Choosing the right air conditioning filter can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step in maintaining a healthy environment and efficient HVAC system. From filter types and materials to efficiency ratings, there are several factors to consider. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about AC filters, helping you make the best choice for your property and tenants.
This blog post is part 3 of the Air Quality series, where you can learn everything you should know about the types of air filtration, dangers, and air quality standards, for a safe facility and satisfied tenants.
Sounds interesting? Keep reading to find out all you need to know about AC filters.
Understanding Filter Efficiency: MERV and HEPA Ratings
Not all filters are created equal, especially when it comes to capturing indoor pollutants. The effectiveness of an AC filter is measured by its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. This industry-standard rating indicates a filter’s ability to capture airborne particles. The higher the MERV number, the more efficient the filter is at removing contaminants.
MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, and they are categorized as follows:
- MERV 1–4: These are basic, low-cost filters typically made of fiberglass. They provide minimal filtration, primarily trapping large particles such as dust and lint.
- MERV 6–8: Commonly used in residential and light commercial settings, these pleated filters offer adequate filtration and can capture smaller particles such as pollen and mold spores.
- MERV 9–12: These mid-range filters are highly effective, capable of trapping particles as small as 1 micron, including pet dander and fine dust.
- MERV 13–16: These are the highest quality filters available for residential and commercial use. They can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial facilities or properties with tenants who have allergies or asthma. For more on how these ratings work, the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) provides best practice guidelines.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are another important category. Although they don’t use the MERV scale, they are the gold standard for air filtration. HEPA filters use a dense, random arrangement of fibers to trap at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. They were initially developed for atomic-bomb research to filter out radioactive contaminants and are now standard in most high-end air purifiers.
Common AC Filter Types
When choosing a filter, you’ll encounter various types, each with its advantages. The two most common types are pleated and non-pleated.
- Pleated Filters: These filters are made by folding a sheet of polyester or cotton into pleats. This design significantly increases the surface area, enabling the filter to capture more airborne contaminants, such as dust, dirt, and pet hair. This not only cleans the air but also protects your HVAC system’s fan and coils from clogging.
- Electronic Air Cleaners (EACs): These high-tech units use electricity to create a static charge that attracts and captures airborne particles. Often referred to as “dirt magnets,” EACs are highly effective but require regular cleaning to maintain performance.
- Ionic Air Cleaners: These devices emit negative ions that attach to airborne particles, causing them to clump together and stick to surfaces. While they can be effective, there’s a risk that these particle clusters may cling to carpets, walls, or even be inhaled, which can be problematic for individuals with respiratory issues.
- ULPA Filters: Standing for Ultra-Low Particulate Air, ULPA filters are even more efficient than HEPA filters, capturing 99.9995% of particles 0.12 microns or larger in diameter. These are typically used in specialized settings, such as biological clean rooms, where strict air purity is essential.
The Importance of Regular Filter Replacement
A common question is, “How often should I replace my AC filter?” The answer depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the size of your space, and the indoor air quality.
Neglecting to replace your filter regularly can lead to serious problems:
- Reduced Efficiency: A clogged filter forces your HVAC system’s blower fan to work harder, using more energy and increasing your utility bills.
- System Damage: Overworked components are more likely to break down, leading to costly repairs and a shortened lifespan for your system.
- Poor Indoor Air Quality: A dirty filter can’t effectively trap pollutants. Instead, it can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, circulating contaminated air throughout your property.
For commercial spaces, it’s generally recommended to change filters 3–4 times a year as part of a routine maintenance schedule. However, in environments with high activity or poor air quality, more frequent changes may be necessary. Always consult with an HVAC professional to create a customized maintenance plan that fits the specific needs of your building. For more information on the health effects of air pollution, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides valuable resources.
Choosing the Right Filter for Your Needs
When selecting a new filter, consider these factors:
Size and CADR: Make sure the filter or purifier is sized correctly for your space. Placing a small unit in a large room won’t be effective. Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), an independent rating that measures the volume of filtered air a unit can deliver per minute. A higher CADR number means more particles are filtered.
Specific Requirements: Do you or your tenants have allergies or asthma? If so, opt for a high-efficiency filter with a MERV 13 or higher rating, or a HEPA filter, to remove common allergens such as pollen and pet dander. For individuals with chemical sensitivities or those affected by smoke, consider using specialized filters or purifiers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an excellent guide on air cleaners and filters for the home.
Energy Star Certification: Air purifiers often run 24/7, so energy efficiency is key. Products with the Energy Star logo use about 40% less energy than standard models, saving you money on electricity bills.
The Bottom Line
Air filters are a critical yet often overlooked component of an HVAC system. They not only protect your equipment but also significantly impact the health and comfort of everyone inside your building. With increasing public awareness of indoor air quality, a well-maintained system with the right filter can give you a competitive edge and provide peace of mind.While understanding filter ratings and types is essential, the best approach is to partner with a professional team. An HVAC specialist can assess your specific needs, recommend the best filters, and establish a maintenance schedule to ensure your system operates at peak performance. For more insights on the effectiveness of filters in various settings, a 2023 study published in Aerosol and Air Quality Research highlights the real-world benefits of portable air cleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How To Know You Need To Replace The Filter
Air pollution causes 1 in 9 deaths every year worldwide. You can see why it’s so crucial to always keep an eye on your air filters.
