You’re going to be relying heavily on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable during the coming spring and summer months here in Indiana. However, that’s not all the work it will be doing! While it’s of course responsible for cooling your home, it also helps control the quality of air within your home. It does this by filtering out particles or contaminants that might have found their way into your home’s air supply. In order to stay at its highest level of efficiency and effectiveness, your air conditioner’s filter must be replaced regularly. So what are your options when it comes to air conditioner filters? Let’s take a look!types of air filters!
Why Are Air Filters Important?
As mentioned above, Air filters keep pollutants and contaminants like dust, pollen, and mold spores out of your air supply. This keeps your family members safer from common airborne illnesses that they might otherwise be exposed to. Additionally, air filters are effective at controlling and reducing allergy and asthma symptoms among family members. On top of keeping your family safe, air filters also protect your air conditioner and allow it to run more efficiently and safely. They keep dangerous particles from entering your system and causing serious and expensive issues. When HVAC filters are dirty, however, they must be replaced in order to keep your HVAC system working properly.
Types of HVAC Filters
HEPA Air Filters
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most effective at limiting allergy and asthma symptoms. From dust and viruses to pet dander and bacteria, HEPA filters can filter out up to 99.7% of particles that are 0.3 microns. If anyone in your household struggles with seasonal allergies or asthma, HEPA filters are likely the best choice for your home.
Fiberglass Air Filters
The cheapest filter options are fiberglass filters. Disposable and generally inexpensive, fiberglass filters are effective at keeping large airborne particles and contaminants out of your air supply. However, small airborne particles can sometimes fit through the filters and stay in your air supply. For homes with allergy and asthma sufferers, stronger AC filters are recommended.
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated filters are generally more expensive than fiberglass filters, but they’re also more effective at keeping dust and dander out of your air supply. While not as effective as HEPA filters, they won’t cost as much to install and replace.
Washable Air Filters
Washable filters have a higher upfront cost than other disposable filters, but they’re cheaper down the road, as they don’t have to be replaced. Instead, they can simply be removed from the system, washed, and reinstalled into the system. This prevents you from needing to consistently replace your filters.
After you’ve washed your air filter, it’s critical that you give the filter enough time to dry before putting it back into the system. If you put the filter back in while it’s still wet, mold could grow and actually decrease your home’s quality of air.
Contact Edwards Royal Comfort for Air Conditioning Services
Edwards Royal Comfort understands how important air conditioning and strong indoor air quality are to your home. Contact us today to learn more about air filters, our air conditioning services, or to schedule an appointment for services. Our technicians will provide your home and air conditioner with the respect and attention to detail that you deserve. Enjoy the coming spring!