You know your HVAC system needs an air filter, but do you know which filter is best for energy efficiency and indoor air quality? Here are the differences between the three main types of filters for your home.
HEPA Filters
Most people have heard reference to HEPA filters, but what’s so special about them? HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is a type of filter with high particle trapping capacity and ratings. These filters can grab airborne particles smaller than the human eye can see. Because their ratings indicate 99.9% effectiveness, they’re ideal for use in homes to help reduce pollutants like bacteria, mold, dust, dust mites, pollen, and more.
Fiberglass Filters
Fiberglass filters are the least expensive but also the least effective. They have a broad weave that allows for more particles to slip through into your HVAC system and then into the rooms in your home. If no one in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this filter would be an acceptable choice.
Pleated Filters
Pleated filters are the most common type of filters used in most homes. Made of polyester or cotton, pleated filters trap more particles than fiberglass, but not as many as HEPA. As a result, they can trap pollen, dander, dust, and mold, but aren’t as effective at catching particles as small as bacteria.
If you’re unsure about the right air conditioner filter for your home, you’ve come to the right place. Contact the H.H. Hovey Heating and Cooling team for all the information you need to select the best filter for your HVAC system.
