5 Types Of Home Air Filters You Need To Know About
We all have to deal with changing our home air filters to keep our home cleans and comfortable. It’s important to understand the types of filters and what they designed to do.
Keep Your Home’s Health Optimized
Your home is full of health hazards. One such hazard is your air quality. If you spend any amount of time in your home, your air is full of dust, smoke, and allergens. All of the particles in your air can put your health at risk.
When it comes to our home maintenance list, changing filters is always at the top of that list.
We also set an alert to let us know when it’s time to change our home air filter. This is something you don’t want to forget to do.
But there is an easy way to improve the air quality of your home. If you use a high-quality air filter and change it regularly, you can increase your comfort.
It’s so important learning about your options when it comes to home air filters too. That’s why we have this handy guide for you to follow.
The Importance of MERV
When looking at air filters, you should consider the MERV rating. This rating tells you how good a filter is when it comes to removing particles from your air. However, finding the right filter isn’t as simple as choosing one with the highest MERV rating.
If you want to learn more about MERV ratings, you can always read this compresensive article as well.
If the rating is too high, the filter will inhibit the air flow. Your energy bill can rise and your HVAC system will have more stress on it than necessary.
The Types of Home Air Filters
Although the MERV rating of your filter matters, the type of air filter is also important.
The different types of filters rely on unique methods and materials to keep your air clean.
Below, you’ll find what types of home air filters there are and which one is right for you.
1. Flat Fiberglass Filters
This type of filter is one of the most common filters. In most homes or apartments, you will find flat fiberglass filters.
These filters rely on fiberglass to filter out the air before it goes into your HVAC system.
Unlike some other types of filters, this one comes at a very low cost. It is also easy to install. But there is a disadvantage to using this filter.
Fiberglass is not the most effective material when it comes to filtering the air. While it traps large particles, smaller particles can get through.
2. Pleated Filters
More effective at trapping small particles, pleated filters could give you more comfort. It’s very effective at catching dust and other particles.
According to the EPA, pleated filters work better by increasing the surface area of the filter. But they do not negatively affect the airflow.
These pleated home air filters draw and captures allergens between 1 – 10 microns, including lint, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, dust, and smoke.
The only disadvantage is the cost. They tend to be more expensive than fiberglass non-pleated filters.
3. Electrostatic Air Filters
If you’re looking for a highly effective filter, you should consider buying an electrostatic filter.
This type uses electricity to collect the small and large particles in your air. Although it does not attract smoke particles, it does attract most other particles.
These filters can be expensive. Additionally, the are known to produce harmful ozone substances.
These electrostatic air filters are crafted to help improve ventilation efficiency and proper air flow that can help reduce air flow resistance for less HVAC stress.
Ideally, they also product cleaner, healthier air as well. These air conditioner filters help purify the air of dust, pollen and allergens, which can help itchy eyes and sneezing.
4. HEPA Filters
One of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality is to use a HEPA filter. Able to trap the smallest of particles, HEPA filters keep you air clean. They can even remove allergens.
HEPA is an acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Air. They are able to trap 99.97 perfect of particles that are about 0.3 microns in size.
Most HEPA filters are composed of interlaced glass fibers. These fibers are twisted to create a fibrous like maze allowing them to trap particles in the air.
You will find HEPA filters in many consumer products. Some of them include cars, vacuum cleaners, and home air purifiers.
However, the efficiency of these filters also is their weakness. They do tend to slow down the airflow in your home. They may be too effective at trapping particles.
5. Washable Filters
You can find washable filters in a variety of types. Instead of changing the filter every three months, you need to wash it.
For this reason, a washable filter is more affordable than a disposable one.
All of the filter types come in a variety of sizes. It’s always important to ensure you measure you change it according to your home’s needs.
Of course, before you purchase an air filter, make sure you determine the size you need.
As mentioned above, when we first bought our home, we made sure we created a monthly schedule to change and maintain our home air filters and you should too!
Always take your home’s air health seriously and remember to always change your home air filter too!
Be Sure To Pin Your Inspiration Using The Image Below!
Don’t forget to read Did You Forget To Clean These 4 Cringeworthy Dirty Areas?
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Viglink, and RewardStyle and other Associate Affiliate Programs. These are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to these affiliated sites. Thank you for supporting our website.
And as always, thanks so much for stopping by! If you like this article, 5 Types Of Home Air Filters You Need To Know About, subscribe via email below and never miss a post again!
