Air filters are devices used to remove airborne particles and pollutants that are hazardous to health and the environment. These devices use a filter medium, which captures those particles on their upstream side. Pleated air filters have pleats or folds, which increase their surface area. This is because the largest allergen particles are deposited on carpets, surfaces and bedding instead of circulating in the air.
Evidence suggests that combining medium to high efficiency air filters with a portable air purifier used in the bedroom, along with a regular cleaning routine, are the best ways to manage asthma and allergy symptoms. People living with allergies or other respiratory problems may benefit most from HEPA filters. A contractor needs to adjust these filters to fit your specific HVAC system. As the name suggests, UV filters use short-wave ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
When air passes through the HVAC unit, UV lamps disinfect it with germicidal radiation. UV filters are excellent for killing microorganisms that could be hazardous to health, including mold spores. However, a potential danger of UV filters is that they can transform oxygen into ozone, which can be hazardous to health. Even low amounts of ozone can cause coughing and chest pain, while higher amounts can worsen existing respiratory diseases such as asthma.
While UV filters are great at removing bacteria and viruses, they aren't as efficient when it comes to protecting against contaminants such as dust. That's why they're often part of a larger filtration mechanism, including HEPA air filters. Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye and bulbs usually need to be changed every year, depending on the make and model of the HVAC system. Using small cotton and paper fibers, electrostatic filters create static electricity that acts as a magnet for dust and other particles in the air. The magnetism is strong enough to prevent these particles from spreading throughout the house, making them one of the best options for those who need a filter that can combat allergens.
An additional advantage for electrostatic filters is that they are available both disposable and reusable. When it's time to change the filters, you can decide whether to wash and reuse them or throw them away and buy new ones. While certain types of air filters come with reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an eco-friendly way to save money. The starting price of this type of air filter for HVAC systems is high, but it should be considered as an investment that will last for many years. The starting price is likely all you'll have to pay, as you can simply wash and reuse the filter over and over again instead of buying a new one every few months.
Washable filters need to be maintained well to ensure they work as they should. As one of the main types of air filters, they come with maintenance instructions that must be followed. It is very important to ensure that the filter is completely dry before reattaching it. Even the slightest amount of moisture that remains can cause mold and mildew to form on the filter and expel them into the air you breathe. When it comes to air filters for HVAC systems, media filters can provide more benefits than standard filters with high MERV ratings. Media filters provide the same level of filtration as a high MERV filter, but do so without the negative consequences of airflow or static pressure.
In contrast, media filters have a larger surface area, which successfully avoids significant static pressure and provides better filtration. Media filters are very easy to maintain and ideal for filtering bacteria and other small airborne contaminants. Filtered dirt seals in the filter, preventing it from being ejected back into your home. Media filters are also robust and cost-effective, so they need to be changed as infrequently as once or twice a year. In general, filters will be 1 inch thick for common systems and 5 inches thick for larger HVAC systems.
The total filter size can range from a combination of height and length of 10 inches by 10 inches to 30 inches by 30 inches. Located inside a cold air collector box near the front of the engine compartment, the engine air filter is a rectangular pleated filter. It traps particles such as dirt, insects and other debris in the air before they flow into the engine - in other words, it only allows clean air to enter the engine. Filters with more pleats will provide better filtration than those with fewer folds, trapping even the toughest allergens and contaminants such as pet dander and mold spores. These filters aren't known for improving air quality as they can't put much effort into it and can only trap some of the dust and allergens. Some people need HVAC system filters that keep the air free of allergens and other contaminants while others just need a basic filter to get the job done. Dirty or damaged air filters reduce airflow to the engine which changes the car's air-fuel balance.
Understanding the different types of air filters for homes is the first step to getting the best indoor air quality you deserve. Some HVAC systems aren't strong enough to push air through more restrictive filters that block smaller particles - those with a higher MERV or CADR rating - which can reduce airflow and cause your home to heat and cool less efficiently. A clean air filter is designed to capture dirt and debris from outside air before they reach the combustion chamber - reducing your chances of receiving a large repair bill. For this reason these filters are not recommended for people who have respiratory problems and need a filter that improves indoor air quality. A particle as small as a...
