Common Types of Air Filters

Fiberglass Filters

​Fiberglass air filters are disposable and the least expensive type of filter. They do cause less strain on HVAC systems when drawing in air and keep large particles out of your system. However, they do not do such a great job of keeping out dust and other smaller contaminant particles. If you or members of your family suffer from allergies or have respiratory problems, this type of filter may not be powerful enough to help relieve or prevent respiratory problems. It will typically have a MERV 4 rating.

Pleated and Polyester Filters

​These filters offer a little more space within the pleats for filtering out dust and debris. It’s a popular design for disposable air filters and a variety of styles are available to choose from. For instance, there is a carbon-infused air filter that removes odors and a microbial-infused style that helps remove allergens. The MERV rating for these furnace filters is between 6-12.

Washable Filters

​Washable filters are a reusable type of air filter that can be washed and reused. It is advisable to have 2 air filters when going with this style so the second filter can be installed while the recently cleaned filter has ample time to dry. It is imperative to let the filter completely dry before re-installation to prevent mold from manifesting. Similar to fiberglass filters, the MERV rating for these air filters is between 1 and 4.

Media Air Cleaners

​These heavy-duty filters are generally 4-6 inches wide and a professional must install them directly into the duct-work. The average cost ranges from $400-600 for this addition to your HVAC system. Before making the decision to incorporate this type of air filter, be sure to meet with a certified technician as airflow can potentially be reduced in the HVAC unit due to the filter. These air filters have a high MERV rating and can reduce energy efficiency, which could increase your utility bill.

Electronic Air Cleaners

​This type of air filter works by putting an electrical charge on air particles that pass through and are trapped by a reversely charged collector. The benefit is that these air filters do not need to be changed, but you do need to clean them every 2-3 months. These filters trap very small particles and are commonly used in hospitals or other healthcare-related buildings.

Electronic air filters are ideal for households that require pristine air quality or for people who have sensitivities to air particles.

Plastic mesh filters 

​are commonly installed at the return air of most indoor unit of room or window air conditioner. They trapped bigger particles of dust and should be cleaned every two weeks and more frequent if the space being conditioned is polluted.

Electrostatic air filters

​are commonly placed in the return air of the air conditioner unit where the air is subjected to high voltage up to 12kV between two plates. The ionized particles are then drawn to the grounded plates. The electronic circuit used to generate the voltage is usually embedded on the control printed circuit board or a separate module.

Carbon and Adhesive filters

​are other types used. Carbon type is made of activated carbon that is effective in removing odor causing gases and bacteria. Adhesive type is made of cotton and fiber glass material coated with adhesive oil or liquid which trapped the particles.

HEPA Filters

​If you or your family have allergies or other respiratory problems, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended. While they are more expensive than fiberglass or pleated air filters, they are the most effective at screening up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, viruses, bacteria, and other irritants out of the air. Look for filters that are rated MERV 11 or higher. However, please be aware that the higher the MERV, the more difficult it is for your HVAC system to pull in air. You should check with us to see what MERV is best for your system.

UV Filters

​UV filters are used in air cleaners that may be built into your HVAC system. Using ultraviolet light, these filters kill viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms in the air that passes through them. However, they are not so efficient at removing dust and other contaminants, but they are great if you have concerns over indoor air quality that an air cleaner can address.