These are the different types of filters available for residential HVAC systems, fiberglass air filters. Fiberglass air filters are disposable and the least expensive type of filter. Pleated air filters are made of cotton or polyester pleats. However, this type of filter generally doesn't fit residential HVAC systems that have size and airflow restrictions to consider.
If you are interested in obtaining HEPA filters for your home, the modifications will need to be made by an HVAC contractor. Fiberglass air filters are disposable, the most affordable but with the least warping capacity of all types. They work better to protect your air conditioning system than to filter dust and pollutants from the air. If you use this type of air filter, you may still be prone to respiratory problems.
Washable air filters cost more than disposable ones, but they save you a lot of time in the long run. They can be removed and cleaned, so there is no need to constantly replace them. Read the manufacturer's specifications on how to maintain filters of this type. Be sure to schedule cleaning in advance.
Allow it to dry completely, because if you use it when you throw it away it will cause mold growth and the accumulation of bacteria. Electrostatic air filters use electrostatic charging to attract dust and particles suspended in the air and then prevent them from spreading around your home. Some filters of this type are washable, while there are also others that are not. To measure the efficiency of filters, experts use the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV).
MERV is a graph that classifies filters based on their ability to capture particles. The rating ranges from 1 to 16, and 16 are given to the types of air filters with the best filtering capacity. The MERV ratings for different types of filters vary depending on their quality and the manufacturer. It is always mentioned on the package.
Despite this popularity, these filters don't help much to indoor air quality. They can only filter about 20% of particles that are between 3.0 and 10.0 microns in size. Particles of this size only include dust, carpet fibers, and pollen. Pleated filters consist of a fabric medium made of polyester or cotton.
The material is arranged in folds to increase the surface of the filter. Therefore, filters that have more creases are more effective than those with fewer creases. 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 among people who have allergies to air conditioning or other respiratory problems. However, these filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters and pleated filters.
UV light filters kill bacteria and viruses with short-wave UV light. The germicidal radiation of the UV lamp in these filters disinfects the air in its path. They're also great for eliminating harmful microorganisms from your space, such as mold spores. Second, while UV 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. Multimedia filters consist of a paper-like material folded in folds inside a metal cabinet. While the filter is no more than six inches wide, the pleated material can cover 75 square feet when unfolded. This larger surface area makes media filters seven times more effective than standard types of air filters.
The large surface area also explains the long lifespan of multimedia filters. These filters can last up to 2 years, depending on the environment. Experts recommend that people who live in industrial areas or with weak immune systems opt for multimedia filters instead of other types of air conditioning filters. As a general rule, it is recommended to clean air conditioning filters every 250 hours of use.
While this cleaning is essential, it can often go unnoticed on your to-do list. We recommend using smart thermostats or smart air conditioning controllers that send reminders of the next cleaning. .
