Discussing various types of air filters
Most people seem to be content with using regular air filters for their HVAC system.
While it is true that in most cases regular air filters will do the job just fine, under certain circumstances you might consider using more advanced filters.
But what exactly do these more advanced filters do? Well, it depends on what kind of air filter we’re talking about. First, the standard air filter blocks larger particles like dust, dirt, and hair. Filters made of spun fiberglass are the absolute cheapest, but they are also the least efficient. Other basic filters are made of cardboard and paper, which provide a bit more efficiency, but not much. Both of these types of filters are meant to be disposable, and there’s no real point in attempting to clean them; you just replace them. HEPA filters are far more effective at trapping both larger and finer particles. HEPA filters boast the ability to block 99.97% of contaminants in the air. HEPA filters are disposable as well, but they do not need to be replaced nearly as often as the other kinds of cheaper air filters. Surprisingly, HEPA air filters only need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months compared to cheaper air filters that may need to be replaced as often as once every two months, but more often, once every 90 days. Finally, you have reusable air filters, which are far more efficient and permanent. These air filters are also known as washable air filters, or electrostatic filters. True to their name, electrostatic air filters use static electricity to attract foreign particles. Though they are far more efficient and permanent, you should clean them once every thirty days.