Best Furnace Filters for Dust Control
Best Air Filters for Dust Background
Even air filters with the lowest MERV ratings of 1 to 4 will do an effective job of preventing basic household dust from circulating. However, the best air filters for dust will also filter out other allergens and pollutants as well. For that, air filters with a MERV rating of 5 to 8 are great for most homes and apartments.
MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and refers to how efficiently the air filter catches particles in the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient and effective the air filter. It is not necessary for every home to have filters with the highest MERV rating possible. Provided the homeowner or their family members do not have any significant allergies, an air filter with a rating of 1 to 4 is sufficient.
Key Features of the Best Air Filters for Dust
All the best air filters for dust will prevent dust from accumulating and circulating. This is great for preventing irritation caused by dust but it is also great for general household maintenance since there will be less dust around to collect on furniture. This means less cleaning overall. They also stop pollen from circulating so people with basic allergies will feel comfortable and secure.
Performance of the Best Air Filters for Dust
The particle size of household dust ranges from 0.05 to 100 microns and even the air filters with the lowest MERV ratings of 1 to 8 can trap particles between 1 and 10 microns in size. So the risk of too much dust circulating is never a huge concern with even the most basic air filters. On the other hand, no air filter will ever be able to completely get rid of all dust because no air filter can trap the smallest dust particles.
However, air filters with higher MERV ratings, such as those in the 10 to 12 range can trap dust particles 1 to 3 microns in size. So, they will not be able to stop all the dust from circulating, but they will be able to stop more dust than the lower MERV rated filters. Air filters can have even higher MERV ratings but it is not recommended that residential buildings go any higher than 11.
The smaller size of the microns can restrict airflow, causing the fans of the HVAC unit to work harder. This can raise the cost of the utility bill as well as cause the fan to overheat, necessitating a repair. The extra expense of the higher electricity bill and any probable air conditioning repair is not worth the slight increase in filtration.
The Best Air Filters for Dust: Conclusion
When purchasing an air filter for dust, it is important to consider how well the filter stops other particulates in the air from circulating. If dust is the only concern then a more inexpensive air filter with a lower MERV rating is perfectly adequate.
However, if there is concern about allergens and pollutants from inside or outside the home then one should opt for an air filter with a higher MERV rating. The main point is that purchasing one of the best air filters for dust means purchasing one of the best air filters for allergens and pollutants as well.
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