Are You Sure That You Have Got the Best Air Filter for Your Home?
Before buying an air filter, you should know the reasons why you need one. You may be allergic to pollen, dust, or mold. Bits of skin shed by furry animals, birds, or from our bodies also cause reactions in people who are sensitive to these things. The impurities are present in the air inside your home and get in your nostrils, throat, and lungs as you inhale. It can lead to sneezing, coughing, runny nose or breathing problems, and asthma.
The solution is to filter the indoor air as much as possible with an air filter.
The Best Air Filter For Your Home Depends on The Following Factors:
- The amount of filtration required
You have to decide whether you need a simple filter or a heavy-duty one.
- The type of contaminants
If you are allergic to molds or pollens, you have to choose a specific filter that can trap them.
- Energy-efficient filters
An air filter that restricts high energy consumption may not have good filtering capacity and lead to malfunctioning of the filter.
- Easy to maintain
It is better to choose a filter that requires minimal cleaning and maintenance.
HVAC Filters
HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) filters are capable of removing impurities from the indoor air.
High MERV Filters:
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a scale to measure the porousness of filters. The range is from 1 to 16 and filters are rated according to MERV. The regular filters for homes have a MERV of 4 -13. A higher MERV means more efficiency in purifying the air.
Most of the 1-inch filters having high MERV value are not efficient as they allow air to go around the sides.
Different types of air filters
You may choose from a range of filters available in the market.
Pleated fiberglass filters
These filters are most common.
- Have a MERV value ranging from 4 to 14.
- Can filter dust and dirt.
- Cheap and disposable.
- Made of spun fiberglass.
Cons:
- May not filter out tiny harmful particles.
- May restrict airflow to the HVAC system by increasing the static pressure.
- There is more load on the fan for heating and cooling functions.
- There can be a backflow of the liquid inside the compressor, causing malfunctioning.
1 Inch Non-pleated Polyester Filters
- Suitable for return grille filter system or ductwork for 1-inch filter
- Covers the basic air filtration requirements like removal of dust and pollen
- Does not restrict airflow
Media filters
- Consist of disposable pleated polyester filters
- Has a MERV range of 11-16.
- Does not restrict airflow. Increases HVAC efficiency.
- May require some additional fitting as it has to be fitted between the return plenum and furnace.
- Greater surface area than 1-inch filters. It has a thicker filter.
- Consists of a cabinet for preventing dirty air inflow.
- Enables better airflow.
- Have to be replaced only once a year.
They are called “low-pressure drop filters.” A higher number of pleats lead to better functioning.
HEPA Filters
The HEPA or High-efficiency particulate air filters are considered the best among the range of air filters.
- Capable of trapping bacteria, virus, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and almost all contaminants.
- Can trap particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns.
- Consists of very dense filtration media.
- Requires additional fans to push out the air
Electrostatic filters
- Contains self-charging fibers for pulling in impurities from the air.
- Comes in two categories – Disposable pleated type and Washable filters
- Good quality washable filters may last for 8 years. You have to dry them well to avoid molds.
Conclusion:
Choose the filter carefully. You may refer to the MERV ratings. A highly restrictive filter can damage the motor. A weak filter, on the other hand, may clog the coils, motors, and blowers. Pure air will ensure that the overall HVAC system of your home functions properly and keep the members healthy.