Here are the different types of filters available for residential HVAC systems, fiberglass air filters. Fiberglass air filters are disposable and are the most economical type of filter. Pleated air filters are made of cotton or polyester pleats. An air cleaner is a device for filtering particles from the air.
As with any filter, air conditioning filters consist of a porous structure through which large and coarsely sized harmful particles cannot pass. In an air conditioner, these filters do not allow hazardous contaminants and allergens to enter the indoor environment. For this reason, they have a marked effect on your health and well-being. Yes, the central air conditioner has a filter.
In fact, most central air conditioning units have two or more filters. These filters clean the air and ensure good air quality as the unit circulates between indoor and outdoor air. A central air conditioner filter is generally made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper or cloth, encased in a rectangular cardboard frame. Fiberglass filters, the cheapest, are about an inch thick and are common in older systems.
Newer central air conditioner models use thicker pleated filters. Air from the HVAC system passes through the air cleaner. The filter's function is to trap particles and contaminants such as dust, mold, pet dander and fungal spores. The mesh that is the main namesake of the filter through which air passes becomes denser, thus trapping these materials and not hindering the flow of air.
If you don't change the air filter as often as it should, air can't pass as easily, and more and more details have the possibility of passing through the mesh, damaging indoor air quality. Not all filters are built equal, so choosing the right filter depends on what you need to purify from the air. In addition, these filters can last longer than flat filters because they can hold a larger amount of dust and particles before they need to be changed. Typically, you should change the cheapest fiberglass filters every 30 days and the higher quality pleated filters every 60 to 90 days.
Depending on the type of filter you have, six months is the longest you should go without replacing or cleaning the filter. Media filters are very easy to maintain and ideal for filtering bacteria and other small airborne contaminants. For this reason, these filters are not recommended for people who have respiratory problems and need a filter that improves indoor air quality. We measure how well an air filter removes dust, pollen and smoke from the air, and we see how freely air flows through the filter at any fan speed.
The pleats of these filters give them an advantage over creaseless options because they increase the filter surface area for better filtering. 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. In most cases, a standard filter cannot be replaced with a true HEPA filter because the ductwork is not designed for it. In general, high-efficiency filters that are also cost-effective are best for homes, but other considerations should include whether there are pets in the house, if mold is a threat, and how often filters should be changed.
If you live in a rural environment with clean air and no pets, a HEPA filter may not be what you need, since a standard filter can do the job.
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