Advancements in Home Air Filters

By Mark J. Donovan

Home air filter technology has made huge strides in recent years. The original standard fiberglass home air filter was aimed more at protecting the air conditioning and heating system rather than the residents of the home.

If you suffer the effects of allergy symptoms due to pet dander, mold, or pollen, then the last place you want these floating airborne particles residing is in your house. A home air filter installed in your air conditioning and heating system can dramatically reduce the dust in your home and provide you with an allergy free oasis from spring and fall pollen seasons.

Today’s high efficiency home air filter systems protect the HVAC system, as well as the home’s residents. They provide you with filter fresh air virtually eliminating all of the floating airborne dust particles.

Many of today’s home air filters are coated with chemicals to help sanitize and kill the mold and dust spores so that they do not get re-circulated through the home’s heating and air conditioning system.

More sophisticated home air filter systems include germicidal UV eliminator Filter . These type of Air Filters protect the air your family breathes by virtually destroying all airbone contaminates!

In addition, many of today’s home air filters can trap particles less than 1 micron in diameter.

Home air filters are relatively inexpensive and a homeowner can usually install them in just a few minutes. Many home air filters are washable and reusable and have warranties from 1 to 5 years.


Purchasing a Home Air Filter

When purchasing a home air filter check for the MERV level. MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This is an industry standard for rating the efficiency of heating and air condition filters. The standard was developed and is maintained by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The standard specifies the test requirements for determining a home air filter’s ability to trap airborne particles. Home air filters usually have a MERV rating level from 1 to 10. For filter fresh air I would suggest a MERV level of at least 7.

Home Air Filter Maintenance

Home air filters should be changed or cleaned once a month for best results. Usually home air filters can simply be washed with warm water and allowed to dry before reinstallation.

Also, your heating and air conditioning system should be checked at least once a year to ensure it is operating cleanly and efficiently.