You heat and cool your home for comfort, but replacing the HVAC filter will make it feel fresher. So, how do you choose the right HVAC filter?

Changing your filter regularly is recommended to ensure good indoor air quality. It can also help keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

When it comes to choosing a filter, you have to start with filter sizes. There are many different lengths, heights and thicknesses, but there’s only one size that’s right for your system. The best place to start is with your old filter. Assuming it fits, look for the same-sized filter. It may be worth writing it down.

Next, choose how effective a filter you want. MERV ratings tell you how effective a filter is at keeping particles out of your air. The higher then number, the better the filter.

A filter with a MERV rating of 8 captures 20% or particles 1 to 3 microns in size. How small is that? By comparison, a human hair can be more than 20 times wider. Compare that with a MERV-13 filter, which captures 85% of those same-sized particles, plus 50% of smaller particles. HEPA filters (equivalent to MERV-17) captures 99,97% of all particles in the air.

You may also see options, such as electrostatic filters. These have been treated with electrostatic electricity to improve their effectiveness. Another option is pleated filters, which capture more particles than their cheaper fiberglass counterparts.

Finding the right filter will make a big difference. While better filters may cost a little more, they’ll make your home cleaner and the air fresher, which can be more than worth the few extra dollars.