The NHLBI (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute) reports that more than 25 million people suffer from asthma in the United States. Those affected experience asthma attacks where their chest tightens, and they experience wheezing and shortness of breath. These attacks can be triggered by environmental conditions, allergies and can also happen out of nowhere. Common allergens and pollutants like ragweed, pet dander, pollen, mold, and cigarette smoke can trigger both allergies AND asthma. Clearing your home air from as many of these impurities as possible makes a huge difference for those affected. There are many methods to do this but the easiest, and sometimes most forgotten, is your home's HVAC filters. Here's how your heating and cooling system can help relieve your asthma and allergy symptoms.
The filter in your HVAC unit's main job is to maintain/increase your homes indoor air quality by trapping dust and other pollutants. HVAC filters are essential for those that suffer from asthma and allergies as the filter captures the common allergens listed above - keeping them out of the air you breathe. Those with respiratory conditions will breathe easier indoors when the indoor air is clean. This is the primary reason it's so important to change your air filters on a regular basis.
Selecting the right filter requires some research, especially when trying to help prevent allergy and asthma symptoms. This is where a filter’s MERV rating comes into play. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value”. It is a numeric value for rating and comparing the filter’s efficiency and performance. The range for standard MERV values is typically from 1 to 16; the number indicating how well the filter will remove material from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration.
MERV 1-4: Common standard filters. Basic filtration. Low cost.
MERV 6-8: Good filtration and typically used in residential settings. Made of cloth or pleated paper.
MERV 9-12: Middle of the road filters with relatively high efficiency. Can trap particles of 1 micron or larger.
MERV 13-16: Highest efficiency, best standard filters available. Can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns or larger.
Just like all other items purchased, HVAC filters too have a low-end, mid-level and high-end choices. Not all air filters are created equal and they don't all clean your indoor air with the same efficiency. The higher the MERV rating, the more contaminants/pollutants that are removed from indoor air. As with most high-end purchases, higher quality air filters come at a higher price point. There are also additional units that can be installed along with your HVAC system that are designed for air filtration and purification. These air cleaners provide an additional step “on top” of the regular filtration, cleaning your air even further.
No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly to keep your indoor air quality clean and your heat and AC running at its maximum efficiency. US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filters available! Changing the filter is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filters, grille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!
Selecting the filters that are right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.
