An air filter is an important part of your central AC system because it helps to remove dust, debris and other contaminants such as pet hair and even pollen, from the air circulating within the system and your home. This is not only better for the health and wellness of those in your home, but it also helps to reduce the accumulation of debris which may damage or hinder the efficient performance of your HVAC system.

4 Common Types of Air Conditioning Filters

Fiberglass Air Filters

Fiberglass AC air filters are perhaps the most commonly available of all AC air filters found in your local supermarket and home improvement stores (and online) as they are very inexpensive. Fiberglass air filters are also disposable and generally replaced once per month. The drawback to these affordable AC filters it that they don’t really stop tinier debris and contaminants from entering your HVAC system.

Pleated  Air Filters

Pleated AC air filters are also fairly common and readily available in most local home improvement stores (and online). However, because they are designed to trap smaller debris and contaminants such as pollen, dust and dust mites, pet dander and mold, they are more expensive. Pleated air filters will restrict indoor airflow more than a simple fiberglass air filter and are also disposable.

HEPA Air Filters

HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are generally the filter of choice for those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions. Why? That’s because HEPA air filters are designed to be the most effective type of air filter when it comes to trapping miniscule airborne contaminants. As you might expert, HEPA filters restrict airflow even more than pleated air filters. Of course, they are more expensive than fiberglass and pleated air filters and are also disposable.

Washable Air Filters

Washable air filters (also referred to as electrostatic filters) are reusable type of AC air filter and are considered among the most efficient, trapping up to 95% of airborne particles such as pollen and other allergens. They also are considerably more expensive than disposable air filters, but presumably can offer longer-term savings because you can reuse them after cleaning. However, it’s important to let these type of air filters thoroughly dry after washing before reusing as a damp air filter could lead to bacterial or mold growth.

If you’d like to learn more about what filters can best work for your home’s AC system, contact the HVAC experts at Eagle Air Cooling & Heating by calling 480-748-1781.