How To Choose The Right HVAC Filter

Choosing the right HVAC filter is very important. It can determine how clean the air will be and how smoothly the HVAC system will run. These air filters help in trapping dust, dirt, hair and other kinds of air contamination and help provide the cleanest and cool air. You need to replace or wash your HVAC filters every 3 or so months. You can also check your HVAC filters earlier than 3 months if you notice your HVAC system not working properly or the air not being cool enough. A dirty air filter will result in little or no infiltration. Even your HVAC system may be at a risk of premature failure and will need to be replaced. Choosing the right size of HVAC filters is also important. If you do not choose the right size, the wrong filters may create the same problems as those created by dirty air filters.

When choosing the right HVAC filter, the first thing you need to keep in mind are the types of air filters available. Mainly there are three types. The fiberglass air filters, pleated filters and electrostatic filters.

Fiberglass air filters are extremely cheap and disposable. These filters are the ones which are most commonly used. However they do not help in purifying air completely because they only trap larger dust and dirt particles in the air. The air is not as purified as it should be. Pleated filters are much better than fiberglass air filters as they prioritise in purifying the air. However, they put a greater load and stress on the HVAC system to work harder. Electrostatic filters are the best of all. They are also the most expensive. Electrostatic air filters use static electricity to attract the finest of dirt particles like magnets. It helps purify the air at a greater level. You can buy all of these filters in either disposable or washable forms. Washable filters are more recommended because they last longer. You don’t have to waste a lot of money replacing filters every 3 months.

Get air filters which are thicker in size. The thicker they are, the less they will need to be replaced. There will be a less likelihood of them breaking or getting torn, etc. Look for MERV ratings which are minimum efficiency reporting values. The higher the numbers in the MERV rating, the finer the filtration and air purification the filter is capable of. Look for MPR ratings as well. These are Micro-Particle Performance Ratings. It is used to determine whether filters can trap small airborne particles which are smaller than 1 micron. Some filters have an FPR rating. FPRs are filter performance ratings which determine how good a filter is in filtering contaminated air particles. HEPA or high-efficiency particulate arresting filters help trap the dust being blown through the filters. Not many people need HEPA filters but it is known to help those with breathing problems.

Get HVAC filters from Cleantech LTD. We have a wide range and variety of hvac filters.