Air pollution causes respiratory issues for countless people every year. And while smoggy summer days in densely populated cities might get the headlines, harmful air is circulating throughout millions of homes. The latest research from the EPA reveals indoor pollution levels may be up to 2-5x higher than they are outdoors. Because most people spend approximately 90% of their time inside, this data is particularly concerning if you or anyone in your home has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. The good news? There are low-cost solutions that dramatically reduce the number of contaminants floating through your air. This article covers all things air filters and explores why replacing your existing one should be at the top of your to-do list this fall.
How Air Filters Work
HVAC systems pull air from your home’s living spaces and recirculate it. If the air isn’t cleaned at some point during this process, you’re simply redistributing harmful particulates throughout every room with a vent. Air filters clean the air circulating through your system by trapping tiny airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other contaminants.
The Filter Media
The core component of an air filter is its filter media. Whether it’s made of fiberglass, pleated paper, or synthetic fibers, they all have one thing in common: they allow clean air to pass through while trapping and holding particulates.
Air filters receive a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which measures their effectiveness in removing airborne particles. The MERV scale ranges from 1-16, with larger numbers indicating higher performance. At Hoock’s Heating & Cooling, we recommend using a media cabinet with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 11 or greater.
Thin filters (one-inch) aren’t just less effective at cleaning your home’s air. They’re also prone to clogging, restricting airflow, and increasing energy consumption. In the next section, we’ll explain why media filter cabinets provide a significant upgrade.
Media Filter Cabinets
When it comes to improving indoor air quality and maximizing your HVAC system’s efficiency, it’s essential to understand the benefits of adding a media filter cabinet.
Removing harmful contaminants from the air passing through an HVAC system is critical to maintaining your home’s IAQ. But that’s a big job for a single media filter, especially the standard one-inch variety. Even though it may work in the short term, it requires frequent replacement because it clogs quickly.
As the name suggests, media filter cabinets are housings or enclosures designed to hold media filters within the HVAC system. These cabinets provide a dedicated space that accommodates thicker filters, often ranging from four to six inches, ensuring they fit securely and function at peak capacity. While the media filter does the heavy lifting regarding air purification, the media filter cabinet is essential for ensuring that the filter operates efficiently and is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement.
How Often Do You Need to Replace Air Filters?
Quick question: When was the last time you replaced your air filter? If it’s been over a month or two and you’re using a standard one-inch filter, you’re likely overdue.
Even the most diligent homeowners would agree that less maintenance is better as long as you’re not compromising performance. That’s why our experts suggest installing a media cabinet filter. They facilitate better airflow and it’s recommended to be changed twice a year (every six months).
Air Filters and Energy Efficiency
Good health is priceless. Electricity and gas, on the other hand, are not. In addition to improving your home’s air quality, replacing or upgrading your air filter can help improve your system’s efficiency overnight.
When evaluating which filter is best for your home, it’s important to note that many conventional one-inch filters restrict adequate airflow to your system. Maintaining airflow is critical, as modern furnaces (which come equipped with constant torque or variable-speed blowers) are prone to mechanical issues if they don’t get enough air. Additionally, standard filters can get clogged much quicker than media cabinet filters, leading to higher energy bills and reduced performance.
Optimizing your system’s efficiency is an investment that pays for itself several times over in lower bills. When you install a media cabinet filter and say goodbye to flimsy filters, you’ll improve your air quality while lowering your energy bill and reducing the overall stress on your system.
AprilAire Media Cabinets
Researching all the air filter options may not be your idea of a good time (it’s okay, no hard feelings), so we’ll save you some time and share our expert opinion. AprilAire air filters trap airborne viruses and decrease the spread of respiratory irritants as effectively as any product out there. They provide 27 sq. ft. of filter area instead of the 3.4 sq. ft. offered by a traditional 1-inch filter. This significant increase in surface area means fewer household contaminants and cleaner, fresher, and healthier air.
If you’re looking to improve your home’s IAQ and increase your system’s efficiency, AprilAire media cabinets have you covered.
Breathe Easy with Hoock’s Heating & Cooling IAQ Solutions
If there’s anything more important than your comfort, it’s your health. Hoock’s Heating & Cooling provides St. Louis area customers with effective and affordable indoor air quality and filtration solutions that facilitate a healthier living environment. Contact a Hoock’s team member today to upgrade your home’s air quality with a high-performance media cabinet or inquire about additional IAQ products.