Air Conditioner and Furnace Filters: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

Last updated 7 months ago

There are several different types of A/C and furnace filters available from your heating service. It's important to understand how each type of filter behaves, and whether or not it will be compatible with your system and your needs. HVAC filters are designed to protect the blower motor components of your air conditioner and furnace while also cleaning your indoor air by removing pollutants.

Floss Filters: The most common type of air filter used today is the fiberglass floss filter. Commonly blue or white, these filters need to be changed monthly at a minimum, and while they allow for high airflow throughout your system, they don't capture a lot of pollutants. A good idea to explore the next step up, with pleated filters.

Pleated Filters: Pleated air filters offer more surface area and a finer grade of media to capture more pollutants and particles. They are more rigid and capture a wider range in sizes of particles, which is an important factor because floss filters do allow smaller particles to slip through, which means that certain species of pollen or allergens can affect you. It is important to understand that some types of pleated filters reduce airflow, so you'll need to ask your heating service if your system is compatible with a specific type of filter.

Special Allergy Filters: Some pleated filters are specifically designed to eliminate particular particles from the air. For example, a specialized filter may target pet dander or mold spores. These filters are ideal for allergy sufferers.

Reusable Filters: Reusable filters can often be washed several times before requiring replacement. They will have the efficiency ratings that let the homeowner know what particles they capture and how they affect airflow in your system.

Air Cleaning Systems: Finally, there are integrated air cleaning systems that actively attract and eliminate pollutants from your air. These can be installed into your HVAC system, and can include several different ways of purifying your indoor air.

Contact Greenwood Heating & Air at (206) 734-3370 to learn how you can improve your home's indoor air quality by using quality filters or air filtration and purification systems. You can visit us online to explore our range of products.