Living in the 951 area means dealing with dust, pollen, and seasonal brush fire smoke. Your HVAC system’s air filter is the only thing standing between those pollutants and the air your family breathes. However, not all filters are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can actually damage your system.

At Davis Plumbing, we want to help you breathe easier while protecting your equipment. Here is our guide to choosing the right air filter.

1. Understanding MERV Ratings

Air filters are rated using the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale, which ranges from 1 to 16. The higher the number, the smaller the particles the filter can catch.

  • MERV 1–4: Basic fiberglass filters. They protect your AC unit from large dust bunnies but do very little for your air quality.
  • MERV 5–8: Better for residential use. These catch mold spores, hairspray, and dust mites.
  • MERV 9–12: High-efficiency. These are excellent for families with allergies or pets, catching lead dust and fine dander.
  • MERV 13+: Hospital-grade. While they clean the air beautifully, they can be so thick that they restrict airflow in older systems, leading to a need for air conditioning repair.

2. Don’t “Choke” Your System

In our experience providing AC service near me, we often see units struggling because a homeowner installed a high-MERV filter that the blower motor wasn’t designed to handle. If your filter is too restrictive, your system will work harder, run hotter, and potentially freeze up.

3. Frequency Matters

In the dusty Inland Empire, a “3-month filter” rarely lasts three months. We recommend checking your filter every 30 days. If it looks grey or fuzzy, replace it immediately. A clean filter is the easiest way to prevent a premature AC replacement.

Professional HVAC Guidance in the 951

Unsure which filter is best for your specific septic system design or HVAC setup? Let the experts at Davis Plumbing take a look during your next tune-up. We’ll ensure your system has the perfect balance of filtration and airflow.

Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 for expert maintenance and repairs!