A1001, which this filter can replace. Some HVAC systems aren't strong enough to push air through more restrictive filters that block smaller particles, that is, those with a higher MERV or CADR rating, which can reduce airflow and cause your home to heat and cool less efficiently. If your filter doesn't have the actual dimensions on the outside of the filter, you can measure it to get the correct dimensions. Once you find the right air filter for your systems, consider getting a subscription and doing it automatically. It might be fun to go to Lowes or Home Depot on Saturday morning and work on a project for your home, but it's probably not the best place to buy air filters.
Most new homes can support an air cleaner with a MERV rating of 8 to 13 filters, but MERV 15 and 16 filters require a system that can withstand the necessary airflow. MERV ratings measure the efficiency and effectiveness of air filters in capturing particulate matter in the air.
How Do I Know What Air Filter To Buy For My Home?
Choosing an appropriate air filter for your home requires some research. First off, you need to determine what type of HVAC system you have in order to determine what type of filter will work best for it. You should also consider factors such as allergies or asthma sufferers in your household when selecting an appropriate filter. Once you have determined what type of HVAC system you have, you need to determine what size filter you need. This can usually be found on the side of your existing filter or by measuring it yourself.It is important to get an exact fit so that there are no gaps where unfiltered air can enter. The next step is to determine what type of filter will work best for your needs. The most common types are pleated filters, electrostatic filters, carbon filters, HEPA filters and aerosol ionizers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages so it is important to research each one before making a decision. Pleated filters are typically made from a thin pleated material that is designed to capture dust particles without impeding airflow too much. They usually have a MERV rating between 8-13 which makes them effective at filtering out dust particles but not necessarily smaller particles such as bacteria or viruses. Electrostatic filters use static electricity to attract dust particles which makes them very effective at filtering out dust particles but they can also be quite expensive.
Carbon filters are designed to absorb odors and gases while HEPA filters are designed to capture very small particles such as bacteria or viruses. Finally, aerosol ionizers use charged ions to reduce bacteria, viruses and other contaminants in the air inside your home. They are very effective at reducing airborne contaminants but they can also be quite expensive.
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