Choosing an HVAC Air Filter

No matter what kind of HVAC system you have for your Covington, GA home, it undoubtedly has an air filter. Without a filter, the air handler would become covered in dust and dirt, eventually coating the coils and dropping the system’s efficiency to zero. Because they require various load calculations, filters are usually installed at the same time as the system, but upgrades and retrofits are possible.

Using Polyester Filters

If you have a high-end HVAC system, it will benefit from a polyester filter. These filters are more expensive than disposable filters but capture the largest variety of air contaminants, including bacteria. With MERV ratings up to 15, some polyester filters are equivalent to those found in hospitals. There are some types of particles, such as viruses, that only HEPA filters can trap. However, HEPA filters aren’t compatible with most HVAC systems.

Using Washable Filters

washable filters are meant to be reused, unlike fiberglass filters. Unfortunately, their strength can also be their weakness. These filters work more efficiently when they start to trap particles. However, once they capture too much dust and pollen, they will increase airflow resistance. However, washable filters have a higher MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, than disposable HVAC air filters, which means they can capture smaller particles.

Using Disposable Filters

Commonly used, disposable filters are very affordable and readily available. Replacements can cost as little as a couple of dollars, depending on the model. However, they can only trap larger particles, so smaller contaminants can easily pass through their fiberglass layers. These inexpensive HVAC air filters are usually found in baseline systems where dust removal is a priority, but they will need to replace at least once every three months.

If you still need help picking out air filters and other HVAC products for your home, Zack Hammonds A/C Heating Refrigeration Inc is here to help. Visit our website, or speak with one of our knowledgeable experts at (770) 661-0334 today.