High-MERV Filtration
High-MERV Filtration | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Alcoa
Breathe easier in Alcoa with HEP’s high-MERV filtration heating and air conditioning solutions. Our advanced filters capture pollen, pet dander, smoke, and even microscopic particulates that standard systems leave behind, while our seasoned technicians fine-tune airflow to keep every room at the perfect temperature. The result is comfort you can feel and cleanliness you can trust—whether you’re winding down after work or welcoming customers into your business.
From precision load calculations to routine filter changes, we handle every detail of system design, installation, and maintenance with one goal in mind: superior ventilation and air quality. Schedule a visit today and discover how effortlessly healthier air can fit into your home or workspace.
FAQs
What is a MERV rating and why does it matter for my home in Alcoa?
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a scale from 1 to 20 that indicates how effectively an air filter captures particles of different sizes. The higher the number, the finer the filtration. In Alcoa’s humid, pollen-rich East Tennessee climate, using a high-MERV (11-16) filter helps trap smaller allergens such as mold spores, dust mites, and even some bacteria, giving residents cleaner air and better protection against seasonal allergies and respiratory irritation.
How does high-MERV filtration improve indoor air quality?
High-MERV filters have tightly woven media that captures up to 90% of particles in the 1–3 micron range (MERV 13) and an even higher percentage of larger particles. This means fewer airborne allergens, pet dander, smoke particles, and microorganisms circulate through your living spaces. Cleaner air can reduce asthma flare-ups, allergy symptoms, and unpleasant odors while helping keep your HVAC coils and ducts free of debris, further improving system hygiene.
Can my existing HVAC system handle a high-MERV filter?
Most modern residential HVAC systems can accept up to a MERV 13 filter without major modifications, but it’s important to confirm the blower motor and ductwork can overcome the added resistance. Our technicians measure static pressure and airflow during a service visit. If readings are borderline, we may recommend: • Installing a larger media filter cabinet to reduce pressure drop • Upgrading to an ECM (variable-speed) blower motor • Choosing a slightly lower-resistance high-MERV filter or using a two-stage filtration setup. Trying to force an incompatible filter can reduce airflow, freeze the coil, or overwork the blower.
How often should I replace a high-MERV filter in Alcoa’s climate?
High-MERV pleated filters last 6–12 months under average conditions, but Alcoa’s heavy spring pollen, summer humidity, and winter heating cycles can shorten that interval. We suggest: • Inspect monthly and replace when the filter surface looks gray or clogged. • Expect 2–3 month change intervals during peak pollen season or if you have pets. • Mark your calendar or sign up for our filter-reminder program so your system never runs with a saturated filter.
Will upgrading to a high-MERV filter increase my energy bills?
A higher-efficiency filter does create more airflow resistance, but when the filter is properly sized and the system is balanced, the impact on utility costs is usually minimal (often <$2 per month). In fact, capturing more dust keeps the evaporator coil cleaner, which can improve heat-transfer efficiency and offset part of the added fan power. If static pressure is too high, we can often correct it with low-cost adjustments rather than downgrading filtration.
What other steps can I take to enhance ventilation and air quality besides high-MERV filters?
Filtration is only one piece of the IAQ puzzle. We also recommend: • Mechanical ventilation that meets ASHRAE 62.2 standards (e.g., an ERV that brings in fresh air while conserving energy). • Sealing and insulating ductwork to prevent dust infiltration and energy loss. • Maintaining indoor humidity between 30–50% with whole-house humidifiers/dehumidifiers to deter mold growth. • Installing UV-C lights in the air handler to inactivate microbes on coil surfaces. • Scheduling professional maintenance twice a year to keep equipment clean and calibrated. • Practicing source control (using low-VOC paints, vacuuming with HEPA cleaners, and banning indoor smoking).