Air filters keep your furnace free of debris, dust, and other airborne particles. However, after some time, the dust accumulation reduces their efficiency, which is why it’s crucial to change air filters regularly. According to Zebra, only 18% of Americans change their air filters monthly, while 29% never change their filters. Knowing different types of filters is the first step toward learning how to replace a furnace air filter. Discover the top five furnace air filters most people use for their furnaces.
1: Pleated Filters
Pleated filters are known for their unique folded design that looks like folds. The pleats create a larger surface area for capturing pollutants and particles than a flat filter. Pleated filters come in various materials, from paper, polyester, and synthetic materials.
Homeowners opt for these filters because of their efficiency in particle capture. The pleated design also helps the filters balance filtering and maintain proper airflow inside the HVAC system. Compared to flat filters, pleated ones have a longer lifespan because of their large surface area. Thanks to their versatility, pleated filters are used in commercial and industrial setups.
2: HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for ‘High-Efficiency Particulate Air.’ According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HEPA filters can filter 99.97% of dust, pollen, and pollutants of diminutive particles – about 150 times smaller than the diameter of a strand of human air. Manufacturers make a mat of randomly arranged fibers made of fiberglass. The arrangement makes the filter highly efficient in capturing tiny particles.
Thanks to their near perfection in trapping efficiency, HEPA filters are suitable for home use, even in homes with pets and people who are allergic. HEPA is a government rating system, meaning filters undergo rigorous standards before classification. You need to check with a technician to see if your HVAC system is compatible.
3: Electrostatic Filters
Electrostatic filters use a tiny invisible force called the electrostatic charge that attracts small particles and makes them stick to the filter surface. It’s like how a magnet attracts metal, but in this case, it is small particles in the air. Some filters are washable, while others you use and throw away. It can also be charged all the time (permanent filters), or it gets charged when you use it.
Either way, both filters attract dust and pollutants to their surface. Most electrostatic filters are compatible with HVAC systems, including the furnace. They are also cost-saving because they are washable.
4: Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters use small carbon particles that are great at capturing odors, gasses, and other chemical pollutants. Activated carbon is a type of carbon with tiny holes like a sponge, which gives the filter a large surface area. The filter comes as a mesh or tiny granules with a dark appearance. Carbon filters are known for their odor-removing properties, which explains why you can find them in the fridge and why smell can be an issue everywhere. You can use it in your home to filter chemical pollutants, for instance, after painting.
5: Fiberglass Air Filters
Fiberglass air filters are common and cost-effective filters made from tiny glass fibers. The fibers are woven together into a fabric that makes the filter mesh. Fiberglass filters are typically flat, thin, and white. These lightweight filters are preferable to many homeowners because of their affordability and minimal maintenance. Their basic design also means low airflow resistance and less strain on energy consumption. Fiberglass filters are the right choice if you are only looking for affordable basic infiltration.
Takeaway
There are many other different types of air filters that you could put in your furnace, depending on your needs. A good tip is to consult with technicians who regularly change air filters to advise on which one to use. Gilmore Air offers holistic services for heating appliances, from regular maintenance to more elaborate repairs.
Contact Gilmore Air today and get help in replacing your furnace filters.
