Someone was thinking when they designed heating systems. Not only do they provide necessary heat, but they also use a filter to remove particles and dust from the air. But you’re not limited to the filter that came with the system. You actually have several air filter options.

A ratings system, established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers, reveals how well a filter can trap airborne particles. It’s called MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, and every filter has a MERV rating.

Flat air filters, or panel
These are low-efficiency filters, rated MERV 1 through 4, and they provide only a basic level of protection for the heating system itself from particles. They are designed to keep the coils and motor in the furnace clean, and have little effect on indoor air quality, as they generally do a good job only on larger particles.

Pleated air filters, or extended surface
These types of filters do a better job of trapping both large and small particles, and are generally rated MERV 7 to 13. These filters are ideal for home use and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, they can perform nearly as well as a high-efficiency particulate air filter, generally rated above MERV 16. The reason for this endorsement? As more particles move through the filter’s surface, it becomes more dense, and can trap more and smaller particles. Therefore, it becomes more efficient with use. But all filters must also be changed regularly to achieve efficiency.

High-efficiency filters are also available between MERV 14 and 16, and they’re designed to capture very small particles; however, as MERV ratings go up, a filter’s ability to allow air to flow through it decreases, which can harm your system, so consult an HVAC expert or owner’s manual before you install a high-efficiency filter.

Consider air filter options that will work for your home needs and your heating system. For help either selecting a filter or just to ask a heating or cooling question, contact the experts at Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning today. Serving San Antonio since the 1970s, we’re always happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Air filter image via Shutterstock