5 Types Of Air Filters For Your Home

A properly maintained ventilation system or HVAC determines the quality of air inside a home. If a family member has respiratory problems like asthma or allergies, it’s advisable to regularly evaluate air quality.

The HVAC system’s air filter should be changed regularly to ensure the system works optimally and save energy costs. An HVAC system’s air filter quality determines its effectiveness in filtering dust, pollen, mold, and other fine particles that affect air quality.

A defective filtration system brought by poor filters may affect your family’s health. It’s therefore wise to make careful consideration when selecting an air filter.

Below are some of the available air filters to use in your home.

1. HEPA Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is a premium product that offers a high standard filtration system. Various home solutions like vacuums and ventilation systems use HEPA filters to improve the filtration system’s thoroughness.

For a filter to be classified as HEPA, it must possess the ability to filter 99.97% of air particles with 0.3 microns in diameter. Such a filter can eliminate tiny particles like mold spores, dust, tobacco, and bacteria. 

HEPA filters are also categorized using performance rating systems like MERV, MPR, and FPR. The MERV rating system ranges from 1-16 and the HEPA filter has a MERV rating close to 16, making it a top-quality air filter. MPR is the gauge that measures the size of particles ranging from 0.3 to 1 micron.

Ultimately, a top-quality air filter should display consistent MERV vs. MPR vs. FPR ratings to guarantee a ventilation system’s satisfactory performance.  

2. Electrostatic Filters

An electrostatic filter is made up of small cotton and paper fibers that combine to create static energy. The static energy created is responsible for attracting dust and other fine particles from the air. Depending on the filter’s quality, the magnetic force produced can attract all foreign matter like pollen, effectively cleaning the air. 

In times where people take conscious efforts to conserve the environment, electrostatic filters are washable and re-usable. Electrostatic filters are cost-effective, but its main drawback is its limited filtration capability. It’s not effective in getting rid of larger particles like mold spores. It’s a good idea to use it with other air filtration systems to improve the air quality.

3. Washable Filters

Another environmentally friendly filter is the washable type of filter. The washable filters are used in the HVAC system but require regular washing to ensure air quality. After 1-2 months, depending on the environmental condition, it’s advisable to wash it. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before using it again.

A dumb filter can result in mold forming, which can result in allergens. Additionally, washable filters are expensive to acquire though the investment is recouped over the long-run. During rainy seasons or cold seasons, washed filters may become difficult to dry, making it a suboptimal choice for areas with commonly wet weathers.

4. Fiber Glass Filter

This filter is made up of fiberglass elements fitted over each other and reinforced with metal chips. The filter can be used in areas with lots of debris and falling objects to protect the HVAC system from potential damage.

Fiberglass filter is a relatively cheap alternative and requires to be changed once every month. Due to the nature of the size of fiberglass elements, it doesn’t filter tiny particles like bacteria, mold, and fine dust.

It’s advisable to alternate with other high-quality filters more regularly to improve the home’s air quality. Fiber Glass filter is the most affordable filter in the market.

5. Pleated Polyester Filter

Pleated filters are made of two cotton elements bound together. In homes susceptible to dust like in busy streets, a pleated filter can eliminate the debris that may find its way to your home. The extra filters or pleats provide additional surface area for air to be processed.

However, the filter requires the HVAC system to overwork because it doesn’t encourage the free flow of air. The extra stress on the system may lead to high energy consumption and faster depreciation of the system.

Pleated polyester filters are more durable because of the extra folds; it’s also re-usable. For home-owners on a low budget, it’s an excellent option to work with.

Conclusion

The air quality of your home is a vital component in keeping the health of family members. Top-quality air filters improve the process of achieving superior air quality. Quality air filters like HEPA are better at checking the air quality for homes, especially for asthmatic family members. You can also go for low-cost options like fiberglass filter or washable filter, which are cheaper in the long run.

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