How to Choose an Air Filter When You Have a Pet
The survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association states that about 85 million families in the United States own a pet. Pets are known to help manage stress and keep people company. Numerous studies confirm how pets boost both mental and physical health.
Pets are oftentimes treated as part of the family, roaming wherever they want throughout the house. Unfortunately, fur and dander also spread around the house this way. This can result in poor indoor air quality, which can trigger allergies, colds, and other respiratory problems. A simple solution to this issue is to find the right HVAC air filter for homes with pets.
What Does An HVAC Air Filter Do?
An air filter blocks airborne particles, such as pollen, dirt, fur, and dust before they can enter through your HVAC system. Air passes through easily, and only the contaminants are left behind. This way, the system remains clean and longer and will have a longer lifespan as well. Reducing air pollutants also means that indoor air quality improves. It is suggested that the air filters be replaced at least once a month so that the unit will remain operating at a high-efficiency level.
What Is MERV Rating?
The minimum efficiency rating value or MERV is used to gauge an air filter’s ability to block contaminants. The higher the MERV rating is, the better the filter. However, increased performance also means that it is more expensive.
MERV ratings 1-4 filters can block fibers, pollen, and dust mites at best. These are at the lowest level and has the lowest amount of protection. On the other hand, MERV 5-8 filters can also block dust and mold spores, making them more useful. There is also the MERV 9-12
At the lowest level as MERV 1-4 filters provide the lowest amount of protection. They can block dust mites, fibers, and pollen, but not much else. MERV 5-8 filters can catch all these while also stopping dust and mold spores, so they are much more useful. Whereas, MERV 9-12 can capture smaller allergens like pet dander. This will help people suffering from mild allergies to breathe better. The highest rating is MERV 13-16. These air filters can capture bacteria and viruses. Therefore, they are best to use for people who have severe respiratory issues.
Excess Fur and Hair Means Replacing The Air Filter More Frequently
All homes tackle their own indoor pollution problems. However, households that have pets have more problems in their hands. The more pets there are, the more it affects the home’s indoor air quality. Pet parents should vacuum as much of the fur as possible – off the sofas, beds, and other surfaces.
They should also replace the air filters more often than what the manufacturer recommends. The high number of contaminants in the air means that the filter will get dirty faster. This is especially the case if you have long-haired dogs at home as these breeds tend to shed more.
Kinds Of HVAC Filters
It is also vital to understand the various types of air filters used for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Being able to distinguish their strengths and weaknesses will help you know which ones will work best for pet owners. This way, you can improve your indoor air quality as well as ensure your system’s longevity.
1. Disposable Air Filters
If you have no other choice but to buy the cheapest filter in the market, then disposable ones are the way to go. However, this kind usually has low MERV ratings. This means that they aren’t as effective at capturing airborne contaminants. It might not be the best, but if you have no choice but to make do, just keep in mind that you need to replace disposable filters at a more frequent rate than usual to ensure its effectivity. Thus, the high maintenance cost negates the initial low cost of disposable air filters.
2. HEPA Filters
High-efficiency particulate air filters, abbreviated as HEPA filters, have passed through a strict process to ensure quality standards. These can block up to 99.7 percent of debris that’s the size of 0.3 microns in width or larger. This means that pet hair and other common pollutants can be blocked easily. If someone in your household has respiratory problems, it is a good idea to use HEPA filters. Make sure to replace it regularly to prevent any blockages.
3. Electronic Air Filters
If you are looking for something that offers more protection than HEPA filters, look into electronic air filters. This kind can capture particles that are 0/1 microns or larger. However, these filters can create low-level noise when pet hair gets entangled in them. They are also more expensive compared to HEPA filters, so be prepared to spend more to get your hands on these.
Conclusion
Pet parents need to take care of themselves. This way, they can also effectively take care of their beloved pets. Any issues arising from pet fur or dander might lead to sickness that might get in the way of taking care of others, much more their pets. You can prevent these from happening by using the right air filters on your HVAC unit. Ensure that you use ones that can capture most airborne contaminants. It is best to avoid using disposable filters unless you have a limited budget. Also, make sure that the filters you buy have high MERV ratings to provide you with more protection from contaminants.
Call Tower Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
For high-quality heating and cooling services in Hartford County, Connecticut, look no further than Tower Energy. Our company has qualified and certified technicians who offer superior HVAC services, including maintenance, installations, and repairs. Rest assured that all our technicians are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to correctly and quickly service your HVAC unit.
Tower Energy provides the most competitive heating and cooling service prices in the area. Our tune-up services help increase your home’s comfort level as well as your unit’s energy efficiency. We can also help you find a replacement system that is within your budget. All our work is guaranteed to ensure your satisfaction. Book an appointment by calling Tower Client today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.