THE MAIN TYPES OF HVAC AIR FILTERS (AND WHICH ONE YOU NEED)
Your HVAC system not only heats and cools your home but, with the help of a filter, also cleans your indoor air—which is often more polluted than outdoor air. There are many types of HVAC air filters on the market, but not all of them will fit your needs equally. Choosing the best air filter can help ensure you’re getting the most value for your dollar.
At Columbus Worthington Air, we want you to enjoy fresh, clean indoor air. In this article, we’ll explain how HVAC air filters work, the common types you’ll encounter, and how to decide which one you need.
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HOW HVAC AIR FILTERS WORK
Your HVAC is constantly moving air in and out of the house for heating and cooling. This airflow can bring all sorts of contaminants into your home, such as pollen, dust, dirt, and even bacteria.
Choosing the best air filter for your home starts with understanding how these filters work.
PHYSICAL FILTRATION
Air filters act as a barrier to trap airborne contaminants. Most of them use woven cotton or paper to trap larger particles like dander, dirt, and pollen.
ELECTROSTATIC FILTRATION
Ever seen static electricity sticking hair or lint to a freshly dried blanket? Many air filters work similarly, using an additional electrostatic charge to trap smaller particles like bacteria and viruses.
EFFICIENCY RATINGS
You’ll frequently see ratings like “MERV 8” or “HEPA certified” while shopping around. These HVAC or furnace filter efficiency ratings not only tell you what to expect but also help determine whether the brand you’re working with is trustworthy.
The higher the MERV rating, the more different types of particles the filter captures. No rating or vague language is a red flag.
Got questions about HVAC filter ratings? Give us a call, and one of our air quality experts will be happy to lend a hand.
THE 5 MAIN TYPES OF HVAC AIR FILTERS
Improving indoor air quality is much easier when you have a filter you can count on. While there are many types of filters on the market, these are the five main types you’re likely to use.
1. FIBERGLASS FILTERS
Fiberglass air filters are a common, budget-friendly option. They work well to trap larger particles like dust, lint, and pollen while maintaining consistent airflow.
However, they struggle to capture finer particles and usually have low MERV ratings, limiting their ability to improve air quality. They also need to be replaced often, usually once per month.
2. PLEATED FILTERS
If you want an air filter that balances cost with performance, pleated models may be your best bet. These filters are usually made out of cotton or polyester, and their pleated design gives them a higher surface area than non-pleated filters. They don’t need to be replaced as often as fiberglass filters, usually lasting up to three months.
3. HEPA FILTERS
Short for “high efficiency particulate air,” these filters can remove the tiniest particles from the air, including a significant amount of bacteria and viruses. To qualify as HEPA, filters need to capture 99.97% of all airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.
While these types of HVAC air filters are a wonderful choice for homeowners with health issues, such as asthma or immunodisorders, not all HVAC systems are compatible with HEPA filters. Additionally, since HEPA filters come with very tightly woven fabric, they can worsen airflow and actually make it harder for some HVAC systems to cool your home.
4. ELECTROSTATIC FILTERS
Electrostatic air filters tend to have higher MERV ratings due to using a mixture of physical barriers and electrostatic charges that attract particles. Many homes enjoy the benefits of electrostatic filters, and they’re common in businesses and offices as well. They’re also more eco-friendly than disposable filters, lasting five to 10 years with minor upkeep.
5. UV FILTERS
Are you more concerned about viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mold? UV filters usually work alongside traditional HVAC air filters like MERV or pleated filters to keep these contaminants at bay.
UV filters are becoming an increasingly popular option due to neutralizing airborne contaminants with a potent germicidal light. Note that these filters need a compatible HVAC system to avoid conflicting with, or even ruining, non-UV filters.
HEPA VS. MERV: WHICH IS BETTER?
Still not sure which filter type you need? If you’re torn between HEPA versus standard air filters like MERV, review these best use cases and see which fits you best.
HEPA TO ACCOMMODATE HEALTH
While filters with high MERV ratings will do a solid job of removing most airborne particles, including some bacteria and viruses, HEPA is the gold standard. You’ll find HEPA filters in medical settings like dental offices and emergency rooms.
Airborne bacteria and viruses can linger in stagnant indoor air for several hours. If you need to minimize your risk of getting sick, stick to HEPA filters. Depending on your setup, you may also benefit from a mixture of HEPA and MERV or HEPA and UV filters.
You should also keep in mind that some brands promote a “HEPA-style” or “HEPA-like” filter. While these filters may be able to capture some airborne particles, they’re not a replacement for independently tested and certified HEPA-grade filters.
MERV FOR AREAS WITH CLEAN OUTDOOR AIR
Another reason homeowners turn to HEPA is due to living in areas with high pollution, such as smog or wildfire smoke. However, if you live in an area with relatively clean air, a MERV filter will do more than enough to keep your home clean.
These types of HVAC air filters still do a great job of trapping dust, dirt, and pollen while maintaining consistent airflow.
MERV WHEN LIVING WITH CHILDREN OR PETS
Children and pets tend to make indoor air messier. However, a HEPA air filter may slow down airflow and make cleaning your indoor air much too slow for day-to-day life.
A MERV filter will have faster airflow while still trapping many common airborne contaminants.
FIND THE RIGHT HVAC ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR HOME
If you’re dissatisfied with indoor air purifiers or want to see what additional tools you could be using, you’re in the right place. At Columbus Worthington Air, we provide a wide variety of HVAC accessories:
UV lamps to reduce airborne bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mold spores
Humidifiers to maintain a comfortable moisture level in your home
Dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture and reduce your risk for mold
Electronic air cleaners to remove pollen, dust, bacteria, and more
CALL COLUMBUS WORTHINGTON AIR TO UPGRADE YOUR HVAC
If you need help choosing among different types of HVAC air filters, adding a UV lamp, or making any other HVAC upgrade, our team is standing by. We’ve been serving our Central Ohio service area since 1936 to provide transparent pricing, flexible financing options, and fast access to experts. We also offer ongoing specials to help you save while enjoying today’s best HVAC technology.
You don’t have to live with stuffy or dirty indoor air. Contact us today to schedule an in-home assessment!