Types of Home Air Filters
Common home air filters include fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic, and HEPA. Pleated filters capture more particles than basic fiberglass, while HEPA filters remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MERV Ratings and Efficiency
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and rates filter performance from 1 to 20. Higher MERV ratings capture smaller particles, but very high ratings can restrict airflow. Choose a MERV 8 to 13 filter for most homes to balance filtration and system performance.
Replacement and Maintenance
Replace disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, or more often with pets or allergies. Check your HVAC manual for guidance. Clean reusable filters per manufacturer instructions to maintain airflow and indoor air quality.
