Did you know that the type of HVAC filter you choose can mean the difference between sniffling your way through allergy season and breathing easy? It’s time you learned about MERV filter ratings.
The common misconception about HVAC air filters
Many people assume that any heating and air conditioning filter will rid the air of contaminants. Wrong! Those ordinary air filters do no more than keep dust and debris out of your heating and air conditioning equipment. They do not protect your lungs and your sinuses by removing pollen and mold.
To remove outdoor allergens from your building’s air handling equipment and the air you breathe, you need air filters designed for that purpose.
HEPA filters and MERV filter ratings
Made from layers of glass fibers formed into pleated paper-like material, HEPA filters trap more than 99 percent of pollen, dust and smoke. They have much smaller holes, so they are capable of trapping viruses, pollen and other contaminants that ordinary filters can’t.
HVAC filters are rated according to the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) system, which is based on how well the filter blocks particles of different sizes. MERV filter ratings range from MERV 1 to MERV 20, with HEPA filters at the top of that range.
ONE CAVEAT to be aware of: some HVAC systems can’t accommodate higher filtration either because of space issues (the filters won’t fit in the housing) or because the reduced airflow causes pressure drops that can decrease system performance.
Fight pollen with an HVAC filter with a higher MERV filter rating
Having your air filter changed is as easy as making a call to your trusty NYC HVAC service provider. He can advise you on exactly the right filter for your equipment, get you good prices on filters with high MERV filter ratings, and even order multiple filters so you can change them yourself in between HVAC tune-up appointments.
Always consult with a HVAC professional before purchasing HEPA or other filters with a higher MERV rating for your equipment. If your system can accommodate them, ask your NYC HVAC service provider to install filters with MERV filter ratings of 13 or above, which are most effective at blocking the particles that cause allergies.
Don’t forget to change HVAC filters frequently during allergy season
Have you ever taken a look at your used HVAC filters? It’s a pretty disgusting sight, and that’s only the dust and debris that you can actually see.
Remember that the air you breathe in your space all comes through your HVAC system. When filters get clogged, all that dust, bacteria, viruses, pollen and mold spores wind up in your equipment, passed into the ductwork, and distributed throughout your occupied space.
This is especially troubling, and even dangerous, for people with allergies, asthma, and other breathing difficulties. In the worst case, you could face Sick Building Syndrome, when large numbers of building occupants report unexplained illnesses.
Learn more: Sick Building? Try Air Conditioner Preventive Maintenance
For filters to be effective, they need to be changed regularly, possibly as often as monthly if your building is located in an area with very high pollen counts.
Maintain your HVAC system to improve air quality & allergies
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality is poor upkeep of ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems.
When you first start up your air conditioning system at the start of the season and again when you shut it down in the fall, bring in an HVAC service specialist to do AC preventative maintenance. This service typically includes a detailed inspection and tune up of your system.
Dirty cooling coils, fan motors and blades, drain pans and other parts can cause contaminants and moisture to enter the ducts and accumulate. Moisture is especially dangerous as it can lead to mold growth. As your air handling systems circulate air throughout your building, they are also circulating contaminants including pollen and mold spores.
Regular maintenance of your equipment and even cleaning of your air ducts by experienced professionals can greatly improve the air quality in your building and help reduce allergy symptoms.
BONUS: Cleaning and tuning up your HVAC system also prevents breakdowns and increases the life span of your system. Not to mention improving the efficiency of your equipment, saving energy and reducing your utility bills.
Learn more: AC Maintenance: The Cure For Springtime Allergies?
If you’re in the NYC metro area, contact Arista about a maintenance agreement for your system.
