Every spring there’s a spike in allergies related to pollen that affect the air quality here in Phoenix, AZ, and if you’re sensitive to them, grass and tree pollination can make you feel crummy every time you step outdoors, producing uncomfortable systems like asthma, sneezing, coughing, runny noses, hives, and more.
Does it feel like seasonal allergies have been following you into your home, even though all your windows are closed? Your HVAC system’s air filter is one of the best lines of defense to keep allergens and other air pollutants from circulating throughout your home. But air filtration comes in many different sizes and can be rated differently. What filters will make the most difference to the indoor air quality in your Tempe, Chandler, or Scottsdale home?
MERV Filter Ratings—How to Tell Your Air Filters Apart
The most common way to differentiate between air filters is their MERV rating. The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating system is on a scale of 1-16, and the higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particulates that your filter will trap as air moves through it.
Different air pollutant particles can vary in size, but many pollen allergens, including ragweed and grass pollen, typically range from 20 to 30 µm, or microns.
The average air filter that comes with a standard HVAC system is probably around a MERV-7, which means that it will filter out approximately 50% of airborne pollen allergens from the air circulating in your house. But smaller particles, whether they are allergens or other air pollutants like pet dander, dust, dirt, and mold spores will pass right through.
Why Ideal Energy Puts MERV-13 Air Filters in Every HVAC System We Install
Finding the right MERV air filter is a balancing act because it isn’t as simple as just picking the filter with the highest rating. The finer the filter, the harder it will be for air to move through it, which can build up pressure in your ductwork, leading to excessive wear and tear on your heating and cooling system unit and poor indoor comfort levels.
Ideal Energy installs MERV 13 filters in every new furnace or AC installation project we complete. These filters can trap more than 90% of pollen allergens and can also remove much smaller particles from your air, creating a healthier indoor environment for your home without compromising airflow and affecting the operation of your HVAC system.
To you, this might seem like complex and complicated HVAC building science—and it is!—but to Ideal Energy, it’s just another day on the job. We pride ourselves on proper HVAC system sizing and other areas where many contractors cut corners and settle for just “good enough” design or craftsmanship. At Ideal Energy, we take the time to double-check our math and ensure that your HVAC system will deliver reliable service while cleaning the air in the home and removing allergens and other unhealthy air pollutants.
Breathe Easier This Spring With MERV 13 Air Filters in Your Arizona Home
It’s important not only to have properly fitted and high MERV rated air filters in your HVAC system but also to change them out regularly to avoid airflow issues. Wondering how you can improve your home’s air filters or want to make sure your HVAC system is in good working condition? Ideal Air’s heating and air conditioning maintenance visits are a great place to start.
We follow industry-standard ACCA maintenance protocols during our tune-up visits with a 16-point checklist of different heating or cooling system elements that we inspect and test, including your air filters. And, if you enroll in our maintenance program, you’ll get automatically scheduled maintenance visits as well as discounts on repair!
Keep seasonal allergies out of your home with air filter replacement and upgrade services from Ideal Energy. Call 480.839.0082 or contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team.