Air Filters

At Millian Aire, we know that choosing the right air filter is essential for both your HVAC system’s performance and your indoor air quality. Air filters trap dust, allergens, and other airborne particles, keeping your home’s air cleaner and your system running smoothly.

However, not all filters are created equal. Some are designed to maximize air cleanliness, while others prioritize airflow to protect your HVAC system.

The wrong filter can restrict airflow, making your air conditioner work harder, which shortens its lifespan and increases energy costs.

Finding the right balance is key. A filter that is too dense can strain your system, while one that is too basic may not remove enough contaminants. That’s why understanding MERV ratings is so important when selecting the right filter for your home.

Understanding MERV Ratings and They Mean for Your Home

MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, measures how well an air filter captures airborne particles. Higher MERV ratings trap more contaminants but also reduce airflow, while lower MERV ratings allow better airflow but filter out fewer particles.

Here’s a breakdown of common MERV ratings and what they mean for your home:

MERV Rating	Filtration Level	Captures	Best For
MERV 1-4	Low	Large dust particles	Basic protection, minimal filtration
MERV 5-8	Moderate	Dust mites, mold spores	Standard home use, good airflow
MERV 9-12	High	Pet dander, fine dust, pollen	Homes with allergies, better air quality
MERV 13-16	Very High	Smoke, bacteria, viruses	Hospitals, extreme allergy sufferers

A MERV 11-12 filter is often the best balance between air quality and HVAC performance. It captures common allergens like pet dander and pollen without putting too much strain on your system. 

However, some HVAC units may not be designed to handle higher MERV ratings, and using a filter that is too restrictive can cause airflow issues and reduce system efficiency.

If you’re concerned about indoor air quality but don’t want to overload your HVAC system, UV lights can be an effective alternative.

By adding a UV purification system, you can remove bacteria and viruses from the air while using a lower-MERV filter to capture dust and mold spores and to maintain proper airflow.

At Millian Aire AC & Heating, we can help you select the right air filter for your home based on your health concerns, system performance, and indoor environment.

Whether you need better allergy protection, pet dander control, or just want to keep your HVAC system running efficiently, we’ll find the right solution for you.

The Trade-Off: Filtration vs. HVAC Performance

When choosing an air filter, it’s important to balance filtration efficiency with HVAC system performance. The denser the filter, the harder your AC has to work to push air through it. While high-MERV filters provide better air quality, they can also reduce system efficiency and increase wear and tear.

How High-MERV Filters Impact Your HVAC System:

• MERV 13+ filters trap the smallest particles, including smoke, bacteria, and viruses, but they also restrict airflow, forcing your system to run longer to maintain the desired temperature.
• Over time, this extra strain can shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills and more frequent repairs.
• If your system isn’t designed for high-MERV filters, you may notice reduced airflow, inefficient cooling, and even premature system failure.

Your Two Options for the Best Indoor Air Quality

If you need maximum air filtration especially for allergies, asthma, or respiratory concerns then you have two choices:

Use a high-MERV filter (MERV 13-16) but accept the trade-off. A stronger filter means better air quality, but it will add strain to your HVAC system, requiring more frequent maintenance and earlier replacements. If you choose this option, consider investing in a maintenance plan or extended warranty to cover potential repairs.

Install a UV light and use a MERV 8-12 filter instead. A UV light system kills bacteria, mold, and viruses without restricting airflow, allowing your HVAC system to run more efficiently while still improving indoor air quality. This option provides cleaner air without the risk of overloading your system.

When to Use UV Lights Instead of High-MERV Filters

High-MERV filters protect air quality, but lower-MERV filters protect your HVAC system.

If your system struggles with airflow using a high-MERV filter, a UV light system may be a better solution.

Why UV Lights Are a Great Alternative:

• Kills bacteria, mold, and viruses directly inside your HVAC system.
• Reduces airborne contaminants without restricting airflow.
• Prevents microbial growth in ductwork, improving indoor air quality.

By using a MERV 8-11 filter along with a UV light, you can achieve excellent air filtration without overloading your HVAC system. This combination offers a balanced approach, keeping the air clean without compromising system performance.

Best Combination for Efficiency & Clean Air:

MERV 8-11 filter + UV light = high-quality filtration without increasing strain on your HVAC system.

Millian Aire AC & Heating offers expert installation of both air filters and UV light systems, helping you customize your indoor air quality solution based on your home, health concerns, and HVAC system capabilities. Contact us today to find out which option is right for you!

Choosing the Right Air Filter for Your Home

Selecting the right air filter depends on your health concerns, home environment, and HVAC system capabilities. While higher MERV filters offer better air purification, they can also restrict airflow and strain your HVAC unit. The best solution is one that balances filtration efficiency and system performance.

Recommended Air Filters Based on Your Home’s Needs

• For severe allergies or asthma: Use a MERV 11-13 filter for maximum filtration of dust, pollen, and airborne allergens. If your HVAC system struggles with high-MERV filters, consider using a MERV 8-10 filter with a UV light system to achieve cleaner air without restricting airflow.
• For homes with pets or smokers: A MERV 9-12 filter helps capture pet dander, smoke particles, and odors, keeping your indoor air fresher and reducing allergens.
• For older HVAC systems or homes with airflow restrictions: Stick with MERV 8-10 to maintain proper airflow and system efficiency. If you want additional air purification, supplement with UV lights to eliminate bacteria and mold without putting excess strain on your system.
• For basic protection and system longevity: If air quality is not a major concern, MERV 6-8 filters provide adequate filtration while maintaining optimal airflow, extending your HVAC system’s lifespan.

Why Choose Millian Aire for Air Filter Solutions?

At Millian Aire, we know that air quality and HVAC efficiency go hand in hand. Choosing the right air filter isn’t just about cleaner air, it’s also about ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently without unnecessary strain. That’s why we provide expert guidance and a full range of indoor air quality solutions to help you make the best choice for your home.

• Expert Recommendations – We assess your home’s specific needs, from allergies and pets to airflow concerns, and recommend the best air filter solution.
• Full Indoor Air Quality Solutions – We offer more than just air filters. Our UV light systems and whole-home purification solutions help eliminate bacteria, mold, and airborne contaminants for better air quality without overloading your HVAC system.
• Maintenance Plans & Warranties – If you choose a high-MERV filter, we provide maintenance plans and extended warranties to help protect your HVAC system from excessive wear and ensure peak performance year-round.

Not sure which air filter is best for your home? Call Millian Aire today so we can assess your HVAC system, indoor air quality needs, and airflow requirements to recommend the best solution for your home and budget.

📞 Schedule a Free Consultation Today – Learn how to improve air quality without compromising HVAC efficiency.