In its most basic function, an air filter removes impurities such as dust, pet dander, or even bacteria from the air that flows through the system. Not only does this improve the air quality inside your home, but it also protects your HVAC system from damage. The purpose of air filters is to help improve home air quality. It traps particles that are invisible to the naked eye.
If we could see what is floating in our homes, we would be surprised. Indoor air quality is a crucial element for any homeowner, especially if the members of your household have respiratory problems. The right HVAC filters can make the difference between congested air filled with contaminants and clean air that is healthy and easy to breathe. Understanding the different types of air filters for homes is the first step to getting the best indoor air quality you deserve.
The quality and quantity of the filter medium influence the size of the air particles that can be captured, the way they are captured and the air flow through the system. The sizes of HVAC filters are assigned according to the thickness of the filter, also known as depth, in addition to its height and length. Air filters are usually made of spun fibreglass (the same thing that forms the insulation of the attic) or 26% pleated paper framed with cardboard for greater stability and rigidity. In general, high-efficiency filters that are also cost-effective are best for homes, but other considerations should include whether there are pets in the home, if mold or mildew poses a threat, and how often filters should be changed.
The most effective ways to improve indoor air are to reduce or eliminate sources of contaminants and to ventilate with clean outdoor air. Air filters are an aftermarket product with a longevity that usually lasts 1 to 6 months for disposable filters. In general, filters will be 1 inch thick for common systems and 5 inches thick for larger HVAC systems. In general, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing the air filter every 90 days or 3 months.
We evaluate how well an air filter removes dust, pollen, and smoke from the air, and see how freely air flows through the filter at any fan speed. When it comes to air filters for HVAC systems, media filters can offer more benefits than standard filters with high MERV ratings. For this reason, these filters are not recommended for people who have respiratory problems and need a filter that improves indoor air quality. The pleats of these filters give them an advantage over pleatless options because they increase the surface area of the filter for better filtering.
And the best filters trap indoor contaminants, such as dust, pet dander and pollen, helping to clean the air in your home. In general, filters with a MERV 16 rating or lower are considered suitable filters for HVAC systems for residential, commercial and general hospital use. The only type of filters that capture allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters.