The weather is changing here in Sacramento, we can literally see it in the air. Pollen, wind, and all that comes with it- it’s grand, isn’t it??
Did you know the EPA reports that indoor air pollutants are two to five times higher than outdoors. So the most important thing about spring in Sacramento is making sure you have a nice clean filter in your HVAC system. Unsure where your air filter is located? Find out here at Where is My HVAC Filter.
Types of HVAC Filters
There are many types of filters and filtering systems. Which is right for you? Let’s look at the different styles and help you choose:
Spun Fiberglass– The first thing you’ll notice is that you can see through it. This means it isn’t going to do a very good job of picking up dirt, dust, or pollen. These thin layered filters just aren’t up for the task.
Pleated 1″ Disposable Filters– This type of air filter is becoming the most common found in stores and online. They are superior to the spun fiberglass filters in that they will trap more gunk coming through the system. Secondly they have more surface area. All of those peaks and valleys in the pleats account for more collection area.
The pleated filters come in a variety of MERV ratings (8-13). MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value- or in better words “how well a filter can capture particles between .3 and 10 micron.” The higher the MERV rating, the smaller and more particles are collected by the filter. One thing to be cautious of is that you shouldn’t use a filter with too high of a MERV rating for YOUR particular heating and cooling system. If the filter is too restrictive it could cause damage to your HVAC system over time. The higher MERV filters also need to be replaced more often because they are trapping more debris. Regardless of what the packaging on the filter you’ve purchased says- we recommend a MERV 13 pleated 1″ filter be replaced monthly.
Washable 1″ Filters– What used to be the creme de la creme of filters, we are now finding them to be more restrictive and less efficient than the disposable filters. They also don’t provide that superior surface area we explained above. Additionally, as the years pass they just don’t get as clean as when they were new. Small amounts of debris will get trapped in between the nylon layers and they could do more harm than good over time. As a general rule, I hate waste. Almost obsessively. But when it comes to air filtration, I believe throwing away a filter and putting in a new clean one is best for not only my system, but my lungs.
4″ Pleated Return Air Filter– Honeywell makes a thicker pleated filter that can convert your 1″ filter space into 4″ of filtration heaven! THis is a great option if you have a return air (typically in the ceiling) that is a pretty standard size and can accomodate the upgrade. This filter is rated at MERV 10 and typically is replaced every six months. The replacement cost is generally the same as a year’s worth of standard 1″ filters.
Whole House Air Cleaner– The absolute best way to insure fresh squeezed air running through your home would be the whole house air cleaner. These are an accessory cabinet that are attached next to or below your furnace or air handler. The Aprilaire filter cabinet is the one we recommend the most. This is the filter system I have in my own home. The filters are 4″ thick and have a surface area of 20-50 square feet. A standard 1″ pleated filter only has 3 square feet! THREE! These filters also will catch 95% of irritants down to .3 micron. Talk about efficient. Aprilaire has a whole line of filters to choose from that will all fit in the cabinet installed. Different people have different needs, and this cabinet can accommodate a household that may be more concerned of odors (hello wildfire season) or severe allergies. Depending on the filter they are usually replaced annually or at most, every six months. Very convenient to not have to be reminded every couple of months to check the filter.
You may be thinking to yourself: “I don’t run my heating or air conditioning in the spring and fall when my allergies are at their worst!” But did you know, you can turn your thermostat fan from “auto” to the “on” position and it will run just the fan and not the heat or air?? This will cycle the indoor air through the filter therefore cleaning it. On newer furnace blowers, they run on a super low speed when you use the “on” function which means the air moves slower across the filter and even more particulates are captured.
Not sure which is best for you? Contact us and we’re happy to go over what type of system you have and the best filter for you. Whether you’re buying them from us, a hardware store, or online; we just want to make sure you have the right filtration for these warmer days in Sacramento.