Different Types of HVAC Filters and The Best Option For You

December 21, 2022

Different Types of HVAC Filters and The Best Option For You

Filters are an important part of HVAC appliances. Clean filters postpone the need for HVAC repair in Westminster as long as possible and keep the indoor air quality high. To find the most suitable filter for your home, learn about the pros and cons of each filter material and its performance.

Types of Common HVAC Filters

Our heating repair experts in Thornton, CO, advise that to maintain indoor air quality and manage a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), you should follow the guide below:

• HEPA Filters

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the most popular and efficient HVAC filters. These can remove up to 99.97% of the contaminants in the air, including dust, debris, pollen, mold, smoke particles, and microorganisms.

People with respiratory issues and allergies can especially benefit from installing HEPA filters. However the high filtering ability of these filters may cause the airflow to restrict and your unit’s efficiency to drop, requiring HVAC repairs in Westminster.

• Pleated Filters

These filters are made of polyester or cotton fabric medium that is folded to increase the surface area for filtration. This fabric medium is available in several versions with pleats to increase efficiency with costs. Compared to fiberglass, these filters are more expensive and effective against contaminants, such as pollen, mold spores, and bacteria. Available in disposable and reusable versions, these filters last longer and are worth the costs.

• Fiberglass Filters

This is the most common HVAC filter made by spinning fiberglass strands into a disposable and highly-efficient air purifier. It is cost-effective if you want to trap only debris and large particles from the air, but the allergens remain freely suspended. Thus these filters are inappropriate for people with respiratory issues, and you may also need to call for more frequent heating repair in Thornton, CO as a result.

• UV Light Filters

UV light is well-known for its germicidal activity. UV lamps are placed within other high-efficiency filters to eliminate harmful pathogens to combine both benefits.

While these filters work actively against bacteria and viruses, the dirt and pollution in your home are not much affected. However, it has been reported that UV light converts oxygen to ozone creating health problems and worsening respiratory issues.

Overall, our heating repair experts in Thornton, CO, do not recommend installing only UV filters; rather, install a HEPA filter combined with a UV lamp to make the cost worth the investment.

• Electrostatic Filters

These filters use a mixture of paper and cotton fibers to create static electricity that acts as a magnet and attracts dust, dirt, and other pollutants within the filter screen. A carbon filter is also attached to the electrostatic filters for improved efficiency, as both the disposable and washable versions cut the costs even more. However, these filters have been shown to trap smaller contaminants and leave larger mold particles and debris in the air in the heating and cooling systems in Westminster, CO.

• Media Filters

These filters provide better air filtration than other filters with high MERV ratings but without any negative consequence of static pressure or airflow restriction. If you want sturdy and long-lasting filters, media filters can help you save costs as they need replacement only once or twice a year.

However, unable to filter odors, media filters need professional installation as the filter holding the dirt can be damaged and need HVAC repair in Westminster.

• Washable Filters

If you are looking for an environment-friendly version of HVAC filters that can be washed and used repeatedly, washable filters are just what you need. These filters are more expensive than disposable ones in both flat-paneled and pleated forms. Still, since washable filters can be reused repeatedly, these are cost-effective in the long run.

Use a vacuum cleaner or hose to rinse with water to remove all the dirt. Ensure you dry the filters properly before installing them back in the HVAC unit, or else the dampness can lead to mold and bacterial growth, degrading indoor air quality.

The Best HVAC Filter for Your Home

Choosing between different HVAC filters for your home can be difficult. However, if you want all-around protection against respiratory disorders and to keep dust, dirt, and pollutants at bay, HEPA filters can be the best option for you.

If you are looking for budget friendly options, our experts for heating and cooling at Westminster, CO, recommend you buy high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating filters with smart functions.

To Summarize

303 Heat is an experienced and professional company for heating and cooling in Westminster, CO. We have maintained our reputation in the market by providing high-quality services at affordable prices. To learn more about our financial estimates, call us at 720-465-6699 or visit our website to get a quote.