Irrespective of where you live, you need clean and healthy air to breathe. That’s where air filters come in and make your life easier. Whether it’s the air purifier, your air conditioning unit, or any other device, they have built-in air filters that strip the air clean of pollens, allergens, and dust particles that may make you ill.
However, for the filter to be effective, the right filter size is significant. Here is a quick take on the air filter buying guide. When buying these devices, there are three parameters that you need to keep in mind, viz. size, MERV rating, and material.
Determine the Right Size
This is the easiest to ascertain. Note the measurements of your existing air filter by checking the label or measuring it yourself. Take into account all height, width, dimensions, etc. Your air filter has to fit in perfectly for it to be most effective. Most home air cooling systems use 14 x14 x1 sized filters where 14 inches is the height and width, while 1 inch is the thickness.
Most air filters for home air cooling systems are 1 inch thick. The height and width of the filter remain the same throughout your system and even from system to system. But, its thickness can vary depending on the material used and MERV ratings. The best is the https://filterking.com/air-filter-sizes/14x14x1 filter, commonly used across a variety of home cooling systems.
Check the MERV Ratings
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The filters are usually rated on a scale of 1 to 16. The higher the rating, the higher is the efficiency of the air filter. These ratings determine how well the filter is designed to hold contaminants. Ideally, home air filters with a rating between 7 and 12 are considered ideal.
Beware, though, because filters with high MERV ratings around 16 will have very minute holes, which may sometimes obstruct airflow and cause your air cooling system not to work properly.
A good idea would be to check the user manual for your air cooling system to check which MERV rating the manufacturer recommends for the system to work efficiently. If you feel the need for extra filtration, you should talk to a professional before going in for a filter with higher ratings.
Ask about the Material
From fiberglass filters to pleated filters, there are electrostatically charged varieties available to help attract and hold microscopic particles.
The highest in the range is the HEPA filters because they remove 99% of the particles. They are more commonly used in hospitals or for people with severe allergies, and they can restrict airflow.
Reusable filters are made of a material that can be rinsed easily with water. Whether you’re using it for an air cooler, air conditioner, kitchen chimney, or air purifier, it is best to check the manufacturer’s guideline on the type of filter used.
Conclusion
Merely choosing the right air filter isn’t essential. It is equally important to change or wash it frequently, depending on the type of filter used. Proper installation is also crucial for adequate airflow and maximum efficiency of the air cooling system.
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