An HVAC filter protects heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems from dust and airborne particles, improving efficiency and longevity. HVAC filters also improve indoor air quality by capturing pollutants. Different types of filters include spun fiberglass, disposable pleated, electrostatic, and HEPA filters. HEPA filters are the most efficient and expensive, capturing 99.7% of airborne particles and improving indoor air quality for those with allergies and asthma.
An HVAC filter is a filter used in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The filter increases the efficiency and longevity of the HVAC system by protecting it from dust and airborne particles. It is therefore an integral, but often overlooked, part of the system. In addition to protecting your HVAC system from damage, some HVAC filters are designed to improve indoor air quality.
Whether providing air conditioning or heating, an HVAC system works by drawing in air, heating or cooling the air, and then expelling the air to areas that need heating or cooling through a series of ducts. A building’s indoor air is a mixture of human skin particles, microscopic insect excrement, pet dander, pollen, tissue particles, and any of a wide variety of pollutants. As air circulates through the HVAC system, these internal pollutants are drawn through the system and can cause damage to an HVAC if the system is not protected.
HVAC filters work by providing a physical barrier between the air intake and the moving parts of the HVAC system. When the air is drawn in, the particulate matter is captured by the filter and is prevented from entering while the air is allowed to pass. Some HVAC systems have a filter at the air inlet and also at the air outlet, further preventing any pollutants from being blown back into the indoor environment.
The cheapest HVAC filters are made from spun fiberglass. Spun glass filters are only capable of filtering larger particles and should be changed at least once a month. Disposable pleated HVAC filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters, but are also more effective at removing air particles due to the greater surface area created by the pleats. Pleated filters do not need to be replaced as often as spun glass filters.
Electrostatic filters are more effective at capturing small and large particles than disposable or pleated fiberglass filters. As air passes through, a static charge is created which attracts and retains smaller and larger particles. Electrostatic filters are typically reusable and need to be washed regularly to remain effective. They are also more expensive than disposable filters.
A High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filter captures a minimum of 99.7% of all airborne particles and removes nearly all allergens that can enter an HVAC system. HEPA filters are often used by those suffering from asthma and severe allergy problems as these filters actually improve indoor air quality. HEPA filters are one of the most efficient and expensive filters on the market and are often reusable.
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