Understanding more about the types of air filters that are available for commercial and residential HVAC systems can help you keep your heating and air conditioning working well and can alleviate indoor air quality concerns. Especially for people living with asthma or other respiratory health issues, considering more advanced air filter types can help make breathing easier. Some types of air filters, for instance, are better able to remove particles from the air. Others can help keep your heating & air conditioning system working efficiently, saving you on heating and cooling costs down the line.
For more information on the types of air filters available, or for general heating & air conditioning service, give Galmiche & Sons a call. Our friendly, professional technicians are ready to help with all of your St. Louis HVAC needs!
Common Types of Air Filters
There are a few different types of air filters that are used for residential HVAC systems. The most cost-conscious is the fiberglass air filter, which comes standard with many HVAC installations. Fiberglass filters have the lowest MERV (or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which means they can stop large particles like dust, but might not be effective against pollen and other allergens.
A few steps up from fiberglass, some other common types of air filters are pleated cotton filters and electrostatic versions. Pleated cotton provides a finer mesh than fiberglass, catching smaller particles like pet dander. An electrostatic filter adds the use of an electric charge to trap more particulate matter — even cigarette smoke. If you have a lot of pollutants in your home or people with compromised respiratory or immune systems, an electrostatic filter is an especially good idea.
For the eco-conscious, there are a few types of air filters that are washable and reusable as well. Mostly, these are cloth filters that work similarly to pleated cotton filters. Some electrostatic filters, however, can also be washed and reused, and these maintain their effectiveness better through multiple washes. Rather than needing replacement every few months, a washable filter can last up to five years, which makes them more convenient to use as well.
HEPA Air Filters
The highest MERV rating you will find among the types of air filters is the HEPA filter. Designed for laboratories and other very clean spaces, HEPA air filters can remove up to 99.9% of impurities from the air. These filters will not only help keep mold spores, dust, and other allergens at bay, but they can also help remove bad odors, and pathogens, keeping you and your family healthier.
However, HEPA filters, are one of the kinds of air filters that can be difficult to install in the average HVAC system. They take up a lot of space and can be less effective if they are not installed properly. One option that is sometimes more practical than installing a HEPA filter in your HVAC system is to invest in an air purification system that stands separately and adds an extra layer of filtration without needing to rework your HVAC ducts or potentially even other aspects of your home.
Regardless of which air filter you ultimately decide on, knowing more about the types of air filters that are out there will help you make the right choice for your home.
Learn More About Types of Air Filters
If you are still unsure about the best type of air filter for your system, give our heating & air conditioning company a call, today! We have proudly changed and supplied St. Louis HVAC air filters for many years, and look forward to helping you.
