Your furnace or HVAC filter needs to be changed every 30 to 90 days depending on the type that you buy. Determining which one is best for you depends on many factors, including whether anyone in your family suffers from allergies or other respiratory issues, how long you want the filter to last, and how much you want to spend on it. Service 1st Pros list four common filter types below to help you decide.
1. Fiberglass
Fiberglass filters are made of spun fiberglass and they are the least expensive of all the filters on this list. This means that they don’t do as good a job of filtering the air as the other filters on the list do. Being inexpensive is one of their advantages. Other advantages include the fact that they are disposable and they offer your HVAC easy airflow so it doesn’t have to work too hard to circulate the air. Strained airflow can overheat your unit.
2. Pleated
Pleated HVAC filters are the most common on the market and they use their pleats to help aid in filtering the air. These filters do a better job of cleaning the air of dirt, dust, and pollens. In fact, you can buy pleated filters designed specifically for those who suffer from allergies. The advantages of pleated filters are that they clean the air better than fiberglass, can last up to 90 days, and are disposable once they get too dirty.
3. Electrostatic
A disposable electrostatic filter is pleated; the washable version of this filter is made of plastic. These filters work by using an electric static charge to draw in dust, dirt, and allergens. Having a choice between washable or disposable is one advantage of electrostatic filters. The other advantage is that they trap dirt, debris, pollen, and other grime deeply inside the filter so there’s less chance of it escaping back into the air.
4. Carbon
Carbon filters not only trap dust and pollens, but they are also very effective at trapping gases. Made from charcoal, these filters act like a sponge, absorbing everything that is in the air. Being able to trap more pollutants is a huge advantage to carbon filters. Some disadvantages include that it’s difficult to tell when they are dirty, and they aren’t very good at removing bacteria or small dust particles, which can also be irritating.
Service 1st Pros in Auburn, GA, would be happy to discuss furnace filters with you and help you decide which one is best for your home. Give us a call today.