When looking for the best air filter for your home, you'll need to choose between different AC filter materials. The best AC filter material will depend on your needs and priorities. Read on to learn more about the materials available.
Fiberglass Filters
These consist of fibers or strands of fiberglass spread out over a cardboard or metal frame. The fiberglass forms the barrier for capturing harmful particles. These filters are made for single use. With regard to MERV ratings, these filters are on the lower end. Nevertheless, they are popular because of their low cost.
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated filters are similar to fiberglass air filters. However, they typically use polyester cloth to do the filtration. They're also more capable of preventing dust from flowing into a room. This AC filter material is in a shape that resembles an accordion, giving pleated filters a larger surface area for filtration than flat filters. The surface area also offers less resistance to airflow and makes the filters last longer.
Reusable Cloth-Based Filters
You can use washable cloth-based filters for some time, wash them, and then reuse them. They're relatively cheap and are best suited for low-intensity use. Because their MERV rating is usually low, you should avoid using them in a high-pollutant environment.
It's recommended that you wash these filters every two weeks. Be sure to let them dry thoroughly before reusing them to prevent mold growth.
HEPA Filters
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters have glass fibers twisted and turned to form a microscopic fibrous maze. Due to their unique design, the fibers capture particles in a variety of ways, including via:
Direct impaction
Interception
Sieving
Diffusion
HEPA filters have a high MERV rating. Because of their high costs and installation requirements, they're usually only suitable for homes with people who have specific needs, which may be due to allergies, asthma, and other illnesses.
Cleanliness is crucial to the proper functioning of air filters, so ensure that you clean or replace yours regularly. For more information on AC filter material, contact Air Assurance. We've served the home-comfort needs of Broken Arrowhomeowners since 1985.