If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ll know that this spring (and perhaps even the summer) will be one like no other, and you’ll likely be spending more time in your home than ever. Your house won’t just be a respite from the warming weather and a place to return to after a long day of work—it’s possible that you’ll be spending the vast majority of your time in your house over the next few months.
That’s what makes it more important than ever that the air in your home is clean and healthy to breathe. Viruses aren’t the only airborne pollutant that can negatively affect your health, and many homeowners are surprised to learn that many common health issues they experience—from coughing and sneezing to headaches and allergy-like symptoms—can be traced back to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in their homes.
Today let’s talk about one of the most effective solutions for poor air quality in a home: proper filtration in your central air system.
What is a MERV filter?
Air filters in your HVAC system help to remove pollutants from the air circulating in your home. There are a number of pollutants that can be floating around in your indoor air, including:
- Pet dander, dust & dirt
- VOCs (chemicals from cleaning products or paint)
- Mold
- Allergens
- Viruses & bacteria
Residential HVAC filters are given a numerical MERV rating between 1-16, based on the size of the particles able to be filtered. The higher the MERV rating, the more air particles your air filter will be able to keep out of your breathing air as it circulates through your HVAC system.
What MERV Rating Is Right For My Home?
What’s the right MERV rating for the air filter in your home? For a regular home, your MERV needs to be high enough to deliver clean air and create a healthy home environment, but not so high that it creates low air flow issues that can overwork your furnace or air conditioner, leading to expensive repairs.
At Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation, we know the importance of precise HVAC load calculations and duct design, and understand how the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems is a delicate balancing act. That’s why we recommend MERV 13 filters for your home, which can capture some of the smallest particles in your air, including bacteria and even some viruses, without negatively affecting your system’s air flow.
We believe a high quality air filter is an essential component of any HVAC system—that’s why Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation installs a MERV 13 filter with every new heating or cooling system we put into homes throughout the greater Phoenix area.
Upgrade Your Air Filters, and Schedule HVAC Maintenance, Too!
Air filtration is just one way to combat poor IAQ and ensure that your home is a clean and healthy place to live. One of the other most important steps you can take is regular maintenance for your air conditioner and furnace. A seasonal tune-up from an experienced HVAC company like Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation can ensure that your air filters are clean and working properly and your system is running efficiently.
Regular maintenance is also a great way to save money on your total heating and cooling costs—systems that are regularly checked and inspected by HVAC professionals break down less often and have a longer lifespan.
Interested in learning more about air quality services for your home? From air filters to air filtration units and ventilation systems, Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation has the options you need to feel comfortable and healthy inside.