When it comes to air filtration, there are a variety of options available. From fiberglass air filters to pleated filters, carbon filters, and electrostatic filters, it can be difficult to know which type of filter is best for your home. To help you make an informed decision, here is a breakdown of the different types of home filters and their benefits and drawbacks. Pleated filters are made from a cloth medium such as polyester or cotton. The material is folded into pleats to increase the surface area of the filter, making it more effective at capturing pollutants like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
Pleated filters are available in both reusable and disposable versions and are popular with people who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems. However, they are more expensive than fiberglass filters. Fiberglass air filters are the most economical type of filter. They cause less strain on HVAC systems when they draw in air and keep large particles out of your system. However, they don't do a great job of keeping out dust and other smaller contaminating particles.
Fiberglass filters typically have a MERV 4 rating. Polyester filters trap between 80% and 95% of particles. They offer better protection against contaminants that can cause health problems than fiberglass or synthetic filters but are four times more expensive. Pleated polyester or cotton filters have a MERV rating between 6 and 12. Electrostatic filters use fibers that are charged to attract particles. Depending on your needs, you can purchase disposable or washable electrostatic filters with MERV ratings ranging from 4 to 10. When maintaining a washable filter, you should wash it with soap and water and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it. Carbon filters use charcoal or charcoal to filter the air.
Carbon is highly efficient at trapping gases in the air through a process called adsorption. If you choose a carbon filter, make sure it has a high carbon content and is activated for maximum efficiency. However, this type of filter generally does not fit residential HVAC systems that have size and airflow restrictions to consider. Reusable air filters are washable filters that can simply be cleaned and used again. This type of filter is usually more expensive than the disposable type and has a low MERV rating of between one and four, making them prone to mold and mildew. To choose the type of HVAC filter that is most suitable for your home, you need to understand how well each type of filter material works.
Experts recommend that people in industrial areas or those with weak immune systems opt for media filters instead of other types of air conditioning filters. To find out what type of oven filter is best for you or how often you should change it, talk to a US Home Filter expert.
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