There are five categories of air filters you can use for your air conditioning system. Each one has good points and downsides, so it is important to understand each when deciding which is right for you and your family. Pollutants come in many sizes, and the type of filter determines which sizes are captured and which are not.
Standard – A standard air filter is the type you normally see in stores. It has a cardboard frame and is composed of spun fiberglass. The good thing about this type of air filter is that it is reasonably inexpensive. The downside is that it does not remove smaller particles from the air and thus only catch about 10% of the pollutants. Additionally, standard air filters need to be replaced every month, which can be bothersome, especially if the air intake is difficult to reach.
Pleated - Common sense tells you that, because of the pleats in a pleated air filter, there is more total surface area to grab pollutants. These filters will do a better job than standard filters, but will cost a bit more. They do not need to be replaced as often though, lasting up to three months. The downside is that they still only get about 30 to 40 percent of pollutants out of the air.
Electrostatic - The good news is that these air filters will remove about 90 percent of pollutants. The bad news is that they come with a hefty price tag. That wouldn’t be too bad if they lasted longer, but these filters still only last up to three months. Even with the price component, this may be a great option for those with respiratory problems and need the air to be as clean as possible.
HEPA – For those wanting to get optimal air cleaning, these filters do the job at nearly 100% pollutant removal, which is ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Electronic - Although not as effective as a HEPA filter, this is a better option than an electrostatic filter. They remove up to 95 percent of pollutants.
Bottom line is that if you want the cleanest air possible, it is best to go with either a HEPA or electronic air filter, but if economy is your goal, then the standard or pleated filter is your best option. A discussion with an HVAC specialist can steer you in the right direction, so next time they come out for your annual service, be sure to have them give you their professional advice.
[source: http://climatecontrolhickory.com/]
Standard – A standard air filter is the type you normally see in stores. It has a cardboard frame and is composed of spun fiberglass. The good thing about this type of air filter is that it is reasonably inexpensive. The downside is that it does not remove smaller particles from the air and thus only catch about 10% of the pollutants. Additionally, standard air filters need to be replaced every month, which can be bothersome, especially if the air intake is difficult to reach.
Pleated - Common sense tells you that, because of the pleats in a pleated air filter, there is more total surface area to grab pollutants. These filters will do a better job than standard filters, but will cost a bit more. They do not need to be replaced as often though, lasting up to three months. The downside is that they still only get about 30 to 40 percent of pollutants out of the air.
Electrostatic - The good news is that these air filters will remove about 90 percent of pollutants. The bad news is that they come with a hefty price tag. That wouldn’t be too bad if they lasted longer, but these filters still only last up to three months. Even with the price component, this may be a great option for those with respiratory problems and need the air to be as clean as possible.
HEPA – For those wanting to get optimal air cleaning, these filters do the job at nearly 100% pollutant removal, which is ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Electronic - Although not as effective as a HEPA filter, this is a better option than an electrostatic filter. They remove up to 95 percent of pollutants.
Bottom line is that if you want the cleanest air possible, it is best to go with either a HEPA or electronic air filter, but if economy is your goal, then the standard or pleated filter is your best option. A discussion with an HVAC specialist can steer you in the right direction, so next time they come out for your annual service, be sure to have them give you their professional advice.
[source: http://climatecontrolhickory.com/]
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