Types of HVAC Filters & Their Pros and Cons

Ensuring adequate indoor air quality is imperative for keeping your home safe and healthy. Your HVAC system plays a critical role in this process by filtering out airborne pollutants like dust, allergens, mold spores, and more. However, not all filters are created equal, and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each so you can make the best choice for your household’s unique needs.

In this blog post, the indoor air quality specialists at Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning discuss the different types of air filters available so you can make the most informed decision.

The Importance of a MERV Rating for Your Air Filters

MERV is a rating system that stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It measures how effective air filters are at capturing particles of varying sizes. The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher ratings indicating stronger filtration capabilities.

Choosing the right MERV rating is a balancing act: Higher ratings mean better filtration, but they can also restrict airflow in your system, potentially reducing the efficiency or placing strain on HVAC equipment. A filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is ideal for most households, capturing common allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander without restricting airflow. However, households with specific health concerns like asthma and allergies may want to consider filters with slightly higher ratings.

Pros & Cons of Different Types of HVAC Filters

Many HVAC filters are available, each offering unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s explore each of them in more detail:

HEPA Air Filters

HEPA air filters (high-efficiency particulate air filters) can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They’re considered the gold standard for home air filtration.

Pros:

• Exceptional filtration is ideal for people with severe allergies or respiratory conditions
• Removes microscopic particles like bacteria and mold spores

Cons:

• Can restrict airflow
• May not be compatible with all HVAC systems
• Typically more expensive than other options

UV Filters

UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms as air passes through the system.

Pros:

• Effective at sterilizing pathogens and improving air quality
• Useful in preventing mold and mildew growth in HVAC systems

Cons:

• Doesn’t capture dust or larger particles, so they’re often used in conjunction with traditional filters
• Can be costly to install and maintain

Electrostatic Filters

These filters use an electrostatic charge to attract and trap particles. They’re available in disposable or washable options.

Pros:

• Highly effective at capturing fine particles like smoke and dust
• Washable versions are eco-friendly and reusable

Cons:

• May not filter out larger allergens or as many particles as HEPA filters
• Washable versions require regular cleaning to maintain efficiency

Washable Filters

Washable filters are reusable filters that can be cleaned and reinstalled multiple times.

Pros:

• Cost-effective over time
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Lower filtration efficiency compared to other filter types
• Require consistent maintenance
• May develop mold if not dried properly after washing

Pleated Filters

Featuring layers of folded fabric or paper material, pleated filters provide a larger surface area for filtration.

Pros:

• Good balance of affordability and effectiveness
• Available in various MERV ratings, making them suitable for most households

Cons:

• Higher-quality pleated filters may restrict airflow if not chosen carefully
• Typically disposable, contributing to waste

Spun Glass Filters

These are basic fiberglass filters designed to protect the HVAC system rather than improve air quality.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and widely available
• Prevent large debris from entering the HVAC system

Cons:

• Minimal filtration capabilities
• Not effective at capturing small particles like allergens or pollutants

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning

Choosing the right HVAC filter can significantly improve your indoor air quality, and Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning has the comfort specialists you can trust to help you select the best option for your household’s unique needs.

Offering a wide variety of air filters from the most reputable manufacturers, we can match you to the ideal filtration solution to keep your home protected from harmful airborne contaminants while enhancing HVAC efficiency.

Contact us online today to learn more about our air filter options for your home!