Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality Benefits of Media Air Filters

Since 2020, Americans have been more aware of indoor air quality issues and how they affect family health and comfort. The role that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays in keeping indoor spaces healthy was also highlighted. And for good reason.

The variety and quantity of airborne contaminants is quite amazing.

  • Dust and dander are composed of skin and hair from family members, both human and furry members
  • There are microscopic insects, dust mites, that attach themselves to dust particles and consume them. These insects trigger allergies in some people.
  • Pollen and mold spores are reproductive cells from plants and fungi that also trigger allergies and asthma.
  • Of course, bacteria and viruses are known pathogens, causing illnesses and diseases.
  • Carpet, adhesives, finishes, and furniture produce volatile organic compounds.
  • Various chemicals enter the home from the exhaust and manufacturing from the local environment.

For these reasons and more, HVAC systems have an air filter to remove a significant percentage of these particles to keep air healthy.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers tested air filters and developed a MERV rating to help consumers purchase filters. The ratings are based on the percentage of specific-size particles the filter will remove; higher numbers indicate a higher percentage of particles being removed.

  • Most air conditioners are designed to receive a 1” thick air filter
  • These filters are made of either fiberglass mesh or wood fiber (paper). These filters are often pleated to give a greater surface for capturing airborne particles.
  • Residential HVAC systems are not designed to use ultra-high MERV-rated filters, since they restrict airflow and hamper the performance of the system.

If indoor air quality is extremely important for your family, perhaps due to severe allergies, asthma, or other breathing illnesses, investigate a media filter to see whether it can improve indoor air quality in your home.

  • Media air filters are thicker, 3” to 4” thick. This increases the number of fiber layers without making the openings too small for effective air movement.
  • The combination of layers traps 98% of particles, including particles as small as .1 microns in diameter.
  • Since media filters are made from synthetic fibers, they carry an electrostatic charge, attracting very small airborne particles.

Media Filter Pros

  1. Media filters remove a larger percentage of airborne particles than regular MERV filters. This keeps the air healthier and surfaces cleaner.
  2. Some media have a charcoal layer to trap odors and gases; MERV filters do not.
  3. By removing more particles without obstructing airflow, media filters are better equipped to improve HVAC efficiency and performance. This can lead to fewer repairs and extended system longevity.
  4. Media filters do not need to be replaced as often. They need to be replaced every year or two, depending on how much you use the HVAC system.

Media Filter Cons

  1. A 3” to 4” filter will not fit in a slot designed for 1” filters. To retrofit a system, a media filter will need a cabinet designed to accept the filter.
  2. Media filters are more expensive than MERV-rated filters, BUT, since they do not have to be replaced as often, the cost is very similar to the cost of replacement.

All Cool AC Indoor Air Quality professionals can verify whether your HVAC system can accommodate a new media air filter. Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.