When it comes to choosing the right air filter for your home, there are many factors to consider. Everyone agrees that the HVAC filter should be changed regularly, but there doesn't seem to be a general consensus on what type of filter to use. To better understand the best type of HVAC air filter for your home, you'll need to understand the different types of air filter technology, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Disposable fiberglass HVAC filters are the most common and affordable type of furnace filter, but they must be replaced regularly to maintain HVAC efficiency and air quality. Replacing disposable filters is relatively easy, since you just need to remove the old filter and place a new one in its place.
However, they don't last very long and must be replaced every few months. Reusable air filters are another option. They capture particles by emitting an electrostatic charge as they pass through the filter. This can help reduce the amount of mold and mildew that grow on the filter itself.
The only important advantage compared to disposable filters is that they can be washed and reinstalled as many times as desired. That said, a well-maintained, washable HVAC air filter can last 5 to 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Permanent air filters are a third option. By functioning as a magnet, debris particles adhere to the filter medium as air flows through the filter layers. They're better for the environment, since you can use them for about five years before you have to throw them away.
However, electrostatic charge can decrease over time. UV HVAC air filters do not use fiberglass, cotton, plastic, or any other type of fiber to filter particles from the air. They are more expensive than other types of filters but require less maintenance and can last up to 10 years. HEPA filters are commonly used in environments such as medical clinics, hospitals and laboratories, where extremely pure air is especially important. In fact, an HVAC filter cannot be considered a HEPA filter unless it constantly filters at least 99.97 percent of all particles of 0.3 microns or more. To achieve healthy indoor air quality, lower HVAC operating costs and a long lifespan of system components, air filters must be in good condition at all times.
For good air quality all year round, HVAC experts recommend pleated electrostatic filters for your oven. The air filter you choose has a direct impact on the performance of your air conditioning system, as it is responsible for trapping all types of particles in the air that can damage your health and the expensive components of the system. You won't need to buy washable filters very often, so the long-term cost of washable filters is likely to be equal to or lower than the cost of disposable filters.
