Air/Furnace Filters For Maximum Efficiency & Better IAQ
At Moon Air, we know that the smallest components in your HVAC system often make the biggest difference in your home’s "atmosphere." When it comes to your air & furnace filters, many homeowners think of them as just another item on the grocery list. However, these filters are actually the first line of defense for your comfort system and your family’s health.
Since 1985, our jovial team has been helping neighbors in Newark, DE, Elkton, MD, and West Chester, PA, understand that all filters are not created equal! Choosing the right filter is a balancing act between protecting your equipment and cleaning the air you breathe. If you choose a filter that is too weak, your system gets dirty; if you choose one that is too restrictive, your system can’t "breathe." Let’s take a look at how to find the perfect fit for your home galaxy.
Call us at 410-392-9350 for information on furnace filters or shop online.
Understanding the MERV Scale: Your Filter’s Performance Rating
Don’t be fooled by labels that claim "99% efficiency." Almost every filter is 99% efficient at catching something—the real question is what size particle it’s catching! To find the truth, you need to look at the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating.
The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20. The higher the number, the smaller the particles the filter can trap. Here is how the mission breaks down:
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MERV 1–4: These are the basic, fiberglass filters you often find for a dollar at big-box stores.
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MERV 5–8: These provide better filtration for residential settings, catching mold spores and hairspray.
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MERV 9–12: These are high-quality residential filters that can trap lead dust and automotive fumes.
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MERV 13–16: These are often used in hospital settings to trap bacteria and smoke.
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MERV 17–20: This is the HEPA level, used in "clean rooms" and high-tech laboratories.
The "Beer Can" Filters: MERV 1 & 2
You’ve seen these at the store—they are usually thin, blue, and come in multi-packs. If you hold one up to the light, you can see right through it! At Moon Air, we jokingly say these are designed to collect empty beer cans, small children, and only the largest particles.
While they are very cheap, they offer almost zero protection for your indoor air quality. If a particle passes through this filter, it is supposed to pass through your AC coils and blow out your vents—but it doesn’t. Instead, the dirt particles catch on every surface inside your unit, building up until they clog your system and lead to an expensive "Houston, we have a problem" moment.
The White Pleated Filters: MERV 8 to 12
This is where you truly begin cleaning the air. These filters are denser and do a fantastic job of collecting smaller particulates, which protects your system from buildup. However, there is a trade-off!
Because these filters are so dense, the air doesn't always flow through them easily. In the HVAC world, we call this "high static pressure." If the pressure gets too high, your system has to work twice as hard to push air through the house, which kills your energy efficiency. In some cases, the pressure is so high the system can’t function at all! Our jovial technicians love to measure this pressure for you to ensure these filters are a safe fit for your specific equipment.
The Moon Man’s Favorite: Electronic Air Cleaners
If you are looking for the ultimate solution for your air & furnace filters, look no further than electronic air cleaners. These are our favorite systems because they offer the best of both worlds.
They provide the low static pressure of a cheap filter (which is great for airflow and efficiency) while offering nearly HEPA-level particle-gathering ability. These suckers are so powerful you can blow cigarette smoke into them and see nothing but pure, clean air come out the other side!
Expert Guidance Across the Tri-State Area
Whether you are in Bear, DE, North East, MD, or Chadds Ford, PA, Moon Air is here to help you navigate the world of air quality. We genuinely care about your comfort and your utility bills, which is why we take the time to find the exact filter that matches your system’s needs.
Ready to upgrade your home’s defense system? Call Moon Air today at 410-392-9350 to discuss the best air & furnace filters for your home or shop online!
"Out of this world service for down to earth prices!"