Monitoring the efficiency of your HVAC equipment’s air filtration system is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality while boosting system performance. Your equipment’s air filtration components are intended to protect the blower motor from becoming dirty or clogged which could result in costly damages, reduced system longevity, and the buildup of dangerous particles in your home’s air. In order to ensure that your air filtration system is adequately doing its job, keep your eye on the following three factors.
1. Filter Efficiency Rating
When purchasing an air filter, take a look at the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). Although low-cost fiberglass air filters with a lower MERV rating may be the most tempting option they are unable to capture as much unhealthy particulate matter. It is wise for homeowners to select an air filter with at least a MERV of between 8 and 13. The higher the MERV number, the more efficient your air filter will be.
2. Pressure Drop
Because air filtration devices are typically proportionate in their efficiency and pressure drop ratio, your air filter’s efficiency can be improved by lowering pressure drop. The most effective way of achieving this is to incorporate more filter surface area into the air filtration system. By talking to your HVAC contractor you can decide whether you should do this by utilizing a filter with greater amounts of surface area, or by increasing the amount or size of filters in your system’s air stream. Your contractor can also show how to best mount your filter slots in order to lower pressure drop.
3. Monitor Pressure
It’s a good idea to install a simple pressure differential gauge which will take the guessing out of knowing when it’s time to replace an air filter. This can save money and the environment by stopping the early disposal of filters that could still be used, as well as eliminating health and maintenance problems associated with overloaded and clogged filters.
For more advice on air filtration, contact the professionals at Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving southeast Michigan since 1945.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filtration efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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