Residential air filters provide clean air to your family.
Replacing and maintaining your filters is a great way for you to increase the
quality of life of those who live at your residence.
Air filters in homes have long been an air
conditioner/furnace upkeep type device. This started with the basic fiberglass
filters (you know, those blue colored filters that are probably caked with dust
in your home right now). They were designed for one purpose; to keep your air
conditioner free from dust, thus extending its life and performance.
Things have changed and today residential air filters are
designed with people in mind. The newer styles are designed to not only trap
dust particles, but to stop them from circulating through your house.
Does some one in your family have allergies? Did you know
they made filters for that? That's right. Selecting the right MERV or HEPA filter
can help allergy sufferers. They do so because of their ability to capture even
the smallest of particles (up to.003 microns) and trap them within the filter.
The reduction in those allergy causing particles; particles like dust, pet
dander, dust mites and mold, reduces the number of allergy flare ups that might
occur.
As mentioned above, there are two ratings to look for
when selecting a proper filter; MERV and HEPA. For allergies, MERV 11 and MERV
13 rated residential air filters will trap those allergens. HEPA filters are
higher rated than the MERV, therefore any HEPA type filter will remove
allergens from your home.
As a note, HEPA filters are mostly found in hospitals and
pharmaceutical companies. A lot of vacuum cleaners also use HEPA technology.
It's the latest rage in filtration, but not necessary to use in a residential
setting.
If you haven't upgraded to a MERV rated filter, and are
still using fiberglass, you might want to consider giving one of these types a
test run. Your air will be cleaner, and your family will thank you for it.
If you are confused about the different ratings, don't be
discouraged. Those numbers and ratings mean nothing to the everyday person like
you and I. What I would do is visit The Pure Air Store. You
can call them or shop online. They are a great resource for residential air
filters.
