An official website of the United States government, Official websites use.gov, belongs to an official government organization of the United States. All air filters require regular cleaning and filter replacement to work properly. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and replacement. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) is a system that reports a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm).
While high-efficiency air filters are more expensive, they offer several beneficial features. They reduce the energy consumption of the system, don't need to be replaced as often as cheaper filters, and ultimately save money. A dense filter slows the movement of air through it, forcing the fan motor to work harder to maintain optimal airflow. For more information on individual products that use filters, such as air purifiers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, refer to their specific buying guides.
The Home Depot uses FPR, while the industry standard is to use the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) air filter rating system. Installing inefficient air filters can cost you wasted energy, additional maintenance costs, damaged equipment, and unproductive workers. But a good air filter keeps the central air conditioner (and oven) working by protecting the mechanical components from dust and dirt. Air filters also help keep oven coils and heat exchangers clean, which can extend the life of the oven and keep it running efficiently.
Many people only see the starting price as a factor when buying an air filter, but the real cost is the long-term expense of using an air filter. While most residents understand that it's important to replace the air filters in their HVAC system on a regular basis, many tend to ignore or postpone the task. Understanding the effect of a dirty filter on the air conditioning system helps them understand why it is essential to replace them regularly. To make sure you get the right fit, remove the current air filter and check the size printed on the frame.
High-efficiency air filters include more folds per inch, which increases their efficiency and are capable of filtering up to 45% of the particles floating in the air in the home.
