Types of HVAC Air Filters
For most of us, choosing the right air filter for your HVAC system can be tricky and challenging. All HVAC filters work toward the same goal of eradicating particles, but some work more efficiently than others. It is important to maintain first-class indoor air quality by choosing the right filter for your home Sterling, VA, so here’s what you need to know about the different types of air filters.
2. Washable HVAC Air Filters
This is an option for people who enjoy saving money. They hold a significant benefit of being used a couple of times without wearing out.
You can clean them by spraying off the dust using a hose. Once cleaned, the washable filter can be ready again for use, once it’s totally dry.
However, although they are the best in saving money, they are not typically the best air filters for use. They are always at a high risk of accumulating biological growth since you will be using water to clean the filters. It may become necessary to change the filters with new filters after some time.
3. Conventional Disposable Filters
These types of filters have the advantage of guaranteed top-notch indoor air quality when you replace the filter. Besides that, they also tend to be inexpensive compared to other types of filters.
Disposable air filters consist of polyester, fiberglass, and pleated fibers depending on your choice. They have a plastic or wire flame to hold them together.
Although these filters tend to be inexpensive, they might also be expensive in the long run. It is good to note that you must change the filters regularly, sometimes monthly to prevent the buildup of air pollutants. If there is a build-up of dust particles, it might reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, and duct cleaning may be required.
4. Fiberglass HVAC Air Filters
Fiberglass filters are useful in trapping pollen, pet dander, dust mite, viruses, and smoke. These filters are relatively inexpensive also. Systems that use this type of filter usually need to be replaced monthly also for efficiency and to maintain indoor air quality.
However, these filters are not the best since they restrict airflow into the HVAC system as they capture a lot of pollutants. These filters tend to increase the static pressure in your system, which can put extra stress on your heating and cooling units.
5. Pleated Media Filters
These disposable filters have a high-efficiency rating and a reasonable Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The increased surface of the filter raises efficiency. However, compared to other filters, media filters tend to fall short in air filtration efficiency, but they are among the best in providing less airflow resistance.
They also produce less fan noise that makes them worthy of their price. These products have the right balance between efficiency and cost. Thus, many air conditioning companies recommend them as the perfect upgrade from flat-paneled air filters.
If this feels like a difficult choice for you to make on your own, call us at Vernon The Heating & Cooling Specialist for more information about both residential and commercial HVAC installation services. We provide a variety of indoor air protection products.
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