According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is a shocking two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Inside air contains particles that can affect your health, especially if you have allergies or a more serious respiratory condition.
With this increase in air quality awareness, many air conditioner and furnace filters are now being installed to reduce exposure to these harmful particles.
Air Conditioner and Furnace Filter Options
There is a wide range of air conditioner and furnace filters to choose from. These vary in efficiencies, designs and qualities, making a decision seem nearly impossible. However, it’s important to remember that there is no ‘right’ choice; rather, it must be the right match with an individual’s needs.
Electrostatic Air Filters: These are designed to replace any type of panel filter or frame type air filter used in heating and air conditioning equipment. They remove a very high percentage of contaminants from the air, but cause little effect on air flow, allowing the equipment to operate at maximum efficiency.
Media Air Filters: This type of filter is most commonly catered for and used by HVAC companies where cost and reliability are very important, although some online stores do make them available for home owners as well. The main advantage of these over electrostatic air and furnace filters is they do not have to be rinsed clean every few months, just change the filter pad and reinstall the frame with a new pad.
Pleated Air Filters: These are the most popular type of air or furnace filter available for HVAC equipment because they offer a wide range of design characteristics and suppliers are typically happy to accommodate custom replacement size. When shopping, keep in mind that a higher MERV rating is ideal for allergy sufferers because the filter will trap more dust and allergy causing contaminants.
HEPA Air Filters: High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) air filters are over 99 percent efficient and remove almost all allergens from the air that passes through your HVAC equipment. They’re ideal for allergy sufferers and are commonly used in facilities where very clean air is required, such as surgical rooms or hospital wards.
Activated Carbon Air Filters: Also called “charcoal filters”; these are the most effective option for removing common household odors due to pets, cigarettes, garbage, and more. Carbon air or furnace filters are especially useful for anyone sensitive to air freshening products such as perfumes, oils and candles.
Air and Furnace Filter Maintenance
As with any appliance, regular maintenance is needed for all HVAC equipment. Air and furnace Filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to change, so there is really no excuse for not doing so. Prolonged procrastination can cause the filter can get clogged with dust and other particles, which then forces your heating and cooling equipment to work harder in order to maintain airflow. This reduces the equipment’s efficiency and can cause damage.
In order to determine when your air or furnace filter should be changed, check the documentation that came with your HVAC equipment as well as with the current filter. Recommendations will vary based on a number of factors such as the type of filter you’re using, how many pets are in the house, whether anyone has allergies, etc. Commercial HVAC equipment should handled in a similar fashion, although a professional HVAC Service East Point GA contractor should be hired to perform routine checks, preventative maintenance, etc. at regularly scheduled intervals.
