How to Choose the Right Air Filter for Your Home
Keeping your home’s air clean and healthy starts with the right air filter. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your space. Different filters offer varying levels of filtration, and understanding how to evaluate them—especially using the MERV ratings guide—is key to improving indoor air quality. Whether you're trying to reduce dust, pet dander, or allergens, choosing the right filter can make all the difference.
Mark Fisher and the Titan Air team are here to help you make the best choice for your home’s needs.
Why Choosing the Right Air Filter Matters
Air filters are responsible for trapping airborne particles before they circulate through your HVAC system and into your living space. Choosing the wrong filter can lead to poor airflow, increased energy costs, and unhealthy air in your home. On the other hand, selecting the right one improves air quality, supports efficient HVAC operation, and can even prolong the life of your system.
Understanding the MERV Ratings Guide
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating system ranges from 1 to 20 and measures how well an air filter captures particles of varying sizes.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
MERV 1–4: Basic filters that capture large particles like dust and lint. These are typically found in inexpensive, disposable filters.
MERV 5–8: Standard residential filters that catch pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. These are suitable for most homes.
MERV 9–12: Higher-efficiency filters that trap fine dust, pet dander, and some bacteria. Great for households with pets or allergy sufferers.
MERV 13–16: High-efficiency filters that capture bacteria, smoke, and viruses. These are ideal for improving indoor air quality in sensitive environments.
MERV 17–20: Used in hospitals and cleanrooms. These are usually not recommended for standard residential HVAC systems due to airflow restriction.
Mark Fisher recommends checking your HVAC system’s specifications before upgrading to a higher MERV filter, as not all systems can handle filters with very high ratings. The Titan Air team can assess your system and help you select a compatible option that balances filtration and performance.
Filters for Allergy Sufferers and Pet Owners
If you or your family members suffer from allergies—or if you have pets—choosing air filters with a MERV rating between 11 and 13 can significantly improve your indoor environment. These filters are designed to capture smaller particles like pet dander, pollen, and fine dust, all of which can aggravate allergy symptoms.
Paired with regular HVAC maintenance and duct cleaning, high-efficiency filters make a noticeable difference in overall air freshness and comfort.
Filter Types to Consider
Fiberglass Filters: Inexpensive and disposable, but offer minimal filtration (MERV 1–4).
Pleated Filters: Made of polyester or cotton, offer better airflow and particle capture (MERV 6–13).
Electrostatic Filters: Use static electricity to attract particles; available in both disposable and washable versions.
HEPA Filters: Capture 99.97% of airborne particles but often require a specially designed HVAC system due to airflow restriction.
Improving Indoor Air Quality with Titan Air
Your air filter is one of the first lines of defense in improving indoor air quality. By selecting the right filter, you’ll enhance your comfort, reduce health risks, and keep your HVAC system running efficiently. Mark Fisher and the Titan Air team are committed to helping homeowners make informed decisions for cleaner, healthier air.
Contact Titan Air today to schedule an HVAC inspection or get expert advice on selecting the perfect air filter for your home. Let us help you breathe easier with filters that support your comfort and your system.
FAQs: Choosing the Right Air Filter
What MERV rating is best for most homes?
For standard households, filters rated between MERV 8 and 12 offer a good balance of filtration and airflow. If you have allergies or pets, consider going higher—MERV 11 to 13.
Will a high MERV filter damage my HVAC system?
If your system isn’t built to handle high-efficiency filters, a very high MERV rating could restrict airflow. Mark Fisher and the Titan Air team can help you choose the highest-rated filter your system can safely support.
How often should I change my air filter?
It depends on your filter type, home environment, and usage. Typically, filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months. Homes with pets or allergy concerns may need more frequent changes.
Do better filters help with allergies?
Yes. High-efficiency filters capture smaller allergens like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores—significantly reducing allergy symptoms and improving indoor air quality.
Can Titan Air help me choose the right filter?
Absolutely. Titan Air, led by Mark Fisher, offers personalized guidance based on your system and indoor air quality needs. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a filter consultation.