If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably already well aware of how important filters are to your AC unit. Not only do filters promote better air quality, but they also keep your system running safely and efficiently.
The question, then, becomes what type of air conditioning filter to get rather than whether you need to get one.
With so many varieties on the market, it’s important to understand what types of filters will work well with your unit. Check out this guide from Cool City Air Conditioning in El Monte today to see.
Purpose Of Air Filters
As a review, filters clean the air and promote good air flow. In fact, all air must pass through your system’s filter before it can enter your home’s air ducts. The filter blocks harmful particles from dust, bacteria, viruses, and anything else you don’t want to breathe in. When the filter gets older, the pores get clogged with these harmful particles and therefore make your AC system and home susceptible to dirty air.
You should change your AC filters every three months to avoid this issue.
Different Type Of Filters
Filters are available in a few different types. Here are the primary four types of filters you could have an HVAC company install:
Fiberglass
When you think of a standard, flat AC filter, fiberglass is the most common material. Fiberglass filters are generally the least expensive — and therefore the least effective. Still, if you want a basic filter for your unit, then a fiberglass one will work.
Pleated
Pleated filters, unlike flat fiberglass filters, offer a better surface area. This means that they can trap more of those harmful particles. They will be a bit more expensive, but they’re generally worth it for efficiency and coverage.
Electrostatic
Unlike standard fiberglass and pleated filters, which rely on airflow to trap particles, electrostatic filters make use of electricity. In fact, the electricity attracts charged particles in the air and thus traps them in the filter. These filter types are particularly good for dust particles.
HEPA
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters have a much more stringent standard when it comes to trapping particles. To meet HEPA qualifications, they must remove 99.97% of particles in the air that are bigger than 0.3 micrometers.
If you suffer from severe dust or mold allergies, it behooves you to invest in a HEPA filter for maximum air quality.
No matter what type of filter you get, it must meet the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter.
AC Installation And Filter Maintenance In El Monte
Whether you’re embarking on full AC installation or just want to make sure you’re maintaining your current unit properly, it’s worth a call to your local HVAC company.
At Cool City Air Conditioning, we can perform a system check-up, replace filters, and make sure your AC unit is prepared for an El Monte summer.
Schedule HVAC repair or AC installation today with our local HVAC company in the El Monte and Los Angeles areas.
