How Air Filters Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

If you like sports, think of the air filter as the goalie on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team.

When the air filter does its job, nothing gets by! A quality filter captures the smallest of particles before they can enter your home or business. Air filters not only improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) but also protect your HVAC equipment from being overworked.

The key is to find the right filter that helps the performance of your HVAC equipment. At Midwest Air Pros, we match you with the best plumbing, electrical, and HVAC companies closest to your home in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and other parts of the Midwest.

Now, let’s talk about air filters!

How Air Filters Work

A clean filter captures dust, pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants that circulate in the air throughout your home in Des Moines or Springfield. It allows for a clear airflow, which in turn lessens the load on your furnace and air conditioner.

Filters also help you breathe easier. Brief exposure to indoor air pollution can trigger allergies, asthma, dizziness, and fatigue. Long-term effects, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can contribute to chronic respiratory issues, heart disease—even cancer.

This is why your air filter plays such a vital role in your indoor air quality—whether you live in Wichita or Omaha, find a pro at Midwest Air Pros who can help choose the right filter for your system.

Choosing the Right Filter

First, be sure you know which size of filter to purchase so that it works with your HVAC system. Check your HVAC manufacturer instructions if you are not sure about the exact measurements.

The MERV rating—or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value—indicates how efficient your filter is at capturing airborne particles circulating in your home. Do not automatically purchase a filter with a high MERV rating, as a higher rating also tends to decrease the energy efficiency of your system since it affects the airflow.

Generally speaking, most systems operate well with a rating between 8 and 12. Anything lower than 8 will struggle to catch everything—especially if you have pets or someone who smokes inside your home.

And always remember to change your filter. A clogged filter slows down your equipment and can compromise your indoor air quality. Most filters should be changed at least every 90 days.

What Are HEPA Filters?

Think of a HEPA filter—or high-efficiency particulate air filter—like the Cadillac of air filters. Manufacturers initially designed these filters mainly for hospitals and manufacturing sites, but they are now beacoming more popular in residential heating and cooling systems.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), a quality HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of the airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in size. Whether you live in Kansas City or Springfield, most homes can get along fine without a HEPA filter. But a HEPA filter does capture most bacteria, and even virus particles attached to larger particles. During these challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic, a HEPA filter can give you peace of mind.

Call Your Air Quality Experts Today!

Indoor air quality is a top priority these days, and your pros at Midwest Air Pros can offer you the best advice on how to improve the air in your home in Springfield, MO, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, Omaha, NE, and other parts of the Midwest. Our companies can help you with all your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs. Find a pro at Midwest Air Pros to get the job done right!