Do HVAC Air Filters Help with Dust?

Air quality is a concern for many homeowners and renters, especially in areas with high levels of outdoor pollutants or for individuals who suffer from allergies or have other respiratory health conditions. One of the most common irritants found in indoor air is dust.

Air filters collect and trap air contaminants like dust, pet dander, and pollen to keep clean air circulating throughout residential and commercial spaces. Filters are made available in many different styles and configurations to accommodate most applications. Each air filter type is uniquely designed and not all filters are made to provide the same MERV rating.

HVAC air filters help capture dust and other contaminants that range between 3 -10 microns, with 3 representing contaminants like bacteria and animal dander and 10 representing contaminants such as lint and pollen. HVAC filters are generally used to keep systems running at their highest efficiency while keeping wear and tear to a minimum - HVAC air filters are not built to provide the same capture efficiency as an air filtration system.

By switching to a higher-quality air filter, you'll notice a difference in air quality and filter lifespan. HVAC air filters are a solid choice for general air quality. However, if someone in your household is a smoker, suffers from severe allergies, or has other respiratory health issues, you may want to consider taking your air quality to the next level with a residential air cleaner.