As a homeowner one thing that you can do to keep your air conditioning unit running properly is to regularly change your air filters. When you put air filters on your shopping list you are probably thinking that a quick trip to the store will help you cross this off of your to do list. It is indeed true that you can find air filters at the store without a problem but you may have a hard time deciding what type of air filter you should purchase. There are lots of different options when it comes to air filters and knowing which one is the best fit for your air conditioning unit can be overwhelming. NY NJ AC Connection has some information for you today that will make your decision easier.
MERV Rating for Furnace Filters
Before we give you all of the options for air filters we need to define one important term. Air filters are given a MERV rating. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. An air filter can be given a rating from 1 all the way up to 20. The higher the rating, the more efficient the filter is.
Disposable Fiberglass Air Filters
Disposable fiberglass filters have been around for years. If you picture air filters in your head you are most likely picturing disposable fiberglass filters. They are manufactured with one inch thick spun fiberglass in the middle and cardboard borders on both sides. The cardboard sides hold the air filter together. Disposable fiberglass filters draw in consumers with their extremely affordable price. You can find this type of filter for just a few dollars each. You do get what you pay for though. They are inexpensive but they are also a bare bones filter. If someone in your home suffers from allergies or breathing disorders you may not want to purchase this type of filter as they provide only minimal air cleaning benefits. Disposable fiberglass filters have a MERV rating between 2 and 4.
Disposable Allergy Pleated Filters
Similar to disposable fiberglass filters this type of filter has a cardboard frame to help the filter maintain its shape and strength. The body of disposable allergy pleated filters is made of a polyester or cotton paper blend and is pleated. One of the things that draws consumers to this type of filter is that they are an eco-friendly product since they are made from green materials. You can find these filters for $5-10. The downside of using the disposable allergy pleated filter is that they can cause more resistance for the airflow which increases your operating expenses. The MERV rating for disposable allergy pleated filters is between 6 and 8.
Electrostatic Filters
If we keep increasing in MERV rating we hit the electrostatic filter next. Electrostatic filters have a MERV rating between 8 and 10. Electrostatic filters are made of self-charging cotton or paper fibers that actually make a positive charge that then attracts air impurities as air passes through the filter. There are a few disposable electrostatic air filters but most of them are permanent. If you have kids, pets, or smokers in your home this a great option for your home. They can be taken out and washed and then reused. The cost of electrostatic filters range from $20 to $200. The reason for the large variation in price is due to whether you choose disposable or permanent electrostatic filters.
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters can be extremely valuable if someone in your family suffers from allergies or breathing disorders. Many commercial buildings that need extremely clean air quality in their buildings will use HEPA air filters. Hospitals and nursing homes frequently install HEPA air filters. The MERV rating on HEPA air filters is between 17 and 20. The benefits of this type of air filter are fantastic but there are a few drawbacks. HEPA filters can restrict the airflow in your HVAC system similar to disposable allergy pleated filters. This restriction results in increased operating expenses.
Furnace Heating Services & More Manhattan, New York
We hope that you are ready to make a decision about what type of air filter you will put in your home. If you still have questions give NY NJ AC Connection a call. One of our technicians would be happy to answer any questions you may still have. Call us for all your heating needs this cold winter season!
