If you're worried about the potential health risks of using an incorrect or outdated air filter, you should be aware that it can lead to cancer and other long-term effects such as respiratory and heart disease. The type of filter in your home plays a crucial role in your health. Old, inefficient filters can cause respiratory diseases. They don't purify the air properly, exposing you to poor quality air.
In addition, dirty and outdated air filters will reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system, resulting in high energy bills. That's why it's essential to use the right air filter. Here are the ways an incorrect filter can affect your home. They are usually installed on wall-mounted ventilation grilles (most common in the south) or on the air controller (more common in the Mid-Atlantic and North Atlantic states, where the air controller is often placed in the basement, near the boiler). Models with a low MERV index allow contaminants such as dust mites, animal dander, and viruses to enter your home. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures how well a filter removes particulates from the air.
If so, there are several examples of qualified filters that we recommend, such as the Nordic Pure MERV 12, a filter in perfect condition that we would look for first (because it usually costs less), as well as two other filters that also work well. In addition, an exhaustive, frequently cited independent test on the effects of MERV filters 8 to 13 on air flow and HVAC energy consumption (an indicator of the intensity with which the equipment works) concluded that, even “if steps are not taken to account for the greater pressure drop of filters with high MERV content, the air flow and energy penalties are not likely to be at least serious, not until the filter is full of dirt. When filters are clogged, components must work harder and longer to circulate air in your home. If you can't find the Nordic Pure in your size, or if you prefer to buy a new filter and pick it up immediately at a store, Honeywell's FPR 9 filters and Filtrete's MPR 1500 filters are similar and are widely available at retail stores. During a wildfire, you'll need to change filters more often than you would under normal air conditions, and there are some indicators that can help you know when it's time to replace one. The air is charged with particles, passes through the filter only once and the results are measured. One of the purposes of an air filter is to filter out all microscopic particles, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, plant spores and mold, and even smoke. And like the HEPA classification test, MERV tests measure a filter's efficiency (the percentage of particles it captures in a single pass).
If it is not changed for a longer time, it may reduce the life of the filter components or cause a breakdown in the oven. If you can't get a filter strong enough to remove all the contaminants that affect your home, IAQ experts will find an electronic air purifier that will be combined with the filter that will be responsible for eliminating the particles that escape. Indoor air quality is often poor because houses are built nowadays to insulate heat in summer and insulate it during winter, meaning there isn't much fresh air circulation. A filter that blocks air flow will increase air pressure in the air conditioning ventilation system, which can damage ducts and even air conditioning and heating. When filters are clogged, the entire air conditioning system must work harder to distribute heat or air where needed. It is essential to use an appropriate filter for your home to ensure good indoor air quality. The right type of filter will help keep your family safe from harmful particles while also keeping your energy bills low. Make sure you check your filters regularly and replace them when necessary.
