Just go to any home improvement store and the choice of home air filters can be dizzying. What’s the best one? Should you just get the cheapest? These are just a couple of the questions that make the selection mind-boggling. Let me try to help you de-mystify the air filter dilemma.
Here’s a simple way to tell how efficient your current filter is, do this outdoors or with something below the filter so you don’t end up with a mess: Hold the filter horizontally, using standard table salt, start pouring the salt through the filter and see how much comes out the other side. If some or all the salt falls through the filter, then you know that the filter will let dust that same size flow through. You should probably upgrade your filter to something more efficient.
There are 3 primary considerations when choosing a household air filter; Size, Material and MERV rating.
Filter Size
Size is the easiest factor to ascertain. Simply look at the label of your existing filter to see the dimensions, or just measure it. Most home air filters are 1” thick, but there are a variety of standard width and height dimensions.
Material & MERV Rating
Filter efficiencies are given a number from 1-16 called the MERV rating. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This number tells the user, under the least efficient conditions, how well the filter is designed to trap contaminants.
As a basic example, these are some typical MERV ratings and how they correspond to efficiencies. This is only a guide, be sure to read the filter manufacturers’ information when shopping for specific filters.
Rating Average Filtration Efficiency
MERV 1-4: 60-80%
Fiberglass, Disposable Panel, Washable metal/synthetic, self-charging (Passive)
MERV 5-8: 80-95%
Pleated, Media panel, Cube
MERV 9-12: >95%
Extended pleated
MERV 13-16: >98%
Electronic
Be Careful About High MERV Ratings
While a higher MERV number may provide better filtration efficiency, it is very important to understand that too high a MERV filter may also cost you more to operate your heating and air conditioning system. The higher the MERV, the less the air may flow through the system, and the harder the system may need to work. Your goal is to get the right balance between air flow, air filtration level and energy efficiency (we can help you evaluate this).
Think about it this way, the most efficient ‘filter’ would actually be a piece of plywood that would just trap ALL contaminants (and all the air) from entering your home. That's maximum air filtration, but would also be the least comfortable way to go.
A safe bet for most systems would be a MERV 6-8. A higher MERV filter should be used on the advice of your Service Experts representative to ensure your system has the capability of moving the proper amount of air through higher efficiency filters. You generally do not want to sacrifice energy-efficiency for filter efficiency; you want a balance of the two. However, if your family suffers from allergies or respiratory problems and needs a high MERV air filter, consider a whole-home air filtration solution that will meet your energy AND filter efficiency needs.
Filtration has changed greatly over the past few years. Originally, home air filters were used in the furnace or air handler only to protect the comfort equipment itself. Today it’s a whole new ballgame. Homeowners expect their air filter to save children from a whole host of harmful pollutants, dust mites, and even prevent the need for dusting. I hope this information has helped you understand what filter might be best for your family’s needs.
Posted on: 5/26/2008 5:00:00 AM by Sam
According to the
New York Times, the average price of gasoline is selling for about
$3.61 per gallon, just shy of a new record national average, and is expected to peak in June. What’s this mean for summer vacationers… stay close to home or pay the price? Not necessarily.
A
Precision Tune-up on your air conditioner is great, it improves efficiency and could even help you breathe easier if your family has allergies. While I strongly recommend an A/C Tune-up as the first and foremost way to keep the bills down during hot summer months, there are some other ways you can keep your wallet cool. So how can you shrug off the cost of climbing gas prices?
Here are 5 ways to help save a little more this summer:
1. Tint Your Windows
The windows in your home are a major source of heat. To reduce their affect on the indoor temperature and the load to air conditioning operation, buy a window tinting kit from your local home improvement store. Window tinting film can usually be applied with a simple soap and water solution, so there’s no need to buy expensive solvents or pay a company to do this for you (although if you're not the handy type you might want to leave it up to the pros, it can be a messy job). Definitely check the directions for proper application, and start with the smallest, least visible window in your home (like a small bathroom) until you get the hang of it.
Make sure the tint level does not violate Home Owner Association or city codes, and ask the store if tax credits are available in your area for
ENERGY STAR rated tinting materials. Cost for 15 windows in the average 3-bedroom home; about $270. Air conditioning savings; up to 18% per month
2. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Insulation can be an inexpensive, do-it-yourself weekend project that can keep the conditioned air in your home from escaping, and help save even more on air conditioning operation. There are a several types of insulation applications; batted, rolled, wrapped, and blown. There are even
ENERGY STAR rated and eco-friendly options available in most areas. Insulation is relatively easy to apply, and the heating and cooling savings can be up to 20%.
Be safety-conscious when working in an attic; watch for over-heating and dehydration. A couple of great resources for detailed insulation information is
InsulateYourAtticNow and
The Pink Panther Energy Blog.
3. Have A Garage Sale (or two)
Here’s something you probably didn’t know, National Garage Sale Day is August 9th. Having a garage sale is one of the best forms of recycling, and the average garage sale can bring in about $300. That’s enough to help offset gas costs for that summer road-trip to WallyWorld. So get rid of all that stuff that’s just cluttering up your closet, and raise some cash at the same time. Here are some great
tips to holding a successful garage sale (and if you’re in the spending mood,
here’s how to shop em).
4. Try Alternative Transportation
Consider this, the average cost of monthly car insurance for a mid-size car is $200. The average cost to make a 10 mile commute 5 days a week on a city bus in Washington D.C. is about $120 per month. That’s a monthly savings of $80 over insurance alone. Add a couple hundred dollars for gas and a car payment (not to mention oil, tune-ups and other maintenance costs) and there’s just no contest.
Use this detailed calculator to estimate your true cost of driving. Then determine if you can take the bus once in a while, or downsize a vehicle altogether in favor of public transportation.
5. Consider A Move
It may sound drastic, but if you can, the time to move is right now. The current economic slowdown has created very favorable home prices across most of North America. Simply moving from a 2800 square foot home to a home under 2300 square feet could save major heating and cooling dollars, depending on the age and condition of the home’s comfort system. There are plenty of great resources for learning about the real estate market in your area. Just browse the real estate section of your local library for all the information you need. Two great sources online are
Zillow and
RealEstate.com.
When the economy cycles down it can sometimes seem bleak. In fact, it’s just the natural economic cycle that turns with time. You don’t have to do all five of these suggestions to shrug off the fuel pinch. Just accepting a couple of lifestyle and budget adjustments could help you weather the economic storm in style, and comfort.
Estimated savings may vary by usage, age and lifestyle.
Posted on: 5/19/2008 4:00:00 AM by Sam