Your HVAC air filter is a small but mighty component of your heating and cooling system. Choosing the right filter and changing it regularly can significantly impact your Bonham home's indoor air quality, your HVAC system's efficiency, and its longevity. But with so many options available, how do you choose?

Understanding MERV Ratings:

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It's a scale from 1 to 16 (or higher for specialized filters) that measures how effectively a filter captures airborne particles. A higher MERV rating means finer filtration.

MERV 1-4: Basic filtration, captures large particles like pollen, dust mites, and carpet fibers. Often found in disposable fiberglass filters.
MERV 5-8: Good residential filtration, captures mold spores, pet dander, and hair spray. Pleated filters often fall in this range.
MERV 9-12: Better filtration, captures auto emissions, lead dust, and legionella. Excellent for homes with allergy sufferers.
MERV 13-16: Superior residential filtration, captures bacteria, tobacco smoke, and droplet nuclei (like from sneezes).

Types of Air Filters:

Fiberglass Filters: Inexpensive, disposable, typically low MERV. Protect HVAC equipment but do little for air quality.
Pleated Filters: Offer a larger surface area for capturing particles, generally MERV 5-13. A good balance of filtration and airflow for most homes.
Electrostatic Filters: Use self-charging fibers to attract particles. Washable versions are available, but effectiveness can vary.
High-Efficiency (HEPA) Filters: MERV 17-20, capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. Usually require system modification due to high airflow resistance.

Choosing for Your Bonham Home:

For most Bonham homes, a pleated filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 offers a good balance. If you have severe allergies, pets, or respiratory issues, a higher MERV rating might be beneficial. However, be cautious: a filter that's too restrictive for your system can strain the fan motor and reduce efficiency. Always check your HVAC manufacturer's recommendations.

Remember to change your filter regularly – typically every 1-3 months. If you're unsure which filter is best for your system and needs, the experts at HVAC Bonham can help. Call us for advice or during your next maintenance visit!