The Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters used in the heating and air condition systems of homes and buildings play a very important function. They remove any air impurities. They filter pollen, allergens, dirt, dust, debris, pet dander, and other small particles from the air in your home. Otherwise, these particles will be circulating in the air and you’ll breathe them without even knowing it.Check out this article for more details of the HVAC vacuum pump and how it works
These particles are filtered and trapped to prevent them from being circulated again inside your home. Because they trap dirt and dust, HVAC filters have to be replaced regularly.
Filters are given an MERV rating. The convention is that a higher MERV rating means the filter is more effective. The performance of the HVAC system can be affected by the kind of HVAC filter used. If you wish to learn more about some of the best HVAC filters, this article will talk about the features of different HVAC filters so that you can choose what is most appropriate for your needs.
Kinds Of HVAC Filters
Apart from keeping humans safe, filters also function to protect your heating or air conditioning system. They keep out larger particles, which may cause damage to your HVAC system. Here are the different types of HVAC filters:
Fiberglass Air Filters
The HVAC fiberglass air filter is one of the most affordable for homeowners. They’re the cheapest filters on the market. They help trap and easily remove dust and pollutants in your duct pipes. But, for those with children, pets, or indoor allergies, the fiberglass air filter isn’t very highly recommended.
Fiberglass air filters are easily disposable. One of its advantages is that they’re able to keep large impurities and particles out yet don’t cause too much strain when the HVAC system draws air in. But, one of the disadvantages is that they don’t do a very good job when it comes to filtering dust and other small particles. If someone in the household has respiratory conditions, they don’t help that much. They’re rated MERV 4.
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated air filters are the most popular type of HVAC filter that households use. They’re typically made of polyester fabrics or cotton folds. They’re reasonably priced though a little bit more expensive than fiberglass air filters. But, they’re more effective in high quality filtering of dust, allergens, pollutants, and other small particles like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander that are found in your HVAC ducting. They have MERV 5 to 8 ratings.
They’re a great choice for typical households because they can trap a large amount of dust and allergens. Choose those with more pleats because they’re able to provide high performance filtering. They help prevent small particles from escaping into the air and being circulated in the same room again.
Washable Air Filters
Washable air filters are a bit more expensive than the disposable types, but in the long term, you’ll save a lot because you don’t have to buy new filters every time you clean your HVAC system. You don’t have to replace them all the time. They can be removed then cleaned.
Learn the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain this type of filter. You have to be careful with this type of filter though. Schedule your clean-up ahead, taking into account the typical amount of time for the filters to get clogged with dirt, dust, and other pollutants. After removing and cleaning them, let them dry completely. If you use them damp, it’s possible that this might cause bacteria build-up and mold growth.
Electrostatic Filters
Electrostatic air filters employ quite a different method of suctioning dirt and dust. They use electrostatic charge to gather pollutants and other smaller particles by using magnetic force. This mechanism prevents them from being circulated again in your home. Some of these filters can be washable, but there are those that can’t be washed.
HEPA Filters
The recommended filters to use if there’s someone in your household who has respiratory problems or allergies, are high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. They’re more costly than fiberglass or pleated air filters. But, they’re so efficient they can screen dust, virus, bacteria, and other pollutants up to the level of 99.97%. The best HEPA filters have a MERV rating of 11 or higher.
UV Filters
Ultra-Violet (UV) filters are typically employed in air cleaners which are built into your HVAC system. These filters are able to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms with the use of ultraviolet light. Any contaminants that are in the air that pass through them would be neutralized. They’re not very efficient in removing dust and other pollutants though. But, they’re great for improving air quality indoors.
Conclusion:
There are quite a number of various different types of HVAC filters. Each one has its own advantages, as well as disadvantages. The various air filters provide a wide array of choices for households and business owners. You can select from various filters which have differences in terms of cost, maintenance expense, efficiency, and health benefits.
