How to Choose the Right Air Filtration System for Your Scottsdale Home

In Scottsdale’s desert climate, keeping your indoor air clean isn’t just about comfort, it’s about your personal health. Pollen, seasonal dust storms, and common pollutants can cause the air inside your home to rapidly deteriorate, sometimes to the point where it is worse than the air outside. This is why having the right air filtration system can make all the difference. To help you choose the best air filtration system for your house, let's look at some common types.

1. Identify Your Air Quality Needs

Before choosing a filtration system, here are a few questions you should ask yourself:

• Do I suffer from allergies or asthma?

• Do I have pets that shed hair and dander?

• Are I sensitive to smoke or strong odors?

• Do I want extra protection against viruses and bacteria?

How you answer these simple questions will help narrow down which type of filter is best for you.

2. Common Types of Air Filtration Systems

• Fiberglass Filters

  • These are affordable and disposable. Fiberglass filters can trap large particles like dust and lint, but they're limited to basic filtration and won’t capture finer allergens.

• Pleated Filters

• They are made of polyester and cotton,and they have a larger surface area to trap smaller particles such as pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. An ideal solution for someone looking for allergy relief.

• Electrostatic Filters

• These use an electric charge to attract and trap particles similar to magnets. They’re reusable and effective against smaller pollutants, like pollen.

• Activated Carbon Filters

• Activated carbon filters are designed to absorb odors, gases, smoke, and chemical vapors, these are great for homes where odor control is considered important.

• UV Filters

• Like the name suggests this system uses UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores in the air passing through the system.

• Polyester Filters

• Polyester filters are durable and moisture-resistant, these work well in humid conditions and they are great at trapping large particles.

• HEPA Filters

• These are able to remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them one of the most efficient options for allergens, fine dust, and other airborne pollutants.

3. Understand MERV Ratings

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) tells you how effectively a filter captures particles. While it is true a higher rating can block more particles, but it may also reduce your system’s efficiency. For this reason our mechanics at Air West Mechanical recommend residents in Scottsdale to consider filtration systems ranging between 8 to 12 MERV. 

4. Consider Maintenance and Longevity

It's important to consider your budget, willingness to maintain the system, and how often you want to change filters. It may come surprising to some, but some filters need replacing every one to three months, others are washable and reusable. 

At Air West Mechanical, we will help you choose and install the right air filtration system. Our experienced technicians will assess your home, recommend the best options, and ensure your system runs efficiently all year round.

Contact us today to schedule an air quality consultation for your home.