Are Air Filters Really Different? A Comprehensive Guide

Air filters are an essential part of any home's HVAC system. Learn about different types of filters available on the market today and how they can help improve indoor air quality.

Are Air Filters Really Different? A Comprehensive Guide

Air filters are an essential part of any home's HVAC system, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Not only do they help to remove dust allergens, mold spores, and other pollutants from the air your family breathes, but they also filter out fine dirt particles that can degrade the performance of the HVAC system itself. But are all air filters really the same?When most people talk about electronic air filters, they usually mean an air purifier or an electrostatic air filter. An air purifier is a separate unit that removes small particles from your home.

It can be connected to the HVAC unit, but it is not the same as a filter that goes inside the central HVAC unit near the turn. Air purifiers are an excellent option for exceptional air quality, in addition to an air filter. An electrostatic air filter is a washable air filter that uses static electricity to capture particles. The value of an electrostatic filter is that it captures smaller particles than a standard washable filter and is completely reusable.

But what about regular air filters? The answer is yes, HVAC air filters do differ in quality and dimensions, and some have features that others don't. In most cases, we recommend using the filter that your HVAC manufacturer recommends matching with your system. While certain types of air filters come with reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an eco-friendly way to save money. Air filters are an important factor in keeping your home clean and keeping the air you breathe healthy. FilterBuy offers more expensive air filters for one reason: they are worth it because of their quality and convenience.

Placing more folds (sometimes called pleats) on air filters increases their surface area, and more surface area means more space to trap particles in the air. The right HVAC filters can make the difference between clogged air full of contaminants and clean air that is healthy and easy to breathe. Evidence indicates that combining medium to high efficiency air filters with a portable air purifier used in the bedroom, along with a regular cleaning routine, are the best ways to manage asthma and allergy symptoms. Understanding the different types of home air filters is the first step to getting the best indoor air quality you deserve. The best way to find out what size filter you need is to remove the existing filter from your HVAC system and check its dimensions on the filter frame.

Scheduling a maintenance visit from a professional HVAC company can ensure that all of your home's filters only help your HVAC systems operate efficiently and don't detract from your home's indoor air quality. The downside to these filters is that they require your HVAC system to work a little harder to draw air through the unit, which can cause your HVAC system to lose efficiency sooner than expected. When shopping for air filters online, look for places that allow you to customize your quantity to get exactly what you need. The cheapest filters are made of spun fiberglass, which does very little to filter the air compared to materials such as paper, cotton or polyester. In a car, the air filter prevents dirt, debris and impurities from entering the engine and dust, pollen, dirt and other contaminants from entering the ventilation and heat grilles. Not only can home air filtration be a matter of life and death for those suffering from a multitude of respiratory conditions, but even those who consider themselves normal and healthy can benefit from cleaner, dust-free and allergen-free air.