What You Need to Know About Air Filters

Simply put, clean air filters mean clean air running through the HVAC system and equates to a highly efficient operation of your system. With all its eccentricities, the HVAC system can seem complex at times, but the simplest way to improve the air quality in your home or business is to change the air filters regularly. If you have ever been to the hardware store searching for filters, you realize that there are many choices and brands. So, what is the real difference between them? Some are HEPA filters that claim to keep out even the smallest of dust particles and pet dander. Is this overkill? Read on to learn more about these differences and some of the tradeoffs you’ll face when you choose one filter over another.

Types of Air Filters

While several types of filters are available for your home or business, the two main types of air filters are mechanical and electrostatic. Mechanical filters trap larger dust and debris particles in a woven cloth-like material or fiberglass. Electrostatic, as the name suggests, uses a minute amount of electricity to create a static field around it to which even the smallest particles adhere. Other types of filters available include HEPA filters, UV light filters, washable filters, pleated filters, and spun glass filters.

Each type of filter carries its plusses and minuses. While some homes may have to consider specific allergens and require a HEPA filtration system, others function just fine with the most basic filter. Some considerations to keep in mind when deciding what type of filter to purchase are whether pets are in the home and whether contaminants like mold and mildew are present.

MERV Rating

The MERV rating is based on a scale of 1-20 and uses industry standards that factor in the quality and efficacy of the various filters. As you might imagine, the higher the rating, the higher the efficiency of the filter, and the higher the price.

Cleaner Air Means Cheaper Electric Bills

Who would’ve imagined having cleaner air in the house equals a lower energy bill? In a report by the Department of Energy, dirty, clogged filters can add 5-15% to your energy bill.

Contact Your Jacksonville HVAC and Air Filter Experts

If you have questions about the many air filters available and what you need, contact the pros at Ideal Conditions in Jacksonville. Our experts are standing by to answer questions about filters, your HVAC, or your furnace system. Call Ideal Conditions at (904) 379-8762 or use the online contact form to request more information