An Overview of the Various Types of HVAC Filters

February 25, 2021 11:22 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Your Bridgeport, CT home’s HVAC filters are tasked with keeping dust and debris out of your ventilation system, and thus out of the air that you and your family breathe in every day. Once the particles are trapped in the filter, they won’t be able to circulate into the home.

The quality and efficiency of filters is measured by MERV rating. The higher the rating, the more effective they are at trapping debris. There are multiple different types of HVAC filters on the market, each of which will have their own MERV ratings and other properties to consider.

Let’s take a quick look at the different types of air filters you can use in your home:

  • Fiberglass filters: These are the cheapest type of filter on the market, and they are disposable. They do not place as much strain on HVAC systems as other types of filters while they’re taking in air and filtering out particles. However, they’re also not as effective at getting dust and certain smaller contaminants out of the system. If you or family members have any respiratory issues, you’ll probably want a more effective type of filter, because fiberglass filters might not do enough to prevent worsening issues with your respiratory health. These filters generally have a MERV rating of around 4.
  • Pleated air filters: Pleated air filters in Bridgeport, CT feature polyester or cotton folds. They will cost a bit more than fiberglass filters, and are correspondingly more effective at removing smaller particles like mold spores, pollen, pet dander and smaller dust particles. This means they’re better filters overall, and will do more to prevent dust from recirculating into the air, which makes them a more sensible option for people with respiratory problems. MERV ratings for pleated air filters will usually fall between 5 and 8.
  • HEPA filters: HEPA filters are extremely efficient and effective. HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air,” and they are by far the most effective option, getting rid of 99.97 percent of dust, pet dander, viruses, bacteria, mold, pollen and anything else that might be contaminating your home’s air. While they will cost significantly more than the aforementioned filters on the list, that’s because they do such an excellent job. Search for HEPA filters with an MERV rating of 11 or greater, with an understanding that higher MERVs can make it a bit more difficult for the HVAC system to pull in air—just make sure you’ve selected one that works well with your specific type of system.
  • UV filters: Ultraviolet filters are great for killing viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms, but are ineffective at removing dust or various other contaminants. They’re often used to supplement other types of filters to provide the best overall filtration results.

Interested in learning more about the various types of air filters in Bridgeport, CT you can implement into your home’s HVAC system? Contact BLM Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning for more information about the specific types of filters we would recommend for your system.

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