A Buyer's Guide to Ductless AC Filters: Understanding Your Options
Even though ductless mini splits are the norm in Europe and Asia, their popularity has recently increased in the United States. Countless homeowners have already ditched their archaic central ducted HVAC systems, and many more are following suit due to the countless advantages of mini splits. Ductless air conditioners are a very efficient, cost-friendly, and versatile way to heat and cool your home all year round.
In addition to their excellent heating and cooling capabilities, ductless mini splits can also increase the air quality in your home. They act as air filters, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers by filtering out dust, dirt, allergens, and other harmful particles while in use. In order to properly filter these materials, they must have a functioning filter in the indoor air handling unit. There are many options to consider when purchasing your ductless mini split’s filter. Fortunately, ComfortUp has all the necessary information and products to help you replace your filter. Read below to learn more!
Basic Information About Purchasing Air Filters
You must be properly informed when purchasing a filter for your ductless mini split. They are very reasonably priced, costing anywhere from $20 to $80. Filters also require annual replacement, and this can cost about $100. The higher initial cost of a higher efficiency air filter is offset by savings in the long run. You save money on your filter’s maintenance and replacement while also decreasing your energy bill ... but more on that later.
There are also several terms you should know when buying an air filter, such as MERV, MPR, and HEPA. MERV is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and a higher number means finer filtration. A top filter should have a MERV of greater than 10. MPR means Microparticle Performance Rating, which rates the ability to catch particles smaller than one micron. An ideal MPR is between 1,500 and 1,900. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters use an electric charge to trap particles and reduce the dust blown through the system.
Air Filter Brands
The HVAC industry’s most trusted brands manufacture ductless mini split systems, each with different specifications to meet the homeowner’s needs. Since it is a crucial component to the operation and efficiency of your mini split, these same brands also produce air filters. Many brands make filters designed for use in specific models to maximize the filtering capabilities and efficiency of the mini split. Mitsubishi, GREE, Panasonic, and LG all produce filters with different capabilities to meet your needs.
ComfortUp has a collection of filters available from all the aforementioned gold standard brands. Mitsubishi makes anti-allergy enzyme and deodorizing filters for different mini split models, some of which are available in convenient two packs. GREE has photocatalytic, active carbon, silver ion, and catechin filters available for their mini splits. Panasonic also makes an anti-microbial filter for their ductless mini splits. Depending on the make and model of your system, we have a filter for you! If you are unsure which filter your system requires, check the manual, internet, or call a product specialist at ComfortUp.
Air Filter Maintenance
Replacing and cleaning the filter is important knowledge for all mini split owners. To clean your filter, remove it from the mini split and wipe it with a dry cloth or soap and clean water. These cleaning instructions differ from filter to filter, so make sure you consult your filter’s manual for specific instructions. The general timeframe for cleaning the filter is every four to six weeks, but the instruction manual may specify a different interval. Most air filters require replacement after three months, but higher-efficiency models can last up to one year. This also differs from filter to filter.
Regularly cleaning your mini split and air filter has many benefits. A dirty or clogged filter does not adequately clear the air of dirt, dust, and allergens. This decreases the air quality in your home and exposes you to harmful elements or allergens. Dirty filters also prevent your mini split from operating at maximum efficiency and capacity, meaning they will not adequately heat and cool your home. This wasted energy also leads to an increase in your energy bill. Mini splits are also known for their silence, and dirty filters also cause them to operate much louder than normal.
With this helpful guide, you’re ready to purchase and maintain an air filter for your ductless mini split. Be sure to consult the trained product specialists at ComfortUp for any additional questions. We can help you find the perfect filter for your mini split. Give us a call at 1-855-337-0001 or schedule a consultation online today!
