Choosing The Right Air Filter

How often do you think about the air filter you are using for your Chicago air conditioning system?  Do you even know what kind of air conditioning filter you even have?

Air conditioning filters often tend to be an afterthought.  However, they are very important especially if you have pets, asthma, or allergies.  There are several things you need to think about before you pick what air filter you are going to use.  

The first thing you must look at is what size filter you need.  If you are using an air conditioning filter that is too big or too small, it won’t work correctly.

Next, what is the MERV rating?  The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) is a rating system that allows you to compare filters made by different manufacturers. The rating scale values range from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency).  It represents how well the air filter collects and holds particles of a specified size range (like large pieces of dust and pollen).

Lastly, what are your needs?  Do you want a disposable filter or a permanent filter?  Does anyone in your home have special needs like allergies?  Disposable air filters need to be changed on a regular basis (anywhere from 1 month to 3 months).  An electronic air filter  is a permanent filter in your HVAC system.  They are very effective at removing particles from the air.  They polarize air particles and collect them on a media pad.

There are many filters types out there.  You have to decide which ones will work best for your family.  If you aren’t sure, please give Around The Town a call and we can direct you to the best air conditioning filters on the market.