HVAC filters play an integral role in keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. They trap the dust particles and other contaminants giving clean and fresh air. HVAC filters are washable as well as disposable. Washable filters can be removed and cleaned. You don’t need to replace them. They save you big time in the long run. Whereas the disposable filters need to be replaced on clogging. If we talk about the effectiveness of these filters, disposable filters are very effective in cleaning small dust particles and washable filters are only good at trapping large dust particles.
You can choose from a wide variety of HVAC filters present in the market. Let’s have a look at the different types of HVAC filters:
Fiberglass Filters
Fiberglass filters are the most common type of HVAC filters available. They have been made from strands of fiberglass which are spun together. Fiberglass Filter is capable of trapping large dust particles. They are inexpensive and are largely used in air conditioners for homes and apartments. These filters are disposable and effective. The major drawback of fiberglass filters is their air-purifying feature. These filters are not very appropriate for purifying the air. If you are using fiberglass filters, you might still be prone to respiratory problems.
Pleated Filters
Pleated filters are made of polyester fabrics or cotton folds. These filters are more effective in cleaning dust and other particles such as pet dander and dust mites. Pleated filters are a step up from fiberglass filters and are tighter than fiberglass filters. They offer better filtering performance and hence are more expensive than fiberglass filters. In the case of a pleated filter, the HVAC system works harder to pull air through the unit. This will improve the air quality but your HVAC system will lose some efficiency.
Electrostatic Filters
As the name suggests, this type of filter generates a static charge which attracts the smallest airborne particles like a magnet, stopping them from circulating throughout your home. This static charge is generated from cotton and paper fibers present in electrostatic filters. These are more expensive than pleated filters but remove allergens effectively. If allergen removal is your top priority, an electrostatic filter is the best choice.
HEPA Filters
HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are best suited for people suffering from allergies and prone to respiratory diseases. They offer maximum trapping of contaminants and are effective in screening contaminants up to 99.97%. The US Department of Energy recommends HEPA filters for their air purifying feature.
UV Filters
UV filters are effective in killing bacteria and viruses in your home. The UV light given out by these filters kills all the germs and bacterias. They offer protection from microorganisms which are also dangerous to your health However, UV filters are not very effective in screening dust and other pollutants.
HVAC filters vary from each other in terms of efficiency, costs, and maintenance. They give clean air and provide protection from air pollutants and various other contaminants.
Paul Petersen is a seasoned home improvement expert and DIY enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He began his career as a carpenter, honing his skills in woodworking and structural design. Over the years, Paul expanded his expertise to encompass a wide range of home renovation projects, from kitchen remodels to landscape design.