The amount of time an old air filter will last depends on the air quality and the number of people in the facility.
If you see a lot of people sneezing at work, or your energy bill is unusually high for no apparent reason, it’s time to check your air filter and consider replacing it.
2: How Often Should You Change Your Air Conditioner Filter?
For the sake of workers, and tenants, the reliability of the HVAC system and indoor air quality in the commercial property should be a top priority for any company or building owner.
Although many factors influence the quality of the air in your commercial building, one of the most significant is the air filter used by the HVAC system.
Your HVAC technician would be able to perform a comprehensive review of your company’s filter requirements and suggest a replacement schedule.
This will guarantee that your HVAC system is still performing at its best.
Most HVAC professionals can take care of their commercial customers’ filters if they need to be adjusted in between scheduled maintenance appointments.
3: What are Different Types Of Air Conditioner Filters?
In commercial HVAC systems, there are many types of air filters to choose from:
Filters made of fiberglass
This is the most popular form of disposable air filters. To form the filter media, layered fiberglass filaments are laid over each other and usually reinforced with a metal grating that protects the fiberglass and prevents failure and collapse.
Polyester and pleated filters
These filters are similar to fiberglass filters, but they have a higher airflow resistance and better dust-stopping performance.
Filters with a high-efficiency particulate filtration rating
These units use a very fine filter to filter the air that passes through them. HEPA filters that meet DOE standard STD-3020-97 are used by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors.
4: How Long Do Air Conditioner Filters Last?
The size and type of your HVAC system are the two factors to consider when determining how often filters should be replaced.
These considerations are usually linked to the size and form of your company, as a larger structure would almost certainly need a larger, more robust system.
A small business may be using the same form of HVAC system and air filter as a comparable-sized home.
Depending on the type of filter you use, you might need to change it every 30 days or every 6 months or more, depending on the filter manufacturer’s advice and what your HVAC professional thinks is best for your company.
Air Filters As Filters For The Air
Did you know that over 80% of tenants are inquiring more about HVAC and air quality than they were before the pandemic?
People care now more than ever about the air they breathe. And air filters play a major, if not the most important role.
Cost Efficiency
Inefficient air filters will cost you money in the form of wasted resources, increased maintenance costs, damaged equipment, underproductive employees, and sick tenants.
There are many different types of air filters available, but the most cost-effective isn’t necessarily the most affordable.
Air Filter Types Efficiency Information
The first thing you should look at is the MERV rating and HEPA filtration.
In addition to the two, other efficiency measures affect how well a filter will work in your HVAC equipment:
Initial and sustained performance
The initial efficiency rating indicates how well a filter performs when it is first installed, while sustained efficiency indicates how well the filter performs over time.
Pressure drop
This is also known as filter resistance, and it describes how the filter can affect airflow in the HVAC system.
Arrestance
You might’ve never heard of arrestance before, as it’s a very specific term.
It describes an air filtration device’s ability to extract synthetic dust from the air.
Dust retaining efficiency
It is a measurement of how much dust it can retain at a given pressure drop.
What Is Indoor Air Purity?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality inside buildings and structures, directly related to the occupants’ health and comfort.
Understanding and managing common indoor contaminants will help you lower the risk of developing indoor health problems.
Basic Dangers Of Less Than Good Air Purity
Air pollution can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause shortness of breath, aggravate asthma and other respiratory disorders, and have an effect on the heart and cardiovascular system.
Long-term inhalation of contaminated air can lead to dangerous health issues.
Particle pollution can also lead to lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
The indoor air quality will be of more relevant concern in 2021 and the future than it has ever been. Sustainability and energy quality are two main factors behind the top HVAC trends.
Some Ideas On How To Improve The Air Purity Standards
Now that you know what can cause poor indoor air quality, let’s talk about what can actually be done.
Here are some of the top ways to improve your indoor air quality:
- Regularly change your air conditioning system’s filters
- Check and clean the air ducts from dust, dander, and mold
- Keep the floors and carpets clean, as well as the overall facility
- Control indoor humidity, as it leads to mold
Do Air Filters Really Improve Indoor Air Quality?
The answer yes.
And science backs up the effectiveness of air filters with facts and research.
They are specifically designed by specialists to reduce and filter airborne particles like dander, pollen, and mold spores while also killing bacteria and viruses.
Air filters can reduce indoor fine particle concentrations by 60%.
Stay in Trend and Stay Safe
The benefits of HVAC systems are becoming more apparent as smart building technology develops.
As the industry continues to digitize, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and computer modeling will become even more prominent.
Choose the Best Indoor Air Quality Services with Servi-tek
HVAC systems are crucial in meeting increased sanitation requirements because they filter and purify the air while also preventing the spread of COVID-19 particles.
Professional teams who can show their tenants that their HVAC units are well-maintained and that the indoor air is clean will gain a competitive advantage in attracting tenants and increasing their business.
Start today, with the help of Servi-Tek.
For more than 15 years, Servi-Tek has provided affordable and energy-efficient air filtration services to commercial and industrial facilities.
Our expertise ranges from air filters to needlepoint ionization and UV-C disinfection lights.
Give us a call today at (866) 454-6185 or use our online contact form to find out how we can help you breathe clean and safe air indoors.
