These filters can last for up to eight years and dry easily after washing, to stop mildew or mold from developing. There are disposable pleated models which cost approximately $10, and washer-friendly, reusable versions which can cost as much as $40. The cost is about four times more than the spun fiberglass filters of MERV 1-4, but have much better contaminant removal capabilities.Įlectrostatic filters range from MERV 2 to MERV 10 and they utilize charged fibers to remove particles from the air.
, These mid-efficiency range filters end up trapping around 80 to 95 percent of the debris from five microns and up. MERV 5 to 8 consist of disposable, pleated media filters. “These filters remove the largest particles and are less restrictive to airflow, however they don’t filter the tiny harmful contaminants which can affect your health.” (1) “Many professionals advise against the use of these filters, as they provide only minimal protection from dirt and dust which build up on fan motors, heat exchangers, and other dirt collecting surfaces,” says Kevin Wood, Camfil USA Vice President Sales & Marketing. They will also capture about 25% of the debris that includes particles within the 3 to 10 micron range. These are cheaply-priced and disposable, and will capture around 80% of particles that are 50 microns and larger. MERV 1 to 4 typically consists of spun fiberglass filters. Understanding MERV and the types of air filters is critical to choosing the best filter for you. Understanding MERV and the Types of Air Filters HVAC air filters are necessary to remove contaminants from the air in your home and improve your home’s air quality. Coils, motors, and blowers can also easily become clogged by weak filters creating higher fan usage resulting in higher energy costs. Burnt out motors and controls can result from too-restrictive filters.
Opinions vary widely on the topic, but every professional agrees a good HVAC air filter is necessary for your home because they’ve seen all the problems that the wrong kind of air filter can create in a home’s HVAC system. What do all the ratings, classifications and values mean? What’s the best filter, and is a more expensive filter worth the investment? If you’re new at choosing filters, odds are you’ve been confused by the wide variety of options.