Confused About Air Filter Choices? Review Your Options

Confused About Air Filter Choices? Review Your OptionsAir filter choices for your forced-air cooling and heating systems can get confusing. With so many filters on the market, how do you decide? First, we’ll look at all the air filter choices. Second, you decide which one best fits your needs.

Air Filter Choices

While there are many different types of air filters, they all fall into several major categories. These categories are:

  • Flat-panel fiberglass
  • Pleated
  • Electrostatic

Each of these air filters has its own unique benefits.

Fiberglass Air Filters

Flat-panel fiberglass filters are the least expensive on the market. They are made using one layer of spun fiberglass. The one layer allows air to flow freely into your HVAC unit while stopping the largest lint and dust particles from entering and covering equipment parts.

Many people also rely on HVAC air filters to help keep the air in their home clean, but the main purpose is to keep dirt out of the HVAC equipment, whether it’s an A/C, heat pump or furnace. If your equipment becomes dirty, it won’t work efficiently and may eventually break down, requiring repairs or a total replacement.

Along with being inexpensive, fiberglass filters are disposable so you don’t have to worry about the cost of changing your air filter. If you’re looking for something to help keep your indoor air clean, though, move on to more efficient filter choices.

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated filters are disposable but more expensive than fiberglass filters. These filters are considered “medium-grade.” Instead of one flat layer of fiberglass, they are made of pleated synthetic or cloth like material that has more surface area and captures more dirt and particles than the fiberglass filters. Most homeowners find that these filters fit their needs both for air cleaning and system upkeep, while also maintaining airflow through the equipment. These filters are available in different sizes and widths with varying efficiencies

Electrostatic Air Filters

These filters are msde from material that creates its own static charge, they attract more dirt, debris and particulates. The charged fibers collect both small and large particles, including various allergens, dust and pollen.

These filter are not recommended due to reducing air flow  and creating high static issues that lead to equipment performance issues and eventually, major failures. If you have one of these filters, call Overland Park Heating and Cooling to discuss many options of achieving high efficieny filtration without compromising your heating and cooling equipment.

Air Filter Choices Made Easy

Look at the choices of air filters and decide which best suits your family’s needs and is best for your Kansas City area home. For more information, please contact us at Overland Park Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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