A quick Amazon search under the category brings up over 800 results! It's all too easy to take the easy road and purchase the cheapest filter, especially when prices range so greatly. But as everything else, buyer beware: the effectiveness of HVAC filters ability to remove airborne contaminants such as pet dander, dust mites, smoke, and mold usually correlates with the price. Here are some informative rating resources for buyers to refer to before replacing or upgrading their home's air filtration system... The fact is not all air filters are created equal. The cheapest filters might be fine for filtering out large sized household dust and lint, but the typical home's interior air is polluted with a lot more unwanted elements composed of much very fine size. The EPA provides an informative breakdown of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants often found indoors, listing the "two categories of indoor air pollutants that can affect the quality of air in a home." Viruses, bacteria, pollen, mold, dust mite, animal dander, smoke...nobody wants to breathe these inside their own home and the cheapest of HVAC filters do a poor job of removing these elements from interior air.

So what should a buyer look for when shopping for an air filter effective against a wide variety of particulates and pollutants? Fortunately, there are ratings systems to help compare the level of protection air filters provide. how to work air handling unitUnfortunately, many groups, stores, and manufactures tout their own rating systems, which means choosing the right HVAC air filter takes a little cross-referencing and research.how much does a ac unit fan costThe American Society of Heating, Refigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) designed a rating system known as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). types of window ac unitsMERV ratings run from 1-20, designating the effectiveness of filers to capture smaller and smaller minimum particle sizes.

The higher the MERV rating, the better, and we recommend this rating system the best for determining filter efficiency.Big brand, Filtrete, uses their own Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR), rating their filters based upon air filtration efficacy. Their basic system simply groups filters into "good (300 MPR)", "better (600 MPR)", and "best (1,000 MPR)" - with "best" capturing "at least 90% of large particles from the air passing through the filter." Their MPR rating is unfortunately only useful if purchasing their brand of air filters.The Home Depot's Air Filter Performance Rating (FPR) System below aims to make it even easier to compare brands by presenting a unified ranking system in an easy-to-read chart/rating based upon the filters' 1) ability to capture large particles, 2) ability to capture small particles, 3) and weight gain (filter lifetime). But the FPR rating system lacks specific figures for the sake of simplicity. points out, buyers should skip over the most affordable and common fiberglass spun filters, with a paltry MERV rating of 2-3.

For just a few dollars more, disposable pleated models bump up the MERV rating to 6, while disposable electrostatic cotton or paper fiber filters rate at 10 and are probably the best option for those balancing budget vs. performance. Those with deep pockets and bad allergies can invest in a deep hi-efficiency pleated filter with a 14-16 MERV rating matched with a $100 price tag. Or better yet, purchase one of these hospital grade units for every room. While the rating of an air filter is important for air quality upkeep, there are many preventative steps that can be made to improve the air inside even before turning on the HVAC system. Frequent house cleaning, avoiding smoking indoors, and keeping a small indoor garden of plants are all effective ways to improve air quality inside. Now if only we can try to remember to replace our filters now and again!MORE AIR FILTERS ON APARTMENT THERAPYHow Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?Handy Filter Replacement Guide for AC, HEPA, & FansA Reminder to Replace your HVAC’s Air FiltersBreath Easy: Keeping Interior Air Clean(Images: Home Depot, Shutterstock/Serenethos)

Best HVAC Services in Tulsa, OK 2016 Browse these HVAC services with great ratings from Thumbtack customers in Tulsa, OK. #1 Morris Heat & Air Was very fast and responsive to my ad. Good service prices and was very professional. #2 All-Star Heating & Air Cale responded very quickly and gave an honest assessment of the situation. The corporation has yet to contract with him but I was impressed with his responsiveness and quick diagnosis. #3 Wortman Central Air Conditioning Co.I have been without a proper working furnace for the last 2 years. I should have called sooner, but was not able to afford the service call. I am so thankful I finally shopped around and found Wortman. Very affordable and to top that off, there was a coupon available that helped me be able to afford the service call. The technician who came out was very helpful and very knowledgeable in his line of work. My furnace works like new and it wasn't even a major problem. All I can say is "thank you".

I've got 3 toddlers running around, so the heat is definitely much needed. Looking for a company in Bixby that provides quality furnace installation services? These HVAC contractors are available at your convenience. Heat & Air Conditioning Just Right Service LLC offers reliable HVAC services. They do installations, replacements and repairs of your heating and cooling systems. They give a one year labor warranty. Boiler Repair & Other HVAC Services John Morris and his team are all about helping you live in comfort. They will take care of all your HVAC problems. Their services include duct cleaning, heater repair and other mechanical services. Wortman Central Air Conditioning Co. has a group of HVAC engineers who handle installation and repair works. They do energy auditing as well. If you are on the lookout for someone in Tulsa who can provide HVAC maintenance, consider this company. Perryman Service offers air conditioner repair, heating services, appliance repairs, and other HVAC needs.

This professional contractor offers commercial and residential HVAC systems services. Aside from the top rated HVAC services, he also handles plumbing jobs. Residential & Commercial HVAC Service Hire quality HVAC technicians from this company that handles commercial and residential clients. Aside from heating and air conditioning repair, they also do general construction, plumbing and more. For water heater installation and repair, hire Cool Enterprises to assist you. They also offer HVAC change-outs, zoning, and custom duct work. Mason Alger is one of the professional air conditioning and heating contractors who offer general construction services as well. He also does appliance repair, electrical work, masonry, landscaping, carpentry and more. Residential & Commercial HVAC Services Get everything done right the first time by hiring HVAC consultants from this company. They have skilled and experienced professionals who handle all types of HVAC concerns.

Heating & Cooling Systems Installation If you need air conditioner technicians and plumbers who offer great customer service, check out this company. They offer one of the best HVAC and plumbing solutions for homes and businesses. Electrical, Construction, Heat & Air Conditioning Services Looking for a firm that provides complete commercial and residential electrical services? Live Wireco is the one for you. They also do air conditioning heating and new construction work. Furnace Services & Repair If you need an experienced HVAC contractor, hire Kevin Eichling. He has 33 years of experience and he specializes in cleaning and repairing burner chambers, electric heat pumps, gas lines and more. Try Loose Screw&Rusty Nail if you are searching for heating repair and cooling services. They also provide honest and efficient handyman work, among others. Check out and hire Archer's HVAC Service that offers heating and cooling, light plumbing and painting services as well as supplies.

They are among the HVAC companies that offer affordable rates. Furnace Repair & HVAC Services The licensed HVAC contractors of Morrow Mechanical can take care of all your home cooling or heating systems. They provide installation and repair services for furnaces, gas heaters, ACs and more. Entrust your heating and air conditioning needs to Overholt Heating and Air, Inc.'s quality and reliable HVAC work. They update heat pumps, heaters and AC systems. Check out their affordable rates. Same-Day AC, Heating & Plumbing Service HVAC specialists from Torchwood Air are state-licensed and drug and background-checked. They specialize in insulation work, and can also provide green HVAC services for heating and cooling units. Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning Contractor Looking for a fully licensed residential and commercial HVAC contractor? Porter Heat, Air & Refrigeration LLC offers installation services for all custom refrigeration and HVAC units. This HVAC contractor is fully insured, bonded and licensed to provide affordable HVAC services which include repairs and installations services.