“What is the best type of filter to use?”
The best filter to use in your central heating and air system is going to be the highest quality filter that will work with your particular system. Let’s break down filters from lowest quality to highest quality.
Spun Fiberglass Air Filters
If you can see through it, imagine what else is getting through it. The thin layer throw away filters you buy in bulk can’t filter much more than a boulder. We recently ran across a filter (below) that is the perfect example of what not to use. Notice all the dust and dirt that made it to the other side of the filter and into the return air duct. In our opinion, the fact that these are even manufactured anymore is a disservice to consumers and contractors alike. They say a picture can tell a thousand words, and these are no different.
Washable 1” Filters
Once the cream of the crop filter, we are finding them to be more restrictive on systems than we prefer. They also don’t provide the surface area as explained in the pleated style of filter below. Additionally, some of the dust and dirt cannot be completely removed from them. Over time, this may cause more harm than good in the long term. Anyone that knows me knows how much I hate waste. But when it comes to filtration, I am a firm believer in throwing away a dirty filter and putting a new clean one in is best for my system and for my lungs.
Pleated 1” Air Filters
These are becoming the most common and easiest to purchase air filter on the market. They are exponentially better than the above filter. For one reason, surface area. Having all of the peaks and valleys creates more area for dirt and dust to accumulate on. Another is that they come in a variety of MERV ratings (8-13). MERV ratings show how well they filter down to smaller particulates in the air. One thing to be cautious of is if you select a filter with too high of a MERV rating that may to too restrictive for your system.
Over time the higher air restriction can be hard on your central heating and cooling system and cause damage. If you want to go with a MERV 13 1” filter we recommend replacement at 30 day intervals regardless of what the packaging says. The best thing to do is to call us and go over your options. We’re happy to provide you with filters or make recommendations on filters available in retail locations that would be the best type of filter for your HVAC system.
4” Pleated Return Air Filter
Honeywell makes a thicker pleated filter that starts as a 1” filter and reduces slightly to fit into a return air grill to create a 4” total thickness pleated filter. This is a nice option for customers who are looking for advanced air filtration but who aren’t able to make an additional investment into a whole house air cleaner. This filter is rated at a MERV 10 so restriction isn’t an issue. The added benefit is that it is only replaced on average at every 6 months!
Whole house air cleaner/ filter cabinet
A whole-home air cleaner is going to be the highest end air filtration solution. It removes particulates and reduces indoor air pollution throughout your whole home unlike a stand alone room air cleaner. Triggers like mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen are filtered out to a smaller particle than a standard air filter.
We recommend the Aprilaire brand of air filter cabinet because they have many filter options that all fit into one cabinet. Once the cabinet is installed, you can customize the filter to fit your needs. Better air quality in your home and less hassle, these filter options are typically replaced every six to twelve months.
As you can see there are a wide range of options in air filters, feel free to reach out to see which filter is best for your situation.
Check out Part 1 about filter location HERE.