Selecting A Better Filter

The filter you choose is a vital part of your heating and cooling system.  The wrong type of filter can cause your energy bills to rise, leave mold or other particles in your air, and shorten the lifespan of your system.

There are 5 ratings to look at when purchasing your filters:

• Pressure drop lets you know the effect the filter has on airflow.  High ratings mean airflow in inhibited, which can put a strain on your HVAC components.
• Arrestance is how the filter captures dust partciles during product testing.  The focus is mainly on large particles including certain types of mold and dirt.
• Dust holding capacity is the filter’s ability to keep dust out of the air at certain pressure drops and how well the fibers keep hold of the dust it has removed.
• Initial efficiency tells how well the filter removes particles when it is newly-installed.
• Sustained efficiency is related to dust holding capacity including the total efficiency for particles and how well the filter maintains performance over its functional life.

Make a habit of checking your filters every month and changing them as soon as they begin to look dirty.