When it comes to indoor air quality, an abundance of fur and allergens produced by our pets can take their toll on the air we breathe in our living spaces. Without a proper HVAC air filter to eliminate dangerous air particles, we might actually cause harm to our loved ones, including our four-legged friends. Choose the best HVAC air filter for a home with pets by following these 5 tips recommended by Atglen’s HVAC company, Topline Heating & Air.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a New Air Filter in Homes with Pets
1. MERV Rating
By far the most important factor to consider, MERV ratings determine the overall effectiveness of an air filter. This includes the capacity for trapping airborne contaminants on a scale between 1-16. Where sixteen designates the highest efficiency for an air filter, optimum performance will also cost more.
- MERV Rating 1-4: This rating provides the least amount of protection for your home and can only block dust, fibers, and pollen.
- MERV Rating 5-8: Has the capacity to trap dust, fibers, pollen, and mold spores, providing cleaner air for your home.
- MERV Rating 9-12: Those with a low allergy tolerance should only consider air filters with ratings 9-12 or higher. Air filters with this rating trap allergens and pet dander and can greatly benefit allergy sufferers by removing up to 85% of large airborne particles.
- MERV Rating 13-16: For the highest performance an air filter can achieve, MERV rating filters of 13-16 filter approximately 95% of large airborne particles and 80% of smaller ones. Air filters above a 13 rating can block bacteria and reduce susceptibility to respiratory illnesses by trapping viral particles.
2. Filter Size
When choosing the right HVAC air filter for your HVAC system, homeowners with pets should consider the right size filter. Determine the correct size of your filter by measuring your unit’s old one. Keep in mind the length, width, and thickness of your filter by using a standard measuring tape before making a new purchase for your unit.
3. Price
With plenty of filters to choose from on the market, consumers will find a wide range of prices available. Even top-performing air filters have affordable prices, so choose one with features that align with your needs as well as your budget. If possible, avoid low-cost filters–it may save money now, but a low-quality filter might cost more in repairs to your HVAC system in the long run.
4. Maintenance
Modern air filters come available in both reusable and disposable forms. Clean reusable air filters by washing them in the shower or by using a garden hose to clear debris. Disposable filters might have recyclable options, and consumers can throw them away after use.
Deciding on whether to use reusable or disposable air filters falls entirely on preference. For disposable filters, opt for larger four-inch filters. With a broader surface, four-inch air filters catch more fur and airborne particles. They can also last up to three to six months before needing a replacement, unlike their one-inch counterparts that require changing every month.
5. Know Your HVAC Air Filters for Homes with Pets
With basic knowledge about what to consider before purchasing, how do you choose the best HVAC air filter for a home with pets? Know your HVAC air filters when it comes to reducing pet hair and improving your home’s indoor air quality by considering the following air filter choices:
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated air filters have a broad surface capable of trapping more airborne particles. Available in both reusable and disposable formats, pleated air filters last up to three months before requiring cleaning or replacement. For the best performance with capturing pet hair and dander, consider pleated air filters with a MERV Rating between 9-12.
Disposable Electrostatic Filters
Electrostatic filters use static electricity to capture lint, dust, and other tiny airborne particles to improve air quality. They come highly recommended in homes with both pets and children with allergies, and they can even filter smoke. Consumers might find the upfront cost of $10-$50 daunting, especially for a disposable filter, but the overall effectiveness of an electrostatic filter outweighs its price in total value.
Reusable Electrostatic Filters
The permanent electrostatic air filter also uses electrostatic technology but with the addition of self-charged fibers that attract pet hair and other airborne particles to its surface. These washable filters have a lifespan of nearly 8 years and can safely run through a washing machine for cleaning. Reusable electrostatic filters require frequent maintenance, requiring cleaning between 1-3 months.
Activated Carbon Filters
When it comes to eliminating unpleasant odors, activated carbon filters remain the best HVAC air filter for many homes. Carbon filters have long been a staple for indoor air purification, using porous carbon material to absorb gaseous odors from the air. Some pet owners pair activated carbon filters with other types of air filters, as carbon filters alone do not trap airborne contaminants other than gas.
HEPA Air Filters for Homes with Pets
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters must undergo rigorous standards in efficiency to become certified. HEPA filters make an excellent choice in quality for homes with pets, trapping an average of 99.97% of microscopic particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. Medical experts have deemed HEPA filters ideal to protect people from allergens, dust mites, debris, fur, pollen, dander, and bacteria in their indoor air.
The price for a HEPA air filter ranges on the higher end of the cost spectrum and comes in both washable and disposable forms. Some HEPA filters can restrict airflow in your HVAC system, leading to further maintenance costs over time.
For More Information
How often to change HVAC filters in your home will depend on the amount of pet hair and accumulation of debris in your home on average. The best HVAC air filter for a home with pets can vary from family to family.
For help choosing the best filter for your home, contact the specialists at Topline Heating & Air in Atglen, PA, at 717-628-6825 today!