AIR FILTERS

Heating and cooling probably constitutes a big part of your utility bill. But it’s one small thing – the air filter – that keeps the entire central air system humming along. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, preventing the system from working like it’s supposed to, and that can eventually lead to an equipment breakdown. If you’re getting low air flow, check the air filter. A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons for restricted or low air flow.

The best air filters trap indoor pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen, helping to clean the air in your home. That’s important because the concentration of air pollutants inside your home can be two to five times higher than concentrations typically found outdoors. And by typically, we mean on days when no heavy smog or wildfire smoke has seeped into your home. A good air filter can help with that, too. Of course, air filters aren’t the only filters you should be monitoring and/or replacing to keep the air and water in your home clean.

Air filters work a lot harder than you think. They can reduce pollen, smoke, pet dander, bacteria, dust, mold, dust mites and more. You can choose how much filtering you need and get a replacement air filter that’s just right for your home. If you have any type of pre-existing respiratory problems like asthma, COPD, or allergies – air filters can be beneficial in reducing the risk of acute respiratory attacks by trapping irritants that try to pass into the ducts of the ventilation system, allowing you to breathe easier.

Benefits of air filters:

Besides providing clean fresh air for your home, they can also filter harmful particulates keeping you safe from allergens and bacteria. Home air filters protect your HVAC system, but can be harmful if you don’t change them regularly. Lastly, you can save money on energy bills when you replace your home air filter. Your HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard to push air through a clean filter.

Difference between an HVAC filter, a furnace filter and an AC filter:

There are no differences between them. What you call it depends on where you live. People in the north might call it a furnace filter, down south an AC filter. Just know, no matter what you call it, it’s simply an air filter.

There’s no such thing as a standard size air filter. There are plenty of different sizes and requirements, so buy an air filter accordingly. Make sure your air quality is clean with the right air filters. Make sure to schedule a replacement air filter to be sent to you on time, when you need them most.

Indoor air quality is a crucial element for any homeowner, especially if members of your household have respiratory problems. Proper HVAC filters can make the difference between stuffy air filled with pollutants and clean air that’s healthy and easy to breathe. Understanding the different air filter types for homes is the first step to getting the improved indoor air quality you deserve.

Types of air filters:

There are seven commonly used home air filter types:

• HEPA filters
• UV light filters
• Electrostatic filters
• Washable filters
• Media filters
• Spun glass filters
• Pleated filters

Each of these filters has its own set of pros and cons, which vary based on your goal for your home. Some people need HVAC system filters that will keep the air free of allergens and other pollutants, while others just need a basic filter to get the job done. Generally, high-efficiency filters that are also cost-effective are best for homes, but other considerations should include whether there are pets in the home, whether mold or mildew is a threat and how often the filters should be changed. The materials air filters are made of vary from fabrics to fiberglass. 

1. HEPA FILTERS

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they are able to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens and pollutants — including mold spores and dust that are as small as 0.3 microns. Those who live with allergies or other respiratory issues may benefit from HEPA filters the most. These filters do need to be adjusted by a contractor to fit your specific HVAC system.

2. UV FILTERS

As their name suggests, UV filters use short-wave ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. When air passes through the HVAC unit, the UV lamps disinfect it with germicidal radiation. UV filters are excellent for killing microorganisms that could be hazardous to your health, including mold spores. One potential danger of UV filters is that they can transform oxygen into ozone, which can be hazardous for your health. Even low amounts of ozone can cause coughing and chest pain, while higher amounts of it can lead to worsening of existing respiratory diseases, like asthma. Though UV filters are great at eliminating bacteria and viruses, they’re not as efficient when it comes to screening against pollutants like dust. This is why they are often part of a larger filtration mechanism, which includes HEPA air filters.

3. ELECTROSTATIC FILTERS

Using small cotton and paper fibers, electrostatic filters create static that acts as a magnet for dust and other airborne particles. The magnetism is strong enough that it keeps these particles from spreading throughout your home, making them one of the best choices for those who need a filter that can combat allergens. An added bonus for electrostatic filters is they are available as disposable as well as reusable. When it comes time to change the filters, you can decide whether to wash and reuse them or toss them and get brand new ones.

4. WASHABLE FILTERS

While certain types of air filters come with reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an environmentally friendly way to save money. The initial price of this air filter type for HVAC systems is high, but it should be viewed as an investment that will last for many years. The initial price is likely all you’ll have to pay as you can simply wash and reuse the filter over and over again instead of buying new ones every few months. Washable filters need to be maintained well to ensure they work as they should. As one of the main types of air filters, they come with maintenance instructions that should be followed. It’s very important to make sure the filter is fully dry before putting it back in. Even the slightest bit of moisture left can lead to mold and mildew developing on the filter and being expelled into the air you breathe. They are a great long-term investment for someone who doesn’t have strong preferences about HVAC filter types and doesn’t need any specialty filters.

5. MEDIA FILTERS

When it comes to air filters for HVAC systems, media filters can provide more benefits than standard filters with high ratings. Media filters provide the same level of filtration as a high-MERV filter, but they do it without the negative consequences of airflow or static pressure. Instead, media filters have a greater surface area, which successfully prevents significant static pressure while providing better filtration. Media filters are very easy to maintain and great for filtering bacteria and other small airborne pollutants. The filtered dirt is sealed into the filter, preventing it from being expelled back into your home. Media filters are also sturdy and cost-effective, needing to be changed as infrequently as once or twice a year.

6. SPUN GLASS FILTERS

Strands of fiberglass are spun together to create this type of filter, which is one of the most common types of HVAC filters. It makes for one of the best AC filter types because it is cost-effective, disposable and it protects air conditioners and furnaces from debris. Of the different types of AC filters available, spun glass is one of the most effective. But if you’re seeking an air purifier, a more high-tech option would be more suitable. These filters aren’t known for improving air quality since they are unable to strain very much and can only trap some dust and allergens. For this reason, these filters aren’t recommended for people who have respiratory problems and need a filter that will improve the indoor air quality.

7. PLEATED FILTERS

Polyester fabrics or cotton folds are two HVAC filter materials used in pleated filters. While they can effectively filter dust and other airborne pollutants, they provide low air filtration and are less resistant to airflow. The pleats in these filters give them an advantage over non-pleated options because they increase the filter’s surface area for better filtering. Filters with more pleats will provide better filtering than those with fewer pleats, trapping even difficult allergens and pollutants, like pet dander and mold spores. Pleated filters are also available in reusable and disposable formats, and they can help suppress the noise of the HVAC fan.

Air Filter Pros and Cons:

Pros
Changing out an air filter is easy. You slip out the old filter and slide in the replacement. Some are conventional fiberglass filters; others are pleated or electrically charged to pick up particles.

Air filters generally come in a range of standard sizes, with a few that can adapt to fit different-sized filter-box or return-air openings.

Cons
For thicker filters to fit, you may need to have your ductwork modified by a professional. The filters must be replaced every one to three months.

Prices

From $20 to $80 per filter. Annual replacement costs can be as low as $20 or as high as $200.