Most air filters on the market have special features, maintenance requirements, and advantages. There are many fantastic products out there to pursue, but in this guide, you’ll learn how to pick the best filter that’s right for you.
A HEPA filter is also known has a High-Efficiency Particulate Aire Filter. This filter is one of the best filters around because it can remove up to 99.8 percent of contaminates that are present in a home. This includes:
Every HEPA filter has a MERV rating that measures its effectiveness. Filters that have a high rating are great for anyone who was respiratory problems. They can capture particles that are approximately 0.3 microns. If you need a filter like this, aim for a product that has a rating of 16 of higher.
There are a few things that you must keep in mind before you go out and buy a HEPA filter. First, HEPA filters are expensive, so they are not ideal for a family on a budget. Second, these filters are able to trap the smallest particles extremely well because they have narrower pathways. This means that when an air conditioning system is equipped with a HEPA filter, less air will make its way into a home.
An electrostatic filter uses static electricity to trap particles in the air. When dusts flies through this filter, it creates a charge. Then, it releases the charge to trap particles on the folds of the filter.
Media
A media filter is like an electrostatic filter from a performance standpoint. Though, there is one factor that gives a media filter the edge. It’s able to clean the air efficiently without relying on static pressure.
Media filters only have two disadvantages. For starters, they should be installed by a professional, and second, they cannot filter odors very well.
Pleated filters are preferred by most homeowners for two reasons; they are very affordable, and they have a large surface area for trapping various types of contaminates.
Modern pleated filters are made of cotton or polyester. Both varieties can capture small particles like a high-end air filter. When it comes to MERV ratings, these filters will have a rating that ranges between five and eight.
Pleated filters are worth buying because they can effectively capture pet dander, mold spores, and pollen. Beyond this, a pleated filter only has con, which is its price. One high-quality pleated filter will cost a bit more than an average filter.
A fiberglass filter is the most basic filter; it’s made with multiple layers of fiberglass. This filter cannot trap small particles like a HEPA filter. It can only capture like large particles like dust.
An ultraviolet air filter is not made for an air conditioning system’s primary filtration system. It’s designed for an add-on that connects to an air conditioning unit. Unlike other air filters, the UV variety has one distinctive advantage; it can destroy viruses that can make you ill.
While UV filters can great for viruses, they cannot effectively trap the most common contaminates like dust, dirt, and pollen. Because of this, ultraviolet filters are often paired with a secondary filter that can capture these contaminates.
A washable filter is not contained in one category. For example, a pleated filter can be a washable filter, and a flat panel filter can be washable as well. No matter what the case may be, all washable filters are premium products. This means that they will cost more than a disposable filter.
Before you go out and buy any type of filter, find out what type of filter will fit your unit. All filters are not the same; they come in different shapes and sizes. If you do not know the specs for your system, refer to the owner’s manual. The guidelines for filters should be listed in the maintenance section. If you do not have the owner’s manual, try a filter that’s 16 by 20 inches, 20 by 25 inches, or 16 by 25 inches. These are the most common filter sizes for a home AC system. If all else fells, remove the current air filter from your system and take it with you to a local hardware store.
If you just need a well-rounded air filter, you can’t go wrong with a pleated filter. While non-pleated filters are cheaper, they are not the best because they have a low MERV rating.
Don’t neglect your air conditioning system; let it be all that it can be. If you need a pro for any reason, contact the team at Sean Patrick HVAC.
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