
It is essential for every person to have clean fresh breathable air in their home and office. This not only keeps them comfortable but also promotes a healthy environment for living. Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays an extremely essential part in our daily lives, especially in maintaining a healthy environment. People who constantly suffer from health issues like allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems need to have high-quality air to keep them safe from experiencing any discomfort.
One of the most common and effective ways to improve indoor air quality is by using an HVAC system along with a high-quality air filter. This amazing piece of technology can help in enhancing the air quality in your space by removing dust, dirt, debris, pollen, and pet dander. There are plenty of different types of air filters and some of them are so effective that they can even remove microscopic particles like bacteria and some kinds of viruses.
In this blog, we will discuss different types of air filters like fiberglass filters, pleated filters, electrostatic filters, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, ultraviolet (UV) filters, washable filters, and activated carbon filters. You will also learn the advantages and disadvantages of using those particular types of air filters in your HVAC system. Each of these air filters is unique so learning about them will help you to make the best decision for your HVAC system.
1. Fiberglass Air Filters
Fiberglass air filters are also called by many names like spun glass filters, flat panel filters, polyester filters, and disposable filters. This air filter is one of the most common types of air filters for your HVAC system. One of the best things about this air filter is that it is quite affordable. The fiberglass air filters are manufactured by twisting and knitting the fibers of spun glass into a structure that looks like a panel. It has a cardboard frame that helps in holding them. Fiberglass air filters are quite decent in trapping airborne particles but cannot be considered effective in trapping smaller particles.
Pros:
- Affordability: Fiberglass air filters are quite affordable which makes them a cost-effective option. This also makes it a popular choice among many homeowners.
- Filtration: This air filter provides you with a basic level of air filtration by trapping particles like dust, lint, dirt, and debris. This quality also helps in providing basic protection to your HVAC system.
- Widely Available: Fiberglass air filters are a very common type of air filter and because of this these air filters can be easily found in most of the hardware stores and online stores.
- Easily Replaceable: These air filters have a simple design which makes them easy to install. Because of this amazing quality replacing the fiberglass air filter in your HVAC system becomes quite an easy task.
Cons:
- Less Efficient: The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of the fiberglass air filters is from MERV 1 to 4. So, this filter is not quite effective in capturing the smaller particles like mold spores, pet dander, and bacteria.
- Regular Maintenance: Fiberglass air filters are disposable air filters and get clogged quickly. Because of this fiberglass filters are required to be replaced every 30 days. This increases the overall cost of maintenance.
- Air Quality: These air filters are not suitable for offices or homes where people suffer from health conditions like allergies and asthma. Because it has limited improvement in air quality.
2. Pleated Air Filters
Pleated air filters are another type of air filter that has a folded design and is made by using materials like synthetic or natural fibers such as polyester or cotton. Because of its design, it covers a large surface area and improves the efficiency of trapping airborne particles. Most of the pleated air filter's MERV ratings are between 5 to 13. However, some pleated filters can be found with a higher MERV rating of 14 to 16. This filter provides better efficiency in trapping particles than a fiberglass filter. Pleated filters can be found in both disposable and reusable types.
Pros:
- Noise Reduction: This air filter helps in reducing the levels of noise from the fans of your HVAC system.
- Availability: Pleated filters are available in many different sizes. This makes sure that you can easily find the perfect size for your HVAC system.
- Capturing Allergens: This filter is highly effective in trapping common allergens which makes it an ideal option for sensitive spaces.
- Highly Durable: Pleated filters have a durable design because they are made using strong materials that can resist any damage.
Cons:
- Lower HVAC Efficiency: This air filter has a thick design which puts extra workload on your HVAC system causing it to reduce the efficiency of your system.
- Replacement Cost: The pleated air filter needs to be replaced every 3 months, This becomes an additional cost in the maintenance of this air filter.
- Imperfect For High-Demand Systems: For the systems that require to have strong airflow. Pleated air filters are considered not to be an ideal choice for these because they cause restrictions on the performance of your HVAC system.
3. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
High-efficiency particulate air filters are also called HEPA filters. This air filter holds a high reputation for its extraordinary efficiency which allows it to trap 99.97 percent of airborne particles. It even captures pollutants that are as small as 0.3 microns which include dust mites, mold spores, and other kinds of allergens. HEPA air filters are mostly used in highly sensitive places like hospitals, cleanrooms, healthcare facilities, laboratories, and many more.
Pros:
- Removes Allergens: HEPA air filters are considered perfect for places where people suffer with the problems of allergies.
- Longer Lifespan: This air filter has an impressive lifespan and can work efficiently for six months to a year.
- Promotes Better Health: Because of its efficiency in filtering the air and removing pollutants, it helps with offering better health.
- Energy Efficiency: HEPA filters can maintain proper airflow that helps in trapping pollutants that helps in reducing the workload on your HVAC system.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: HEPA air filters are quite expensive than most of the standard air filters.
- Non-Compatible: Because of the design of HEPA filters are not suitable for every HVAC system.
- Reduced Airflow: HEPA air filters are quite thick so it causes slight restrictions in the airflow of your HVAC system.
4. Electrostatic Air Filters
Electrostatic air filters are considered high-technology air filters that are used in HVAC systems. These air filters generate static electricity that helps attract large amounts of airborne particles like dust, dirt, pollen, debris, pet dander, and many other types of allergens. This air filter has a strong magnetism that helps in sticking the airborne particles in the filter. Because of this quality, it improves the indoor air quality in your space. In addition, you also get two choices for electrostatic air filters: reusable filters and disposable filters. You can pick the option that suits you best.
Pros:
- Proper Air Filtration: Electrostatic air filters do an amazing job of enhancing the air quality of your home as they filter out small pollutants.
- Budget-Friendly: This air filter is quite affordable which makes it a cost-effective type of air filter. Reusable electrostatic filters help you save money from frequent replacements.
- Efficient Function: The MERV ratings in electrostatic air filters can be found from 1 to 16. This makes sure that this filter is working effectively.
- Environmentally Friendly: Because there are washable and reusable electrostatic air filters it helps in reducing the amount of waste which helps in keeping the environment safe.
Cons:
- Not Ideal For Allergies: For the people who constantly suffer from health problems like allergies and asthma. Electrostatic air filters are not considered a good option for them.
- Less Effective: Electrostatic air filters are not effective in trapping large airborne pollutants like mold spores, dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Frequent Replacement: When you have an electrostatic air filter then it is recommended that you should offer it with frequent maintenance by removing the air filter and cleaning it every month.
Conclusion
Here, you have learned how important it is for you to choose the right air filter for your HVAC system and some of the most common and highly popular types of air filters along with their pros and cons. You have discovered how fiberglass air filters are made and their affordability makes them a famous choice among people; however, they are not quite efficient. On the other hand, a pleated air filter can be more efficient but can also put a burden on the HVAC system. There is also the HEPA filter which is one of the most famous filters because of its reputation for trapping particles but its ability comes with a high price, lastly, the high-tech electrostatic filter provides you with proper filtration while being budget-friendly however, it is not considered an ideal option for the people who suffer from asthma and allergies. By understanding the pros and cons of each air filter you will be able to choose the best air filter for your HVAC system that will suit your needs and requirements.
If you are looking for a high-quality air filter for improving indoor air quality then we at Custom Filters Direct can help you with that. We have a wide collection of all kinds of air filters from fiberglass filters, HEPA filters, and pleated filters to electrostatic filters. We also have customized options that will make sure that to fit perfectly with your HVAC system. Each of our air filters is made by using high-quality materials which makes them highly durable and efficient for your home or office. If you need any help or guidance from an expert in choosing the right air filter for you then you can connect with us by sending us an email at info@customfiltersdirect.com or giving us a call at 877-958-5612. Our staff is incredibly friendly and have years of experience and will be happy to help you.