If you’re in the market to replace your air conditioner’s filter You’ll be awed by how many air filters are available there!
The process can be daunting, particularly if you’re new to HVAC systems. But fret not! This guide will explain everything you need to learn about various kinds of AC filters that you can use for your home.
If you are searching for an Air conditioning service near me, you will get piles of names but the most trusted and Reliable AC Filter Replacement Company is AC Repair Techs to meet your needs. Signs of AC filter that need to be replaced include:
- Laboring to deliver cool air
- Reduced energy-efficiency
- Poor indoor air quality
Let’s begin with the basics.
What is the Air Filter Inside Your Heating and Air Conditioning System?
The main role the primary function of HVAC air filters is eliminate unhealthy particles out of the air that flows throughout the HVAC system. This filtering ensures that the home’s air quality remains right up to the standards. Therefore, they are an essential component of your air conditioning.
What is the MERV Rating?
To assess the effectiveness filtering, professionals employ filters’ efficiency, experts use the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The MERV chart evaluates filters on their capacity to capture particles. The ratings range between 1 and 16, and 16 points are given to air filters with the best ability to filter. There are MERV ratings for various types of filters differ based on the quality of the filter and its the manufacturer. The information is always on the label.
However, choosing the most MERV-rated filter isn’t always the most wise choice. The cost of these filters is high and they can cause a greater resistance to airflow. This can cause strain on the HVAC unit, which will reduce efficiency in the long run.
The majority of residential HVAC systems come with the MERV 8 filter that is installed by default. Upgrade to the MERV 13 filter can remove the virus along with other harmful substances. This will result in better the quality of indoor air. As mentioned earlier it is recommended to consult with an HVAC expert to determine if your system is able to handle an MERV 13 filter . Or not.
7 Types of Air Filters
The main major difference between the various types of air filters is their capacity to remove different airborne pollutants within your home. This capability is contingent on the design and style of the materials utilized. For instance, tightly weaved and layered materials is more efficient at filtering than a thinner material.
To select the best HVAC filter suitable for the home you live in, you have to know how the material used to filter can perform.
There are seven kinds of AC filters. Each has pros and drawbacks. This is a complete list of the various types with their respective MERV ratings:
1. Spun Glass, or Fiberglass Air Filters
Also called flat-paneled filter These filters are made up of glass fibers that have been spun and bonded by a metal grates. Glass fibers are mostly made of fiberglass. These filters are among the most popular HVAC air filters because of the cost.
Despite their popularity, they can’t improve the indoor air quality. They are able to filter only about 20 percent of particles about 3.0 to 10.0 millimeters. The particles that fall within this range comprise dust, carpet fibers and pollen.
- Advantages Filters made from spun glass are least expensive alternative. They’re ideal for people seeking to just keep dust from their home like lint and dust.
- Con:Since these filters can’t take in smaller particles, they’re not effective in purifying air. They also can become easily blocked and require frequent maintenance, and even replacement.
2. Pleated Filters
Pleated filters are made up of an underlying fabric material made of cotton or polyester. The fabric is arranged into pleats to increase the area that the filters. Thus, filters with many pleats are more effective than those with less pleats.
These filters are a little more expensive than fiberglass filters. However, they are more efficient in removing contaminants. They also capture smaller air pollutants, like dust mites, pollen or mold spores. Pleated filters are available in recyclable and disposable models.
- AdvantagesThe pleats increase the surface of the filters, which makes them perform better. They also last longer and are often recyclable.
- Pros:These filters are more expensive than other kinds or AC filters. Filters with pleats that are larger could also hinder airflow.
3. HEPA Filters
The High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtering is among the most effective HVAC filters available. They are able to remove 99.97 percent of the air-borne allergens and pollutants that can be found within your home, which includes pollen, dust, mold pets dander, smoke particles, viruses and even bacteria.
