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Why Higher-Efficiency Air Filters Are a Good Buy

Why Higher-Efficiency Air Filters Are a Good BuyDid you know that the average home contains pollution levels that are often higher than outdoors? Many of the most common respiratory health problems, including asthma, can be linked to constant exposure to indoor pollutants. Given that people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, it pays to have the best filtration money can buy.

If you’re concerned about controlling indoor air pollution, higher-efficiency air filters make for an excellent investment. These filters do a more thorough job of capturing airborne bacteria, viruses, allergens, pollen and other particles responsible for a host of respiratory issues. According to the U.S. EPA, high-efficiency air filters rated between MERV 7 and 13 are just as effective as true HEPA filters in controlling most airborne particles.

The secret lies in their denser fiber weaving, which helps trap a larger volume of particles as well as physically smaller particles – sometimes as small as 0.3 microns in size. However, less air flow gets through the filter, making it important to carefully match your HVAC system with an air filter that won’t unduly impede system airflow. If the airflow is slowed down by the filter, your blower motor will have to work harder to deliver warm air throughout your home.

Higher-efficiency air filters cost a bit more to purchase and might require more frequent replacements, but they’re worth the money in the long run:

  • With more dust, dirt and other airborne particles trapped, fewer particles come into contact with the HVAC system, resulting in longer service life and fewer unexpected repairs.
  • A cleaner system also runs more efficiently – you’ll see lower energy bills and a corresponding increase in overall comfort and performance. Experts say you can trim 10 percent off your energy bill by using a higher-efficiency air filter.

Although your current air filter may already do a good job of cleaning your home’s indoor air, higher-efficiency air filters not only do it better, but also help you save money in the long run.

Contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning to learn more about upgrading to higher-efficiency air filters or to schedule an appointment for your Fresno area home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area 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.

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