You’ll be astounded at how many variations of air filters there are if you’ve ever had to go shopping for a replacement for your AC system.
If you’re not familiar with HVAC systems, you may find this finding to be quite daunting. Yet, there is no need for alarm. The various types of air conditioning filters available to homeowners are thoroughly discussed here. Let’s get down to details.
MERV Rating:
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is the standard by which filter efficiency is measured (MERV). A filter’s efficiency at capturing particles is measured using a scale called the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). Air filters are ranked on a scale from 1 to 16, with 16 being the highest filtration efficiency. As a result of differences in construction and design, MERV ratings for various filter types might be quite different from one another. This information is always clearly displayed on the packaging.
Still, it’s not always best to go with the highest MERV grade available. There is a significant price tag associated with these filters, and adding more of them might actually increase the resistance to airflow. Your HVAC system will have to work harder than necessary to overcome this resistance, reducing its effectiveness over time.
A MERV 8 filter is the standard in most home HVAC systems. Upgrading to a filter with a MERV 13 rating is suggested because of its effectiveness against viruses and other airborne pollutants. This will ultimately result in cleaner air within the home. However, as was previously mentioned, check with an HVAC expert to verify if a MERV 13 filter is appropriate for your system.
Types of Aircon Filters:
- Pleated Filters:
Fabric mediums like polyester or cotton are used in pleated filters. To expand the filter’s surface area, the material is folded into accordion folds. As a result, filters with more pleats are superior to those with fewer.
These filters cost just a little bit more than fibreglass ones do. However, they are superior in their ability to eliminate pollution. They’re effective enough to filter out microscopic airborne contaminants like pollen, pet dander, and mould spores. There are both washable and disposable pleated filters on the market.
The pleats improve the filters’ efficiency by increasing their total surface area. It’s also possible to recycle some of them after they’ve served their purpose.
- UV Filters:
UV filters utilise short-wave UV radiation, which is effective against germs and viruses. These filters use UV light from a germicidal lamp to sterilise the air as it passes through. These are also useful for eliminating dangerous bacteria like mould spores from the air in your home.
Even yet, they’re not without their drawbacks. The first is the possibility that oxygen molecules would be transformed into ozone by UV filters. Even at low concentrations, ozone can cause modest health effects including coughing and chest pain. Asthma and other respiratory illnesses can be exacerbated by exposure to higher concentrations.
Second, UV light filters are effective in reducing airborne bacteria and viruses, but they have a little effect on particulate matter pollution. That’s why you’ll typically find them integrated into more sophisticated filtration systems, including HEPA filters.
- HEPA Filters:
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are highly suggested if you or a member of your family suffers from allergies or other respiratory issues. Though they cost more than fibreglass or pleated air filters, HEPA filters remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles like dust, pollen, mildew, pet dander, viruses, and bacteria.
Try to choose filters with a minimum MERV 11 rating. On the other hand, keep in mind that a higher MERV rating will make it harder for your HVAC system to draw in fresh air. Before deciding on a MERV rating, you should consult with Socool Pte Ltd. Contact https://www.socool.sg/ if you want to install aircon filters.
- Electrostatic Filters:
A combination of cotton and paper fibres generates static electricity in these filters. Once inside the filter screen, the static charges attract the contaminants like a magnet. Electrostatic filters are great for persons with allergies because they prevent allergens from circulating throughout the home.
In order to maximise efficiency, electrostatic filters frequently incorporate a carbon filter. Both flat-paneled and pleated variations of this AC filter type exist. They are also available in disposable and machine-washable forms.
- Washable Filters:
Additionally, both flat panelled and pleated varieties of washable HVAC air filters are obtainable. Though they are initially more expensive than disposable filters, they end up being more cost-effective. Plus, they’re better for the planet than their throwaway alternatives.
These filters can be cleaned by either being vacuumed or being rinsed in order to remove dust and debris. It’s still important to make sure the filters are completely dry before reinstalling them. Mold and bacteria growth on damp filters can reduce the quality of the air within a building.
