Your HVAC system’s air filter is the most basic and the most easily maintained component of your entire heating and cooling system, and yet using the wrong kind of air filter can cause a number of issues. Your Glendale, AL home should have the air filter that will best meet your family’s specific needs. We’ve created a comprehensive list so that you can compare and choose the air filter that’s right for you.
What Do HVAC Filters Do?
HVAC filters clean the air in your home as it circulates through the HVAC system by removing and trapping the pollutants and other contaminants contained in the air. Allergens such as pollen and spores invade your home whenever a window or door is open. These unwelcome guests take up residence on furniture, clothing, carpeting and nearly every other surface in your home, and the result can include serious respiratory issues for your family members.
The 6 Types of Air Filters
The type of HVAC air filter that your home needs depends on a number of factors, such as the area where you live (homes in or near urban/industrial areas have higher levels of pollution than those in other locations closed), whether or not you have pets (fur babies are responsible for allergens like dander and pet hair), whether or not you have any smokers in your home or if any of the occupants suffer from respiratory issues (asthma, COPD, emphysema or allergies). Choosing the right air filter can make all the difference in your home’s indoor air quality. Here are six different types of HVAC air filters:
- Fiberglass air filters – Fiberglass air filters are the most well-known filters and the least costly. They are not very efficient at removing contaminants from the air in your home, however, because they consist of ultrafine fibers of glass. This type of air filter is not popular among experts because of the minimal amount of debris they remove from the air.
- Washable/reusable air filters – These filters are popular due to their pleated fabric design and because you can clean and use them more than once. The pleated construction means that the filter traps and holds several types of contaminants of various sizes. This type of filter is a bit more costly, but it will more than pay for itself since it is reusable.
- Pleated air filters – Pleated air filters feature cotton or fabric folded into accordion-style pleats that are extremely effective at removing pollutants from the air in your home. This is the top seller among air filters. The fact that they are affordable is also a big plus.
- UV light air filters – UV light air filters do not remove dust particles, debris or other pollutants from the air in your home. This type of filter destroys bacteria and viruses by using ultraviolet light. People that opt for these filters also use another air filter in their system.
- Electrostatic air filters – These air filters feature cotton and paper fibers. The fibers attract airborne contaminants using static electricity. They work well for trapping smaller debris; however, they don’t trap pollutants with larger particles.
Safe and Healthy Indoor Air Quality
Now that you have the information you need to choose the best HVAC air filter for your home, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are breathing clean, safe air. No matter which option you choose, be sure to carefully follow all instructions for installation, cleaning and replacement to get the best results. If you need assistance determining which is the best air filter for your home, contact us at One Source Heating, Cooling, and Electrical and one of our friendly technicians will be happy to assist you.
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