If you take a look at your air conditioner filter, it should be trapping dirt, dust and allergens that would otherwise contaminate your home. The role of the filter is to protect people inside by improving air quality and removing particles from the air that could harm your system. When an air filter becomes clogged, your system works harder, which increases the risk of a breakdown. What’s more, filters play a role in maintaining health; however, not all filters are created equally in terms of their performance and maintenance requirements.
Improved Respiratory Health and Decreased Allergies
When it comes to choosing the best AC air filter for respiratory health and allergy reduction, you must compare Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV ratings. The MERV ranks an air filter in terms of its ability to trap airborne particles. Filters with a higher MERV score can trap smaller particles, which facilitates easy breathing and reduces allergies.
In some cases, you may even look for a HEPA filter, the highest quality air filter that can trap 99.7% of airborne pollutants up to 0.03 microns in diameter. If you’re looking to invest in a high-efficiency air filter, it’s important to consider not only its health benefits but its maintenance needs.
Do All Air Filters Need Replaced?
Whether they are disposable or made to be washable, all air filters eventually need replaced to protect your air conditioner and preserve indoor air quality. Washable air filters are made from a material called woven polypropylene media, which you can clean multiple times before having to replace the filter. Most washable air filters can last between five to 10 years, but their lifespan will vary depending on your environment and maintenance habits.
Replaceable air filters need to be changed out every 90 days on average. Cheaper air filters may only last for a month. Improving the quality of your air filter may also increase its maintenance needs depending on its materials and the level of contaminants it traps.
How MERV Affects Maintenance Needs
A higher MERV score (10 and above) indicates a filter can trap more particles than the average residential AC filter. In turn, your air filter may become dirtier faster as it accumulates a large number of particles. If your filter is disposable by design, you will most likely have to replace it every two to three months.
While a higher MERV score means your air filter is more effective, it also means you’ll need to pay closer attention to your AC system. Improving your health requires consistent maintenance to ensure your filter can always deliver the high level of filtration you need in your home.
In commercial settings, including hospitals and healthcare facilities, AC maintenance is a critical component of patient safety and regulatory compliance. Ensuring that high MERV and HEPA filters are routinely replaced will protect everyone and reduce the risk of airborne illness.
Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your Property
Most residential air filters benefit from a MERV of eight or higher. In some cases, you may want a more efficient filter to catch bacteria, viral particles, animal dander and allergens.
Get the right filter for your home or business with a professional’s advice. Contact Pride Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical in Tucson, AZ, for expert AC maintenance and filter replacement.
