Air filters are essential components of any HVAC system, as they help to keep the air clean and free from contaminants. There are several different types of air filters available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll explore the main types of air filters and explain which one might be best for your home. The most common type of air filter is the fiberglass filter. Also known as flat panel filters, these filters consist of glass strands spun together and reinforced by a metal grid.
This disposable air filter is usually the most economical and least efficient type of filter. The layered fiberglass fibers are placed on top of each other to form the filter medium and are usually reinforced with a metal grid that supports the glass fiber to prevent failure and collapse. Fiberglass filters cause less strain on HVAC systems when they draw in air and keep large particles out of your system. However, they don't do a great job of keeping out dust and other smaller contaminating particles.
If you or your family members suffer from allergies or have respiratory problems, this type of filter may not be powerful enough to help alleviate or prevent respiratory problems. A more efficient type of air filter is the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. According to MIL-STD-282, to be considered a true HEPA filter, the filter must capture at least 99.97% of the particles in the air with a diameter of 0.3 microns. HEPA filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters, but they provide superior filtration and can help reduce allergens in the home. Upgrading to a higher MERV filter can provide better protection for your heating and cooling system, as well as better control of pollutants to improve indoor air quality. Another type of air filter is the carbon filter.
Carbon, in addition to being very beautiful when compressed into a diamond shape or useful in pencils, is an excellent filtration material. This is due to the porous nature of granular carbon. By having a large surface area with many pores, a grain or carbon can absorb contaminants directly from the air during the filtration process, making it ideal for smoke and gases that HEPA filters cannot trap, since they are sized at the molecular level. Carbon can also be treated with various reactive chemicals that will make this type of filtration even more efficient. Finally, there are ionizers.
Typically used in conjunction with one or more types of filtration, ionizers are devices that electrically charge molecules in the air to form ions. This causes particles in the air to adhere to a grounded electrode and also kills bacteria and viruses. Some people think that ionizers inherently produce large amounts of ozone. Some, such as those used in several Blueair models, do not cause a net increase in ozone in the air being filtered. When choosing an air filter for your home, it's important to consider your needs and budget.
Fiberglass filters are usually disposable, meaning you'll need to replace the filter about once a month while the system is in use. They provide low air filtration and are less resistant to airflow but are generally more affordable than other types of filters. HEPA filters provide superior filtration but are more expensive than fiberglass filters. Carbon filters are ideal for smoke and gases that HEPA filters cannot trap but may require additional reactive chemicals for maximum efficiency.
Ionizers can effectively filter dust and other contaminants in the air but may produce ozone if not used properly. A-1 Mechanical introduces you to the different types of air filters and explains which one might be best for your home. In industrial installations, air filters preserve the quality of products and materials and protect critical equipment from damage. Using ultraviolet light, these filters kill viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms in the air that passes through them. The filters are mainly composed of fiberglass mats, which trap particles as an air stream flows.
Those with more folds provide better filtration and help prevent dust and other particles from being recirculated in the air. Air filters are devices used to remove airborne particles, contaminants and microorganisms that are dangerous to health and the ecosystem. They consist of a single piece of synthetic fiber or mesh with tiny or microscopic perforations; this is contained and transported in a frame and installed in the air cleaner equipment. If you're someone who's completely new to the world of using air purifiers to naturally improve your health and remove impurities from the air, it can be a little overwhelming to discover the differences between different types of filters and purifiers. Aluminum air filters have high strength and durability and can be washed or cleaned and reused several times.
