The function of an Air Conditioner, Heat Pump or Furnace filter is simple — trap dirt and protect your equipment. However, Air filters these days are also designed to keep dust and other contaminants from getting into the air we breathe. So, how can you choose the right furnace filter? One of the main factors in this decision is a filter’s effect on HVAC system efficiency.
About Furnace Filter Efficiency
The efficiency of a furnace filter can be determined by its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The ratings go from 1 to 16 with higher numbers indicating a greater ability to filter contaminants from the air. The average furnace filter has a
MERV rating of between 7 and 12. Those with a rating between 13 and 16 are usually found in hospitals and other settings where surgery is performed.
The Effects of MERV on Your HVAC System
A high MERV rating is not always the best option. Filters with higher MERV ratings contain smaller pores for airflow. Smaller pores mean that your system will have to deal with more resistance and do more work.
Another consequence of a high MERV rated filters is that it reduces airflow in your HVAC system. Reduced airflow in your home can cause a decrease in indoor air quality in addition to placing extra stress on the fan in your furnace or air conditioning system. The ideal MERV rated filter is one that ensures maximum airflow in your system.
If you want to ensure maximum HVAC efficiency and optimal indoor air quality, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We have been improving the indoor comfort of homes in Yuma, Arizona since 1952.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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