how Can I Extend the Life of My Merv Filter?

>Merv filters are used to remove foul odors and bad tastes from your home’s air supply. Merv filters are designed to trap bacteria, viruses, pollen, smoke and other airborne contaminants as they pass through the air ducts in your home. They do this by using activated carbon to adsorb (stick) unwanted substances from the air and then release them later when the filter is back in your HVAC system.Merv filters are effective for about two years, but they can be used for longer if you follow these tips for extending their life. Keep reading to learn more about how to extend the life of your Merv filter.

Change your Merv filter regularly

As part of your HVAC maintenance routine, you should change your Merv filter every two to three months. This will help ensure that your air ducts are as clean as possible, which will keep the rest of your home clean and healthy. The best time to change your filter is when your HVAC system is off for the day. This will prevent dust and other contaminants from getting trapped inside the filter. If you change your filter when your system is on, the dust and other contaminants in the air will get trapped in the filter and then be released when the system is back on. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder and increase your energy bill.

Clean your Merv filter regularly

Merv filters trap contaminants, but they don’t remove them. This means that you need to remove the trapped contaminants from your filter to keep it effective. You can do this by using a brush or a vacuum to clean the filter. You can also use a cloth dipped in vinegar to clean the filter. Vinegar has a strong smell that can help you to remove the contaminants from the filter. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the filter. Make sure to use a damp cloth and avoid using a very wet cloth. This can damage the filter and reduce its effectiveness.

Change your HVAC system’s filter regularly

You should also change the filter in your HVAC system regularly. This will help to remove the contaminants that are trapped in the filter, so they don’t get released when the system is back on. It’s a good idea to change the filter in your HVAC system every two to three months. This will keep your system running smoothly and reduce the amount of dust and other contaminants that are released into the air.

Conclusion

Merv filters are an important part of your HVAC system. They trap bacteria, viruses and other contaminants that can cause bad smells and unclean air. To extend the life of your Merv filter, you can change it regularly and clean it when necessary. You should also change the filter in your HVAC system regularly to remove the trapped contaminants.

Frequently Asked Question

What does MERV stand for?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values. This determines a filter’s ability to capture particles between .3 and 10 microns. This tells the buyer how far a certain type of filter can screen airborne particulate matter.
What is the best MERV rating for air filters?
Usually, it would depend on the type of setting of a household. If the location is dry or if there are pets inside the house. In general, a MERV rating of 8-10 is already good for residential purposes. This type of filter can capture airborne particles and improve your air quality without compromising your budget for replacement and HVAC performance.
Are MERV and HEPA just the same?
HEPA air filters and MERV-rated filters are different. HEPA filters exceed the ASHRAE test protocol used when determining the MERV ratings. HEPA filters are the only air filters that have been tested and certified in meeting a specific efficiency at a particular size.
Which is better, MERV 11 or MERV 13?
They both differ in their particle arresting. MERV 11 furnace filters perform up to 90% particle arresting. The MERV 13 HVAC filters, on the other hand, have a capacity of about 98% which makes them more efficient. The MERV 11 is recommended for residential spaces in the moderately polluted area who owns a pet and has mild allergies.