The air filter in your home is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It’s the first point of contact between your indoor air and the fresh outdoor air brought in by the HVAC unit. This is why you need to be careful when looking for the right filter for your HVAC system. There are many types of filters on the market, but they fall into one of three categories: mechanical, electronic, or hybrid. There are pros and cons to each type of filter, but it’s important to understand what these mean for your home and how they can impact your HVAC system.

What is a mechanical filter?

A mechanical filter is a paper or cloth-based device that traps and removes dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air entering your home. These types of filters are designed to be changed on a regular basis to help maintain clean air quality in your home. Depending on the amount of use your HVAC system receives, the type of filter you choose may vary. If you have a central air system, you’ll want to consider purchasing a high-efficiency particulate matter (HEPA) filter. These filters trap up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, bacteria, and other contaminants in the air.HEPA filters are recommended for central air systems because they trap contaminants before they reach the air handler. If you have a duct system, you’ll want to consider purchasing a more standard filter that will trap contaminants as they move through the ductwork.

What is an electronic air filter?

Electronic air filters are a relatively new addition to the HVAC filter market. These filters are designed to trap chemicals and contaminants like bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are usually made from activated carbon, which is a type of filter that has been used for decades to clean water and air.Electronic air filters are most commonly used in commercial buildings, but they can also be found in residential HVAC systems. They are designed to trap a wide range of chemicals and contaminants in the air, helping to protect your home from harmful substances.Electronic air filters are a good choice for people with pets and children who spend time outside. They can help keep harmful chemicals and bacteria from entering your home through the air ducts.

What is a hybrid filter?

Hybrid filters are a combination of a mechanical filter and an electronic filter. They are designed to trap both large and small airborne particles. Hybrid filters are a good choice for people who live in areas with high levels of pollution. They can help reduce the amount of dust and pollen in the air, as well as harmful chemicals and VOCs.Hybrid filters are a good choice for people who live in areas with high levels of pollution. They can help reduce the amount of dust and pollen in the air, as well as harmful chemicals and VOCs.

Which type of filter is best for you?

The best type of filter for you will depend on the size and usage of your HVAC system, as well as the quality of the indoor air in your home.You can use this air filter checklist to help you determine which type of filter is best for your system. It will help you determine which filters can be used for the different parts of your HVAC system.

Conclusion

The type of filter you choose for your HVAC system is a crucial decision. It not only impacts the quality of the air in your home, but it can also increase the lifespan of your system.Make sure you choose a filter that is right for your home, and one that will protect your HVAC system from the harmful substances that can be found in the air. It’s also a good idea to change your filter regularly to get the most out of your system.Now that you know what types of air filters are available, you can make informed decisions about what type of filter is best for your home.

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.