What’s in Your Air? Choosing the Right Filter for a Healthier Home
Smoke, dust, pet dander, mold, and allergens…these are just a few of the things that may be floating around in your home’s air. During wildfire season, the smoke can make things even worse. You might not see these particles, but you’re breathing them in every day.
The good news is that your home’s HVAC system can do more than just heat or cool. With the right air filtration system, it can clean your air too.
In this blog, we’ll explain the different types of air filters, what they remove from the air, and how Lennox systems like the Healthy Climate® Carbon Clean 16® and PureAir™ can help you breathe easier, especially during wildfire season.
What Is a MERV Rating and Why Does It Matter?
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It tells you how well an air filter traps particles
of different sizes. The higher the number, the more particles the filter can catch.
- MERV 11: Catches large particles like dust, pollen, and lint
- MERV 13: Adds protection against smoke, bacteria, and fine dust
- MERV 16: One of the highest ratings for home filters. Removes even smaller particles like wildfire smoke, viruses, mold, and pet dander
For wildfire smoke, which contains very fine particles, you need at least a MERV 13. But for the best protection, especially during smoke season or for homes with allergies or asthma, a MERV 16 filter is ideal.
Healthy Climate® Carbon Clean 16®: High-Performance Whole-Home Filtration
The Carbon Clean 16 is one of the best filters available for home HVAC systems. It has a MERV 16 rating, which means it captures:
- Over 95% of particles down to 0.3 microns (including smoke and fine dust)
- Over 90% of bioaerosols and viruses down to 0.01 microns
- Pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria
- Common household smells from cooking, pets, and cleaning products
- Ozone, which can irritate your lungs
Unlike many electronic air cleaners, the Carbon Clean 16 does not produce ozone. It actually helps remove it from your air.
This filter is designed to work with your HVAC system, so it cleans the air in every room—not just one area.
Lennox PureAir™ and PureAir™ S: Complete Air Cleaning Solutions
If you want even more protection, the Lennox PureAir™ system combines three technologies into one powerful air purification system:
- MERV 16 filter (Carbon Clean 16) – Traps dust, smoke, mold, and more
- UVA light – Breaks down chemicals and kills germs
- PCO cartridge – Removes odors and chemical vapours like formaldehyde
PureAir™ systems don’t just trap particles, they destroy them. They’re perfect for homes that need extra help with indoor air quality, especially during wildfire season or if you have chemical sensitivities, pets, or chronic health concerns.
The PureAir™ S model connects with Lennox smart thermostats for better control and filter change reminders.
Why Clean Air Matters More During Wildfire Season
Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of kilometres and enter your home through doors, windows, and vents. Once inside, the tiny particles can stay in the air for hours or days. These particles are known to cause:
- Coughing or shortness of breath
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
- Headaches and fatigue
- Worsened asthma or allergy symptoms
Even if you keep your windows closed, poor filtration can let harmful particles spread throughout your home. That’s why it’s important to upgrade your air filter and consider a full purification system.
Other Common Air Concerns You Can Filter Out
Besides wildfire smoke, a high-efficiency filter or purification system can help remove:
- Pollen and dust (especially in spring and fall)
- Mold spores (often found in basements and bathrooms)
- Pet dander and hair
- Viruses and bacteria (especially during cold and flu season)
- Cooking and cleaning smells
These are everyday problems, but with the right filter, you can greatly improve your indoor air quality.
Need Help Choosing the Right Air Filtration System?
At LSM, we know how important clean air is for your comfort and health—especially in Northern Alberta where wildfire smoke and extreme weather are becoming more common.
Whether you need a better filter or a full air purification system, our team is here to help you choose the right solution for your home.
