You may have never heard of an ac filter before, but they act as a barrier between your air conditioner and the outside environment. But with so many different types to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your home? In this article, we will break down each type of filter and explore the benefits and drawbacks of each.
What is the purpose of an air filter?
An air filter is a device that helps remove pollutants from the air in your home. These devices can be used to help improve indoor air quality, or to reduce allergens and other airborne irritants. Air filters come in a variety of sizes and types, and can be used in conjunction with other air purification systems.
An air filter’s purpose is to remove contaminants from the air as it passes through the filter. These contaminants can be in the form of dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, and pet dander. Air filters help to improve indoor air quality and can also help to prolong the life of your heating and cooling system by keeping it clean and free of debris.
Do you need a filter for your ac unit?
As the weather gets warmer, many of us start thinking about firing up the air conditioner. But before you do, it’s important to make sure you have the right filter for your AC unit.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an air filter for your AC unit:
The size of the filter: The size of the filter will determine how much air can flow through it. Make sure to choose a filter that is the correct size for your AC unit.
The type of filter: There are two main types of filters–pleated and fiberglass. Pleated filters are more effective at trapping particles, but they also cost more. Fiberglass filters are less expensive, but they don’t work as well at trapping particles.
The MERV rating: The MERV rating is a measure of how effective a filter is at trapping particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at trapping particles. However, filters with high MERV ratings can also restrict air flow, so it’s important to find a balance between particle protection and air flow.
How do I choose the best ac air filters for my home?
There are a few things to consider when purchasing air filters for your home air conditioning unit. The first is the size of the filter. Air filters come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to measure the opening of your AC unit to ensure you purchase the correct size. The second thing to consider is the type of filter. The most common types of filters are pleated, activated carbon, and HEPA.
Pleated filters are the most common type of air filter and are made of a paper or fabric material that is folded into pleats. This allows for more surface area to capture particles and also makes them more efficient than flat filters. Activated carbon filters are impregnated with chemicals that help to absorb odors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These filters are great for homes with pets or smokers. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are designed to capture 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. These are the most expensive type of air filter but are ideal for homes with allergies or asthma.
When choosing an air filter, it is important to consider both the size and type of filter that will best suit your needs. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement intervals as well.
Here are some recommended filters
1. 3M Filtrete Basic Air Conditioner Furnace Filter
The Filtrete Basic Air Conditioner Furnace Filter is a budget-friendly option that effectively captures large particles such as dust and lint. It has a high dust-holding capacity and can be used in a variety of HVAC systems. This filter is available in a range of sizes to fit most standard air conditioning and furnace systems.
Advantages:
- Budget-friendly option
- Effectively captures large particles such as dust and lint
- High dust-holding capacity
- Available in a range of sizes to fit most standard systems
Disadvantages:
- May not be effective at capturing small to medium-sized particles such as pollen, pet dander, and smoke
3M Filtrete Basic Air Conditioner Furnace Filter
2. Nordic Pure MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters
The Nordic Pure MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters are a high-quality option that effectively captures small to medium-sized particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. These filters have a high dust-holding capacity and are available in a range of sizes to fit most standard air conditioning and furnace systems. They are also designed to be easy to install and maintain.
Advantages:
- High-quality option
- Effectively captures small to medium-sized particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander
- High dust-holding capacity
- Available in a range of sizes to fit most standard systems
- Easy to install and maintain
Disadvantages:
May not be effective at capturing small to ultra-fine particles such as smoke and mold spores
Nordic Pure MERV 8 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filters
3. Honeywell FC100A1029 Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaning Filter
The Honeywell FC100A1029 Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaning Filter is a top-of-the-line option that effectively captures small to ultra-fine particles such as smoke, mold spores, and pet dander. This filter has a high dust-holding capacity and is designed to be easy to install and maintain. It is available in a range of sizes to fit most standard air conditioning and furnace systems.
Advantages:
- Top-of-the-line option
- Effectively captures small to ultra-fine particles such as smoke, mold spores, and pet dander
- High dust-holding capacity
- Easy to install and maintain
- Available in a range of sizes to fit most standard systems
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than some other options
Honeywell FC100A1029 Ultra Efficiency Air Cleaning Filter
4. Filterbuy Allergen Defense AC Furnace Air Filter
The Filterbuy Allergen Defense AC Furnace Air Filter is a high-quality option that effectively captures small to ultra-fine particles such as smoke, mold spores, and pet dander. This filter has a high dust-holding capacity and is available in a range of sizes to fit most standard air conditioning and furnace systems. It is also designed to be easy to install and maintain.
Advantages:
- High-quality option
- Effectively captures small to ultra-fine particles such as smoke, mold spores, and pet dander
- High dust-holding capacity
- Available in a range of sizes to fit most standard systems
- Easy to install and maintain
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than some other options
Filterbuy Allergen Defense AC Furnace Air Filter
5. Aprilaire 213 Air Filter
The Aprilaire 213 Air Filter is a high-quality option that effectively captures small to medium-sized particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. This filter has a high dust-holding capacity and is designed to be easy to install and maintain. It is available in a range of sizes to fit most standard air conditioning and furnace systems.
Advantages:
- High-quality option
- Effectively captures small to medium-sized particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander
- High dust-holding capacity
- Available in a range of sizes to fit most standard systems
- Easy to install and maintain
Disadvantages:
- May not be effective at capturing small to ultra-fine particles such as smoke and mold spores
Aprilaire 213 Air Filter
When should I replace my filter?
As a general rule, you should replace your air filter every 3 months. However, there are a few factors that can affect how often you need to replace your filter, such as:
–The type of filter you have: Some filters are designed to last longer than others. For example, high-quality pleated filters can last up to 6 months.
–The environment you live in: If you live in a dusty or polluted area, you may need to replace your filter more often.
–How often you use your AC: If you use your AC frequently, the filter will get clogged faster and will need to be replaced more often.
If you’re not sure how often to replace your air filter, check the manufacturer’s recommendations or contact a local HVAC technician for guidance.