Filter

By Anne Fonda

An HVAC filter is an air filter that helps capture and trap pollutants such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and sometimes more in your indoor air. An HVAC air filter cleans the air just before it is drawn into your HVAC system. Whether you call it an air filter, furnace filter, or AC filter, they keep these particles from entering the inner workings of your HVAC system to help it run more efficiently. 

There are 3 main types of HVAC filters.

Buying the cheapest filter may not be the best idea for your health and the health of your HVAC system. Higher-quality filters keep out more allergens that can exacerbate allergies and asthma. In addition, a better filter helps your system operate more efficiently, which can save you on repair bills and energy bills.

Minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), is the standard way of rating the efficiency and performance of HVAC filters. A filter’s MERV rating is usually indicated as a number between 1 and 16. Performance above MERV 16 is rated as HEPA performance. A higher MERV rating indicates a more efficient filter, but it also means a more expensive system. Your HVAC professional can recommend the best filters for your current system.

In addition to the standard filters, another option is a whole-house air cleaner. These systems are superior to regular air filters at capturing very small particles. They can even help reduce contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. 

American Standard offers 2 air purification systems- the QuikBox™ Whole House Air Cleaner and AccuClean® Whole-Home Air Cleaner.

The QuikBox™ Whole House Air Cleaner has a lot to offer if indoor air quality is a concern. Some features:

A whole-house air cleaner or air purifier will cost more than standard filters but will provide you with better indoor air quality for your whole house, eliminating the need for portable appliances.

The AccuClean® Whole-Home Air Cleaner takes air purification even further. Some features to consider:

While the systems can greatly reduce contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, they cannot completely remove them.

Regular HVAC filter replacement and maintenance is crucial to the health of your air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace. Clogged filters can make even the most well-engineered system struggle to heat and cool your home. 

When to change (or clean) your HVAC filter will depend on the type of filter, the system you have, and if you have an air purification system.

Some general guidelines:

Consider signing up for a filter subscription service to make sure you have an extra replacement filter when you need it. There are a variety of HVAC filter sizes to accommodate your particular system. Before ordering new filters, make a note of the measurements that are listed on your current filter and order the same size.

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Jennie Bergman, Senior Product Manager, Indoor Air Quality