Air quality has become a prominent concern in Gulf Breeze, FL. Whether you’re concerned about long-term health effects or want to breathe easier and have fresher air, filters can considerably improve the air quality in your home. We’ll help you know what kind of filter might be right for you and how you can choose one.
Consider the Thickness of the Filter
While it’s true that a thin air filter will be easier to install, a thicker one can keep your home cleaner and healthier overall. Thicker filters are generally more effective at trapping small particles than thin ones are, which means that if you have pets or children who like to play outside in the dirt or grass, this could be an important factor for you when buying one. They also last longer than thinner ones because they can withstand more wear and tear over time without breaking down too quickly.
MERV Ratings
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) standard to measure how well an air filter can remove particles from your indoor environment. The higher an air filter’s MERV rating, the smaller its pores are, which means it’ll be able to trap more particles of dust, pollen, and pet dander as they pass through it. Most people need an air filter with at least a MERV 8 rating, but if you have allergies or asthma, it might be worth looking into filters with a 10 or higher rating.
Care Requirements
If your filter is too hard to clean and maintain, it’s probably not the best choice for your home or business. If you’ve never cared for a filter before, it might seem like a task that isn’t worth the time and effort. The two main care considerations are how often you need to change the filter and what kind of replacement filters you can buy.
If you have pets or small children in the home and want to keep their environment clean, you may want to look into washable filters. The best way to ensure you’re getting the right kind of filter for your needs is by talking with our HVAC technicians and asking them what kind of air filter will work best for your home.
Once you have considered what you need in a filter, you can acquire one. Here are the major types of filters for your AC.
1. Pleated Air Filters
Pleated filters usually last for about three months before you need to replace them. They come in different sizes depending on where you’ll install them. You can also get pleated filters made of polyester or polypropylene, which will help determine how long they last since some materials hold up better than others.
2. Washable Air Filters
These are a great option for homeowners who want to keep their homes clean but don’t want to spend money on replacements. They’re also highly effective at removing dust and other particles from the air, which can be especially useful if you have allergies or other respiratory conditions that make it difficult to breathe in your home. In addition, their design allows them to last for several months or even years before needing replacement.
3. Fiberglass Air Filters
Compressed and bonded long fiberglass pieces make up this air filter. These filters trap particulates in the same way sand traps water in a sandcastle. The fibers hold onto particulates by electrostatic attraction, which means that they attract and hold onto particles by their electrical charge.
Contact Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating if you have any HVAC issues in Gulf Breeze, FL. We will not only be able to help you choose an air filter that fits your needs, but we will install the right one for you and give you honest advice on what to when you need another filter in the future.
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