Be it home or office, you probably need an AC or furnace in every space that sees often use. Both home and industrial spaces require HVAC systems of different specifications, which need different kinds of air filters. But what makes residential air filters different from industrial ones? Why should you keep this distinction in mind while shopping for air filters? Here is everything you need to know.
How Do Residential and Commercial Air Filters Differ?
Several things set residential air filters apart from commercial ones. Here are some of the differing factors.
Filter size
Commercial areas are naturally larger than residential areas. Because of the size disparity, commercial areas require a stronger and larger filtration system, as there are more contaminants in these spaces. Comparatively, homes are smaller and don’t have as many contaminants. Therefore, commercial air filters are larger than residential air filters.
MERV Rating
MERV rating is a standardized metric used in the air filter industry to compare the efficiency of different air filters. The values range from 1 to 16. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air filter. Experts suggest homeowners get air filters valued at MERV 8, but some homeowners, especially with super powerful HVAC systems, need MERV 13.
However, MERV ratings higher than 13 are usually used in industrial spaces. This is because the handling capacities of home and industrial air filters are different, and residential filters can’t handle what industrial air filters can. So don’t blindly choose a high-efficiency air filter. Ensure that your HVAC unit can handle its power first.
Disposable or Washable
Air filters can be disposable and washable, but usually, the option is available only to homeowners. Industrial buildings would do better with disposable air filters, as washable ones have a low MERV rating. They are also more vulnerable to the growth of mildew and mold. Industrial buildings have to replace air filters more frequently than homes.
MERV Rating for Industrial Air Filters
Choosing an air filter with an ideal MERV rating is necessary for industrial purposes. But deciding which rating is right for your needs can be tricky. Here are some factors to consider while choosing the MERV value.
Pressure in the Building
Building pressurization is one of the first things to consider when buying an air filter. You can speak to a professional to know what MERV rating is best for your facility based on the pressure inside and outside of the building.
Filter Cost
When factoring the filter cost, not only do you have to consider the initial buying cost, but also the maintenance cost. High-efficiency air filters inevitably cost more. But if you have a large facility, you may not notice the difference as homeowners do.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to calculate how much the air filters would cost you in the long run, provided that you would have to replace them every few months. You can also sign up for a maintenance plan with contractors to have your filters regularly replaced.
Pollutants
Consider where your facility is located and if that location is jam-packed with pollutants. Is your facility vulnerable to particulate matter, carbon monoxide, or ground-level ozone? Consider the kind of work that is done in the facility. Based on that, you can zero in on the best air filter.
The same could be said of your home. Location can greatly influence the type of pollutants your HVAC system will have to filter.
What Do Air Filters Do for Industries and Homes?
Air filters in industrial HVAC are more powerful than residential air filters because of their extensive workload. Industrial filters eliminate toxic particles from the air and improve the air quality of the building manifold. Here are some of the contaminants that industrial filters can block.
- Bacteria
- Aerosols
- Dirt
- Dander
- Germs
- Pollen
- Mold
- Oils
These are only a few contaminants to name, as industrial filters have a much broader scope. Comparatively, the pollutants that residential air filters deal with are narrow.
Home air filters primarily deal with:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Carpet fibers
- Pet dander
Industrial air filters trap more particles, and the nature of the pollutants they trap is also more severe than most residential air filters. But their size, maintenance cost, and compatibility criteria are all more demanding than what you would expect from a residential air filter.
If you’re unsure about which air filter to buy for your home or commercial building, it’s best to speak to a professional like Filter King before buying anything. Once you know which filter is right for your needs, you can buy some in packs and have stock for several months.
