Which Type of Filter is Best for Your AC System?

When it comes to air conditioning filters, there are a variety of options available. From HEPA filters to pleated filters, each type of filter has its own advantages and disadvantages. It's important to understand the differences between the various types of filters so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. HEPA filters are the most effective at removing up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, viruses, bacteria and other irritants from the air.

However, this type of filter generally does not fit residential HVAC systems that have size and airflow restrictions to consider. If you want to get HEPA filters for your home, modifications will need to be made by an HVAC contractor. Reusable area 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.

This makes reusable air filters prone to mold and mildew. The most affordable but with the lowest effort capacity disposable air filters of all types are fiberglass air filters. They work better to protect your air conditioning system than to filter dust and contaminants in the air. If you use this type of air filter, you may still be prone to respiratory problems. Pleated filters consist of a cloth medium made of polyester or cotton.

The material is organized into folds to increase the surface area of the filter. Therefore, filters that have more pleats are more effective than those with fewer folds. These filters are slightly more expensive than fiberglass filters but they are also more effective against pollutants. They even capture smaller air pollutants, such as pollen, pet dander and mold spores.

Pleated filters are available in reusable and disposable versions. Because of the high efficiency of these filters, they are popular with people who have air conditioning allergies or other respiratory problems. However, these filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters and pleated filters. Second, while ultraviolet light filters remove bacteria and viruses from the air, they do little against pollutants such as dust. As a result, these filters are generally part of a more advanced filtration mechanism, such as HEPA filters. Plastic mesh filters are commonly installed in the return air of most indoor units of the room or window air conditioner. They trap larger dust particles and should be cleaned every two weeks and more often if the space being conditioned is contaminated. A central air conditioner filter is usually made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper or cloth, encased in a rectangular cardboard frame.

Fiberglass filters, the cheapest, are about an inch thick and are common in older systems. Newer central air conditioner models use thicker pleated filters. Flat Panel Fiberglass Filters This low-cost air filter is what most people know. It has layered fiberglass as a filter medium, reinforced by a metal grid. As a basic type of air filter, flat panel fiberglass filters typically have low MERV (minimum efficiency report value) ratings and can only filter large particles, such as carpet fibers and pet hair. If the word “pleated” makes you think of the pants you ironed this morning, you're on the right track.

Pleated air filters have the same type of pleat on their surface. Because they have more surface area, they can trap a greater amount of dust particles than traditional filters. However, it can be a hassle to have to buy new filters every two months, and it can be a big burden on your conscience if you are producing more debris by throwing out air filters several times a year. It's one of the best types of AC filters because it's cost-effective, disposable, and protects air conditioners and ovens from dirt. It is best to clean AC air filters every two weeks (this is approximately 200 to 250 hours of use) & replace them every 3-4 months. Filters with more pleats will provide better filtration than those with fewer folds, trapping even the toughest allergens and contaminants, such as pet dander and mold spores.

Pleated Media Filters Pleated media filters typically have higher MERV ratings and generally meet the recommended ratings of most HVAC manufacturers. If you live in a rural environment with clean air and no pets, a HEPA filter may not be what you need, as a standard filter can do the job. No filter is universal, so it's important to make sure the filter you buy is the right size to fit your HVAC system. While certain types of air filters come with reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an eco-friendly way to save money. In addition, these filters can last longer than flat filters because they can hold a larger amount of dust and particles before they need to be changed. The main difference between types of air filters is their ability to filter various airborne contaminants present in your home.

Air passes through the filter (or filters) and the filter material traps contaminants before they can circulate around your home. When it comes to choosing an AC filter for your home or business, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration including cost effectiveness, efficiency at filtering out pollutants such as dust mites or pet dander, ease of cleaning or replacing when necessary as well as environmental impact if using reusable or disposable options. Clean air is essential for people who are sensitive to air quality and have allergies or illnesses such as asthma so it's important to choose an AC filter that meets your needs while also providing optimal protection from airborne contaminants.