Last Updated on December 15, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
You might not think that air filters are very important, but they have a big impact on your health. Air pollution is one of the leading causes of death in many countries, and an air filter can help reduce this problem by trapping these particles before they get into your body. You will also breathe easier and get rid of many of the allergens that you are sensitive to.
Luckily, air filters have become far more affordable in recent years. They used to be a luxury item reserved for the wealthy, but now everyone can enjoy their benefits. If you want to make your house safer and healthier, it is worth getting an air filter. Before you make your purchase, there are a few factors that you should consider to get the right unit for your home and budget. Here is a quick guide to choosing the best air filters.
Use a good platform for purchasing
Sometimes it is a painstaking assignment to find the perfect model of air filter for your home. Luckily, many online options allow you to simply browse through the website until you find what you are looking for. A great solution is filterbuy.com that can help you find models and compare items at the same time. This will cut your time in searching, deciding, and purchasing, and all from the convenience of your home.
Filter efficiency
The most important factor in getting the right air filter is efficiency. Particles that are under 3 microns can get into your body easily, which means you need to make sure that the unit you purchase traps has at least 99% of these particles. Anything less will not provide much protection for your health.
The MERV rating is a good way to evaluate the efficiency of your air filter. This stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures the size of particles that it filters. The higher this number is, the better chance you have at trapping dangerous particles before they get into your house and cause problems.
Lower running costs
You won’t be able to choose an air filter based solely on the running costs, but it is still a factor that you should consider. A cheaper unit might not filter as well and could clog up much faster, requiring more frequent replacements at a higher cost overall.
When looking for the right air filter, make sure to know your budget before going out and purchasing one. For some people, this will mean looking for a cheaper model, while others might be able to splurge on the more expensive options. The cost of the filter should be manageable on your budget, while still providing some good protection for your home.
Avoid seams
Many cheaper models of air filters have a seam down the middle, which is designed to trap dirt and particles. Unfortunately, these seams can also crack overtime or get clogged with dirt if you don’t properly maintain them. If you pick an air filter with this type of design, make sure to unplug your unit to clean it when necessary, or else it could damage your home’s foundation.
Make sure it fits
All the filters out there are designed for standard housing, which means they should not take up too much space in your house. Of course, there are many factors that you need to consider including the size of your room and how easily accessible your HVAC system is. You don’t want to purchase a filter that fits poorly in your house, which can lead to low efficiency and discomfort.
A good way to ensure that you get the right size is by asking advice from an expert. This could be someone at your local home improvement store or even an experienced contractor who can help you make the right decision. Ultimately, this will provide some comfort when it comes time for installation because you know what to expect.
Give it time
The best air filters are slow-working but incredibly effective over the long term. They take up some space inside your HVAC system and will require some time before they begin working properly with your unit; however, once they do, these filters can change everything about how well it works. This is one of the most important things to look for when buying a new filter.
If you want a quicker way to get your filters working, then opt for a higher-quality model that comes with a reusable pre-filter. These can be placed in front of the main filter and help remove some particles before they reach it. This will cut down on how much time it takes for your air to clean itself and improve its efficiency overall.
