If you have owned your home for very long you know that there are all sorts of things that need to be properly maintained in your home to help keep it functioning properly. Some items you may have been aware of before you purchased the home while other items may surprise you. Homes that function well need to be cleaned regularly, have carpets shampooed, appliances tuned up, air filters changed, and have repairs completed. As you look at this list you may have some questions about one or more of the items. If you have any questions about air filters for your home you will want to continue reading. Today Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning is going to teach you all about air filters.
Purpose of Air Filter in Home
We are going to start with what air filters do in your home. When you air conditioning unit runs it sucks in air from your room, chills or heats it, and then blows the air into other rooms in your home through your ducts. As this happens dirt and bacteria from the air is also sucked up. Your air filters prevent this dirt, bacteria, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and smoke from getting into your air conditioning unit by trapping inside the air filter. When these things get into your air conditioning unit and ductwork your system will not be able to function properly. So your air filters serve an important function in helping your heating and air conditioning system function like they are supposed to. Years ago there were not any options available for air filters in your home. You simply purchased the one product on the market and used that. Over the years technology has enhanced air filters. The air filters that are on the market work much better than what used to be available for purchase. Now consumers have the exact opposite dilemma – there are so many options that it can be hard to know what to choose! So we are going to break down the three most common types of air filters that you can choose from so that you will have a better idea of what you are looking at.
Fiberglass Air Filters
As their name implies, fiberglass filters are indeed made of fiberglass. The fiberglass fibers are laid over each in multiple layers. They are reinforced with metal grating that helps prevent failure and collapse. Fiberglass filters are the most inexpensive option on the market. They are also the least efficient. Fiberglass filters are good for about one month and then they need to be replaced.
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated air filters are one step up from fiberglass filters. They are made very similarly but the different construction helps them provide better filtering services in your home.
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. They are the best of the three types of air filters that we are talking about today. In order to be labeled as HEPA they have to remove 99.7% of the airborne particles that measure at least 0.3 microns in diameter. They are more expensive but they are significantly more efficient. Be aware of companies that label their product was “HEPA type” or “HEPA-like” air filters. These are not the same!
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At the end of the day what matters most when it comes to air filters is that you have them and that you keep them maintained. If your air filters are disposable make sure you replaced them regularly. If they can be cleaned make sure that you clean them regularly. When you pair your clean air filters with our duct cleaning and duct sealing services your air conditioning system will be able to function properly. Contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning for all your HVAC needs.