If you live in a condo, you may be wondering what filter size or quality needs to be used for your condo HVAC system. We will discuss briefly what’s best for your equipment.
There are two common filters used in vertically stacked HVAC systems. 1. Wireframe Filters 2. Pleated Filter.
Wireframe Filters
These filters are disposable made of fibreglass They have a MERV rating of 1 to 4. Typically, you should be able to hold these filters and see through them. If they are dirty, you should be able to detect it is time to replace them.
Pleated Filters
Pleated Filters are disposable filters. These filters have a MERV rating of 5 to 8. They have a more solid design compare to basic wireframe filters. Due to higher MERV and better quality, these filters can catch more dirt and particles in the air. We recommend these filters for most HVAC applications.
MERV Rating – What Is MERV Rating?
MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value”. MERV rating on an air filter describes its efficiency as a means of reducing particles of 0.3 to 10 microns. The higher the “MERV” rating means higher filtration efficiency or simply the better it is at trapping particles within that size range. These ratings indicate a filter’s ability and performance to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). The data of the table below is derived from a test method developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles.
| MERV Rating | Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | 3.0 – 10.0 less than 20% |
| 6 | 3.0 – 10.0 49.9% |
| 8 | 3.0 – 10.0 84.9% |
| 10 | 1.0 – 3.0 50% – 64.9%, 3.0 – 10.0 85% or greater |
| 12 | 1.0 – 3.0 80% – 89.9%, 3.0 – 10.0 90% or greater |
| 14 | 0.3 – 1.0 75% – 84%, 1.0 – 3.0 90% or greater |
| 16 | 0.3 – 1.0 75% or greater |
Vertical Fan Coil Filter Sizes
Vertical Fan Coil Systems or VFC units are the most common heating and air conditioning systems in Toronto & GTA. You can use two types of filters:
1. Wire Frame
2. Pleated Filters
Fan Coil Filter Sizes
Air filters for standard HVAC and vertical fan coil (VFC) units. You can use basic wire-frame filters to the superior MERV 13 pleated filters. To get the most optimal airflow, typically, we recommend using MERV 8 Pleated Filters for fan coil systems. Our recommendation is to go with MERV 8 Pleated Filter. The higher the filtration (MERV rating) the more restrictive the filter is to airflow and this may impact the performance and life of your fan coil equipment. Generally, all the well-known manufactures use pleated filters of a max rating of MERV 8 on new fan coil systems. Although you can also use Filter Up to MERV 11 – 13, it will increase stress on the motors, reduces airflow and ultimately impacts your fan coil performance and increases noise levels.
UNILUX Model Filter Size
- DLE 350 CFM 13.5 X 20
- DLE 450 CFM 13.5 X 20
- DLE 600 CFM 13.5 X 20
- DLE 800 CFM 17.5 X 20
- DLE 1000 CFM 17.5 X 20
- DLE 1200 CFM 17.5 X 20
Vertical Heat Pump Filter Sizes
Changing condo heat pump air filters is highly recommended to assure the unit air coil remains free of dust and other materials. Upgrading the filter to a higher efficiency level (MERV Rating) will provide more filtration of particles in the air and will result in longer life of the heat pump and a cleaner environment.
Whalen Heat Pump Units Use The Following Filters:
- Model Size: 200, 300, 400, 600, 8001 Use 13.5 x 32 x 1/2 1) For units manufactured 1973 to 1982
- Model Size: 200, 300, & 400 Use13 x 24 x 1/2 2) For units manufactured 1982 to 1992
- Model Size: 200, 300, & 400 Use 13 x 24 x 1 3) For units manufactured 1993 to present
- Model Size: 600 & 8004 Use 13 x 32 x 1/2 4) For units manufactured 1982 to 1992
- Model Size: 600 & 8005 Use 15 x 28 x 1 5) For units manufactured 1993 to present
- Model Size: 1000 & 1200 Use 17 x 32 x 1/2 6) For units manufactured 1990 to 1992 1001 7 17 x 32 x 1
Taking good care of your HVAC system is one of the essential things you can do as a Toronto condo homeowner.
This includes changing the air filter once in a while to make sure your system works properly.
Besides keeping your energy bills low, this will also help keep your air fresh and free of any pollutants that may endanger your health and well-being. Failing to change the filter regularly in your condo’s heating & air conditioning system leads to a range of future maintenance issues you’ll want to avoid.
With that in mind, here are some reasons why you should change your filters regularly as part of the care of your HVAC system.
What Purpose Does an Air Filter Serve in a Condo HVAC System?
The air filter’s basic function in your HVAC system is to clear the indoor air that circulates through your cooling and heating system.
Filters work by trapping and holding all types of contaminants and particulates, irritants, pollutants, and allergens, as well as dirt and dust that could affect or endanger your well-being, comfort, and health.
The list of contaminants includes:
- Dirt and dust
- Pollen
- Mould and mould spores
- Lint and fibres
- Wood, plaster, and metal particles
- Animal fur and hair
- Microorganisms
- Bacteria
While it’s true that high-quality air filters cost more, they are incredibly efficient at cleaning your indoor air, keeping you and your loved ones healthy and well.
More importantly, HVAC filters can remove almost all contaminants from your in-house air and provide you with a dash of fresh air in your home.
What Happens When the Air Filter Gets Dirty?
Since all indoor air passes through your air filter in the HVAC system to cool or heat your condo, keeping your air filter clean is essential to breathing quality air indoors. If the air filter gets dirty, there is a wide range of things that can happen:
- Clogged and dirty air filters are one of the leading causes of HVAC system malfunctions.
- Dirty filters can damage your cooling and heating system.
- A clogged filter causes the reduction of airflow inside your HVAC system, significantly shortening the lifespan of air-handling fans and the entire system.
- Dirty filters can’t keep your indoor air fresh, clean, and pollutant-free.
- If you don’t change your filters on time, this can lead to a contaminant buildup in your HVAC’s ductwork.
- Dirty filters cause your system to work harder and spend more energy, resulting in higher energy bills and potential malfunctions.
That’s why it is essential to change your filters regularly.
Talk to a HVAC Specialist Today!
How Can You Clean Your HVAC system?
The best way to clean your condo’s HVAC system is to get in touch with the Toronto condo HVAC professionals who have the expertise and the equipment to keep it cleaning and in good running condition.
We can change parts, provide HVAC repairs, and provide the proper maintenance service as well as advice on how to take care of your condo’s HVAC system.
Conclusion
If you need professional Toronto condo HVAC servicing, repairing, and maintenance, feel free to get in touch with Home Trade Standards today to get started. We offer a full range of HVAC maintenance and repair services at the most affordable prices.
Contact us today and hire your Toronto condo HVAC expert.