When it comes to air filtration, there are a few options available. Lower-efficiency air filters can filter larger dust and soot particles, but they are not able to capture the smallest particles. Washable air filters are a great option for people looking to save money, but they are only capable of removing large particles from the air in your home. With a maximum MERV rating of 4, these filters are not suitable for those with allergies or asthma, as they cannot filter out pet dander, bacteria, viruses, or smoke.
Conventional filters are usually composed of metal mesh, fiberglass filter material, and a cardboard frame. If air purity is important to you, especially if you have a health condition that requires it, disposable filters are the better choice. Although the production and disposal of pleated filters can be damaging to the environment, washable oven or air conditioning filters are an eco-friendly option. To determine which type of HVAC air filter is best for your home, you need to understand the different types of air filter technology and their benefits and drawbacks.
Washable air filters are more environmentally friendly than disposable fiberglass filters, but they come with a higher price tag. With an average MERV rating of between 1 and 4, these filters don't have a great reputation for air purification performance. High-efficiency disposable HVAC filters with MERV ratings between 9 and 12 can remove microscopic particles such as dust, emissions, and bacteria from your home's air supply. To be considered a HEPA filter, it must consistently filter at least 99.97 percent of all particles of 0.3 microns or greater.
A filter with a very high MERV rating will be very dense, meaning that your HVAC equipment will have to work harder to draw air through the filter. To ensure the best possible air quality when heating or air conditioning is in operation, reusable filters should be cleaned regularly. There are many eco-friendly air filters on the market that are made from recycled and recyclable materials. Washable air filters are convenient as they only need to be cleaned a couple of times a year. Functioning like a magnet, debris particles adhere to the filter media as air flows through the filter layers.
