Air circulation is an important family health consideration. But what kind of air is moving through your house this summer? Can we protect our home’s air quality from allergens, smoke, pet dander and even viruses? What are the air-borne health risks? Whenever we install or maintain a heating and cooling system, we consider your needs and the performance differences in HVAC air filters.
The experts at A1 Kelowna Heating and Air Conditioning know all about home air filters and we have this advice:
HVAC Air Filter Types
Filters that slide in or are integrated with a residential furnace come in three common types:
- HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air)
- Reusable
- Fiberglass
Filter Type Advantages
HEPA filters offer top-of-the-line particle blockage. They eliminate up to 99.7% of airborne contaminants over 0.3 microns in size. They are your safety gold standard for air quality. They are typically installed as part of a whole-home air filtration system installed in your ductwork.
The next choice is a reusable, pleated filter that can be removed, washed, and reinstalled. Every filter has a MERV rating that describes its effectiveness. They have pleats to increase their surface area, catching more impurities. They typically slide into a slot right at the front of your furnace and should be replaced every 3 months. The more resistance (or higher MERV), the harder your furnace blower works to move air through the filter. And the more often they should be replaced! But the benefits for cleaner air are significant.
Fiberglass filters are disposable. They are constructed of fiberglass matting held in place with a metal grate. Fiberglass filters are the most affordable option on the market but aren’t that common.
HVAC Filter Disadvantages
Here’s a quick look at some of filter disadvantages:
- Residential HVAC equipment isn’t always compatible with HEPA filters, and may require an upgrade
- Filters that are washed and reused are prone to mold and mildew through improper washing techniques
- Fiberglass filters are very common but often have low MERV ratings
Filter Replacement During Annual Maintenance
Our trained HVAC techs at A1 Kelowna Heating and Air Conditioning know exactly which filter will promote the best possible air quality in your home. Call us today for a recommendation. Improving your family’s health can be as cheap and easy as having a clean, new filter installed on our next visit.