The air filter inside your HVAC system is designed to catch harmful particles that can lower your indoor air quality. When it comes to choosing filters for your home, keep in mind that you’ll find more than a few types of air filters available. Knowing more about these filters can help you find the right type for your northeast Indiana home.
Air Filter Ratings
How can you tell how effective air filters are? The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating on these filters lets you know how well they perform at trapping allergens and other particles that can affect your home’s air quality. MERV ratings can be as low as one or as high as 16, with higher numbers meaning greater effectiveness at catching both large and small particles.
4 Types of Air Filters
Fiberglass HVAC Filters
Fiberglass air filters come with a MERV rating that usually ranges between one and four. While these inexpensive filters are able to trap large particles, they’re not as good at trapping pollen and other smaller particles.
Pleated HVAC Filters
Pleated filters have MERV ratings that generally range from six to eight. These cotton or polyester filters are available with different numbers of pleats. The more pleats or folds they have, the better they are at maintaining good airflow. This helps prevent wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Disposable Electrostatic HVAC Filters
Disposable electrostatic filters typically have a MERV rating of at least ten. These polyester filters can trap smaller particles along with bigger ones, making them better if you have allergies. Keep in mind that reduced airflow with these filters can cause your HVAC system to run less efficiently.
Washable Electrostatic HVAC Filters
Washable electrostatic filters have a MERV rating of at least ten. You can reuse these filters multiple times as long as you wash them regularly. They can develop mold if they’re not fully dry when you put them back into your HVAC system.
If you need more information on types of air filters for your northeast Indiana home, contact Hartman Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning.