Your air filter is a BIG dealOutdoor air quality numbers are reported with the weather, but theyāre not as important as your indoor air quality (IAQ).
1 big thing: Your filter matters ā¦ A LOT
Why it matters: We spend 90% of our lives indoors, at least 50% in our homes and 30% or more in our bedrooms.
- You can know the quality of your indoor air (IAQ) with good monitoring ā> which I wrote about here.
Zoom in: Filters have a MERV rating that tells you how good a job it does removing particles from the air in your home.
- MERV is the standard but some filters use their own rating system ā> you need to find the MERV equivalent.
By the numbers: The higher the MERV, the better the filter.
- HEPA filters (think hospital quality) start at MERV 17.
- MERV 13 is the standard you should shoot for ā¦
IF your unit can handle it. (see below)
Especially if you have pets or any respiratory concerns.
For your Smart Homeowner list
- Confirm with your HVAC tech the highest MERV your system can handle ā> high MERV filters can strain older systems.
- Breathe better by using the highest MERV filter you can and changing it as needed.
Best,
Travis
P.S. This is a complex topic, so please email me if you have questions. This is about your health and well being.