An air filter is a device that consists of porous or fibrous materials that eliminate particles like dust and pollen from the air. This air filter unit ensures your home’s air quality is top-notch, making them essential for the conditioner.
Professionals use the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value to test the filter’s efficiency depending on their ability to trap particles. Homeowners are advised against buying air filters with a significant MERV rating because they are more expensive.
The recent technological development has made it easy to buy an hvac filter media from the comfort of your home, and below, we discuss the most common filter types.
Types of Air Filters
Air filters are categorized depending on how well they trap various pollutants in your home, and this ability relies on the layout and plan of the used materials. Homeowners should research the different air filters before buying to make a more informed decision.
- Spun Glass
Spun glass air filters are also called flat-panelled filters, made up of glass spun strands and a metallic grate. Most glass fibres are made using fibreglass and are the most common type due to their affordability.
However, despite their popularity, these air filters do less to your indoor air quality. These units only filter around ten percent of particles like pollen and dust. They are also easily clogged and require frequent maintenance.
- HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and they are among the best types of air filters. HEPA filters eliminate over 99% of airborne allergens like mould and pollen. Their high efficiency makes them popular in most homesteads and are ideal for individuals with respiratory conditions.
However, their main disadvantage is they are the most expensive type. They also have high filtering that might lower your system’s efficiency due to an airflow restriction.
- Pleated Filters
Pleated filters entail a fabric medium made of cotton or polyester. Its material is arranged in folds to improve the filter’s surface area. Pleated filters are slightly costly compared to fibreglass filters but are ideal for fighting contaminants.
Pleated filters also trap small pollutants like pet dander and pollen, making them more efficient. They occur in both disposable and reusable designs. However, they might also restrict proper airflow.
- UV Light Filters
These filters eliminate bacteria using short-wave UV light. They have a lamp that releases germicidal radiation to clean passing air. UV light filters are ideal for removing microorganisms like mould spaces from your home.
However, they also have certain disadvantages; first, they turn oxygen molecules into ozone molecules. Also, they do less against dust.
- Electrostatic Filters
Electrostatic filters cause static electricity using paper fibres and cotton. They use a magnet to attract pollutants within the filter screen, making them perfect for people with allergies. They also have a carbon filter that increases their efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Air filters are used to eliminate particles from the air and are essential in a homestead. These filters are available in different types, and the above article has discussed a few.