An air filter is a small but essential component of an HVAC system. It works to remove impurities such as dust, pet dander, and bacteria from the air that flows through the system. Not only does this improve the air quality inside your home, but it also protects your HVAC system from damage. Depending on the type of filter, it can be effective against particles, polluting gases, or both.
The air inside a building can be three to four times worse than the outside air. To avoid this, try to open windows wider on days when the outside air is of good quality. In some cases, switching to a more efficient air filter can significantly reduce the air conditioner's ability to cool the home. For the best indoor air quality, you should choose an air filter with a MERV rating of at least eight to 10. Scheduling a maintenance visit with a professional HVAC company can ensure that all the filters in your home only help your HVAC systems work efficiently and don't harm your home's indoor air quality.
Ionization filters can remove at least part of the smoke, but claims about these filters usually focus on the removal of fine dust, mold spores, odors, allergens and germs. Another drawback of air conditioning filters is that they are only effective when the air conditioner is turned on, which is usually less than 25% of the day. To ensure that your filter is working properly and not clogging up your HVAC system, you should replace it regularly. Unless you're worried about having to replace the filter ahead of time, you can also set up a calendar reminder.
