What's the Best Type of HVAC Filter for Your Home?

---

It’ll soon be that time of year when your furnace is working overtime to keep your home warm. With the heating season approaching, this also means it’s time to replace your furnace filter. With all the different types of furnace filters out there, which one should you choose? A Perfect Climate Heating & Cooling provides a breakdown of the different types of furnace filters and their advantages.

Types of Furnace Filters

Furnace filters come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. There are many different types of furnace filters you can purchase for use with your home’s HVAC system. Your options include:

Synthetic or Fiberglass Filters

If you’re looking for an affordable, disposable option for your furnace filter, fiberglass or synthetic filters are a good choice. They’re designed to catch larger particles that could otherwise damage your furnace components, and they allow for maximum airflow while still preventing dust and dirt buildup. However, these filters usually have a lower MERV rating than other types of furnace filters and they don’t do a great job of filtering out harmful contaminants and smaller particles. Also, these filters don’t have a very long service life compared to some other options and need to be replaced every 30 to 60 days on average.

Polyester Filters

Polyester filters are available in a range of sizes and can trap between 80% and 95% of large particles floating in your air, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Polyester filters also have a higher MERV rating than fiberglass and synthetic types of furnace filters, meaning they’re more effective at capturing pollutants that could cause health problems. The downside is that polyester filters are more expensive than fiberglass or synthetic filters. However, the extra cost is worth it if you want increased protection against indoor pollutants.

Pleated Filters

Pleated filters are one of the most popular types due to their efficiency and long lifespan. As the name suggests, pleated filters have a series of pleats that allow for a greater surface area. This means that more particles and impurities can be captured compared to synthetic or fiberglass filters, making for a cleaner and healthier home. As such, their MERV ratings tend to be higher, with options available from MERV 6 to MERV 13. In addition, pleated filters are relatively easy to maintain and need to be replaced every one to six months. Whether you’re looking for increased efficiency or simply want a furnace filter that will last longer, a pleated filter is a great option.

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters are a type of air filter that uses self-charging fibers to attract and collect particles out of the air. They are available in both disposable and washable versions, depending on the requirements of your furnace. Washable electrostatic filters usually have a MERV rating between 4 and 10 and can last for several months or even years before needing to be replaced. Maintenance on a washable filter is fairly simple: just wash it with soap and water, let it dry completely, and then reinstall it. It’s important to make sure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it, because if you don’t, you could end up with mildew or mold growth.

HEPA Filters

High-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters are the superior types of furnace filters for trapping pollutants and delivering high indoor air quality. However, they can drastically reduce your system’s airflow, costing more money in energy usage. They are not appropriate for use in all home HVAC systems, but some units are capable of handling these types of furnace filters. These filters are very long-lasting, typically requiring replacement every nine to twelve months.

Find the Best Furnace Filter for Your System

The information above should help you understand the different types of furnace filters and their advantages. If you have any questions or need help finding the right filter for your HVAC system, please contact us. Our team of heating professionals is ready to provide the guidance you need.

---