Because of the efficiency they provide, they’re popular with those who suffer from air conditioner allergy, or any other respiratory issues. However, these filters are priced higher than pleated and fiberglass filters.
- AdvantagesHEPA filtering is highly efficient against small and large pollutant particles. Since they only require replacing every few years, they’re quite economical over the long term.
- Pros:Smaller particles like smoke or fumes are still able to get though the. They are quite expensive in comparison to other types in air filters. In addition, their capacity for filtering could limit the flow of air, which could cause you HVAC equipment’s performance to fall.
4. UV Light Filters
The UV filters destroy viruses and bacteria with UV light that is short-wave. The germicidal light generated by the UV lamp inside these filters kills germs and viruses when it travels through. They are also excellent for clearing your home of harmful microorganisms, such as mold and spores.
However, they have some disadvantages. The first is that UV filters can possibly convert oxygen molecules into the ozone molecules. In tiny amounts the ozone molecules can cause minor health issues, like chest pain and coughing. In larger amounts it may make asthma and respiratory illnesses more severe.
Furthermore, although UV light filters can remove viruses and bacteria from air, they are not effective against harmful substances like dust. This is why the filters are typically part of a higher-tech filtering mechanism, such as HEPA filters.
- BenefitsUV filtering removes harmful germs and contaminants that can be found in your home.
- Pros:These filters are ineffective against allergens and pollutants like smoke, dust and the smells. They are also quite expensive relative to other types of air filters.
5. Electrostatic Filters
These filters produce static electricity through the combination of paper fibers and cotton. The static acts as an attraction and traps contaminants in the filter’s filter. Because it stops allergens out of your home Electrostatic filters are ideal for those suffering from allergies.
Electrostatic filters often come with a carbon filter for increased efficiency. This type of AC filter is pleated or flat-paneled. They also come in washable and disposable models.
- AdvantagesElectrostatic filtering is affordable. They’re also available as reuseable options that can reduce costs further.
- Pros:While these filters are efficient against small particles, they are unable to capture larger particles, such as dust or mold spores.
6. Washable Filters
Air filters that can be cleaned come in pleated and flat paneled designs. They are more expensive than disposable filters, however they will save you money in the long term. They are also greener than disposable filters.
For cleaning these filters, you must either vacuum or wash them to get rid of any dirt or impurities. It is important to make sure that the filters are dry prior to installing them again. The use of damp filters could cause mold and bacterial buildup, which can slow lower the quality of your indoor air.
- AdvantagesWashable filtering is a economical option that’s also environmentally friendly.
- Con: These filters need regular maintenance to ensure their efficiency. They don’t provide protection against smells, and are only effective for dust and other pollutants.
7. Media Filters
Media filters are made up of a material that resembles paper that is folded into pleats within an aluminum cabinet. The filter’s dimensions are not larger than six inches in width however, pleated materials can be able to cover up to the area of 75 square feet when folded. The larger surface area means that media filters are seven times more efficient than the standard air filter models.
The large surface area contributes to the long-lasting nature for media filtering. The filters can last two years or more, subject to the environmental conditions. Experts suggest that those living who live in industrial areas or have weak immune systems should choose media filters instead of other kinds of AC filters.
- BenefitsMedia filters can be described as easy to maintain since you only need to replace them at least once or twice a year. They’re highly efficient and can hold most harmful substances inside their folds.
- Pros: These filters need the expertise of a professional for installation and aren’t DIY solutions similar to other AC filters. They can’t remove the smells.
If your air conditioner ductwork is old, damaged, or not functioning properly, it can affect your comfort and energy bill. At AC Repair Los Angeles we provide Efficient Air Conditioning Duct Repair Services by experienced and trained HVAC professionals. The team AC Repair Techs provides high-level services for every one of our clients while treating them honestly and respectfully. If you hire our HVAC Contractor team, you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time and with a 100% guarantee. With our team handling your air conditioner duct issues, you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time.
