Most homeowners believe their HVAC filter is capturing the majority of dust, dirt, and allergens circulating through their home. The truth? Standard HVAC filters don’t perform nearly as well as people think. While they’re an important first line of defense, they’re not designed to handle the full load of particles that move through your system every day.
What Filters Actually Do
HVAC filters are primarily meant to protect your equipment, not your lungs. Their main job is to keep large debris—like dust bunnies, lint, and hair—from clogging coils and damaging your system. Most standard filters only capture 5–20% of airborne particles. That means the majority of dust, dander, pollen, and mold spores are still circulating through your ducts and into the air you breathe.
The MERV Rating Myth
Filters are rated using the MERV system (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). A higher MERV rating means better particle capture. However:
- Most residential systems are built for MERV 6–8 filters (basic protection).
- HEPA-level filtration (MERV 17+) captures up to 99.97% of particles, but most home systems can’t handle them without modifications—too much restriction chokes airflow.
So while many people assume their filter is “cleaning the air,” it’s really only skimming the surface.
The Bigger Problem: Your Ductwork
Even if you upgrade your filter, it won’t address what’s already inside your duct system. Dust, debris, pet hair, and even microbial growth settle in ducts over time. Every time your system turns on, those particles are blown back into your home, bypassing the filter entirely.
The Solution: Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Professional duct cleaning removes the buildup your filter can’t touch, improving both air quality and system efficiency. When combined with regular filter changes, duct cleaning ensures your family is breathing cleaner air—and your HVAC system is working the way it should.
Your HVAC filter is important, but it’s only part of the equation. Real clean air requires a clean duct system, contact us today for a free quote!