Air filters are devices that trap airborne particles in your home’s HVAC system. They’re essential for improving indoor air quality, reducing allergies and asthma attacks, and extending the life of your HVAC system. Air filters trap microscopic dust, pollen, mold spores, and other irritants that cause allergies and asthma attacks.Air filters come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have the same basic purpose: to clean the air of contaminants before it reaches your lungs. There are many types of air filters available to meet your specific needs and HVAC system. You can choose between different types of air filters based on the type of contaminants you want to trap in your home or office. Depending on your needs and HVAC system type, you can use either a standard filter, a HEPA filter, a UV air purifier, or a combination of these.

What are the different types of air filters?

There are two main types of air filters: mechanical filters and electrostatic filters.A mechanical filter consists of a fabric or paper medium that traps airborne contaminants. The most common type of mechanical filter is a fiberglass mesh filter. A fiberglass mesh filter is made up of tiny fibers that trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other contaminants in the air.A mechanical filter is effective at trapping very small particles in the air. However, it will also trap some larger particles. A mechanical filter will trap most larger contaminants in the air, but it won’t trap them as effectively as an electrostatic filter.An electrostatic filter uses an electrical charge to attract and trap contaminants in the air. It’s very effective at trapping larger and smaller particles in the air.An electrostatic filter is also effective at trapping chemicals, smoke, and odors. It’s an excellent choice for a home with pets and children, as it’s very effective at blocking allergens.

How do air filters work?

Air filters trap contaminants in the air by using two basic principles: surface tension and impaction.Air filters work by impeding the flow of air through a filter medium. The filter medium traps contaminants in the air.Air filters work by creating a barrier between incoming clean air and the indoor environment. Air filters trap contaminants in the air by impeding the free flow of air through a filter medium.Air filters trap contaminants by using two basic principles: surface tension and impaction.Air filters trap contaminants in the air by impeding the flow of air through a filter medium.Air filters trap contaminants by using two basic principles: surface tension and impaction.

Tips for buying the right air filter

When buying a new air filter, always look for the MERV rating to determine its effectiveness. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter is at trapping contaminants in the air.A good rule of thumb is to replace your air filter every one to two months. The effectiveness of your air filter will decrease over time. You should also change your air filter before you change your HVAC system.Air filters should be replaced with the same type of filter. For example, if you have a standard filter, you should replace it with a standard filter. You should never replace an air filter with a different type of filter.Air filters should be replaced based on the MERV rating. For example, a MERV 10 filter is good for removing dust and pollen from the air. A MERV 18 filter is good for removing dust, pollen, and other contaminants.

How much does an air filter cost?

The cost of an air filter will depend on the type of filter you choose, its MERV rating, and the size of your home. A good rule of thumb is to budget about $100 per year for air filters.You can also rent air filters for a lower cost. Rentals are a great way to make sure you always have a clean filter in your HVAC system.Renting air filters is a good option if you don’t want to pay for a new filter every year. If you use a rental filter for more than three months, you can buy it and use it for the rest of the year.

Conclusion

Air filters are an essential part of any HVAC system. They trap dust, pollen, and other contaminants in the air and prevent them from entering your home.Air filters are available in different sizes and shapes. You can choose the right type of filter based on the type of contaminants your HVAC system produces.When buying a new air filter, always look for the MERV rating to determine its effectiveness. A good rule of thumb is to replace your air filter every one to two months.Air filters should be replaced with the same type of filter. For example, if you have a standard filter, you should replace it with a standard filter. You should never replace an air filter with a different type of filter.

Frequently Asked Question

You should change your air filters every 90 days. However, if you have allergies, you better change them after 45 days. It also depends on the MERV rating of the filters you are using. On average, it is highly recommended to change your air filters every 90 days. 
Yes, it does. There are many types of air filters and their performance is based on their material and most of the time their MERV rating. Choosing the best one will make a huge impact on how long your HVAC system will last.
HVAC air filters have different variations depending on their quality and sizes. Most HVAC manufacturers would recommend buying a new air filter that is compatible with HVAC. These air filters have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV which will tell you their overall performance in filtering contaminants in the air.
Most likely it will not filter the air properly. Dust will accumulate on your filter thus affecting some parts of your Air Conditioning unit. Aside from not being able to work properly in filtering the air, it will damage the system of your AC, because the airflow is affected.