Different Types of Air Filters Explained

Whilst you are concerned of poor air quality outdoors due to air pollution problems, do you know that you are not even safe at home? It is because airborne pollutants are capable of entering through your windows, doors and air conditioners or can be produced inside your home. Maintaining good air quality inside your home protects you and your family from various pollutants, unpleasant smells and potential health problems. Air filters can do this job efficiently. That’s why you must have the appropriate air filter installed for your air purifier.

Purpose of Air Filter

Air filters are tasked with the job of keeping good air quality inside a house, commercial space or industrial area by filtering out any pollutants in the air. HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems use air purifiers.

Filters for Air Conditioning Systems

Similar to air purifiers, air conditioners use filters to trap solid particles and contaminants from circulating into an area. Air pollutants will not go directly into the important parts of the machine and guarantee the release of cool and clean air. Air conditioners commonly use these filters:

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)
Fibreglass
Washable or reusable
Media.

Types of Air Filters

The type of air filter you want for your home is based on the level of protection you need and what suits your budget. The following filters will help you choose what’s best for your air purifier.

HEPA Filter

A HEPA filter is one of the highest rated types of filters. It can catch tiny particles and remove at least 99.97% of pollutants, that’s why it’s the most preferred filter for air purifiers. HEPA filters can last up to years before needing a replacement.

Electrostatic Filter

Electrostatic air filters create static electricity by mixing cotton and paper fibres. The electricity attracts dust and dirt towards the filter screen. If used in AC units, they are usually flat panelled or pleated. Electrostatic filters can be washable or disposable.

Fibreglass Filters

Common in HVAC units, this filter is a popular choice because it is cheaper. It is also called spun glass because it is made up of fibreglass weaved together. It can block solid pollutants but is not as efficient as HEPA filters because it can only capture those that are 3.0 to 10.0 microns in size.

Pleated Filters

As the name suggests, this filter folds cotton or polyester fabric to create pleats. It allows better filtration due to their surface area and is capable of minimising the noise coming from HVAC units. Pleated filters may be a bit more expensive, but they are effective in capturing pollen, mould spores and pet dander. They last longer and can be recycled as well.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Filters

UV filters do not just trap dust and particles. They eliminate bacteria and viruses through radiation emission, making them a good choice if you want to ensure a bacteria and virus-free indoor environment.

Carbon Air Filters

Although this is not usually a standalone kind of filter, it is often used alongside other types to remove stinky odour of food, garbage, tobacco smoke, gaseous smells and odour-causing dirt and bacteria.

Media Filters

This filter has paper-like material folded inside a cabinet. They are more effective in trapping contaminants than standard air filters because of their larger surface area. They are suited for industrial areas and can last up to two years before a replacement is needed.

Washable Filters

Washable filters come in flat-panelled or pleated forms and are budget friendly due to their reusability. They can be washed or vacuumed.

Benefits of Using an Air Filter

Having the correct air filter offers the following benefits, as stated by the National Air Filtration Association.

Remove Bad Odours

Carbon air filters are capable of eliminating unpleasant smells from certain areas. They can remove the stench of spoiled food, garbage and more. They are useful if someone in your house is sensitive to odours.

Protect Against Diseases

Air filters work well in preventing contaminants like bacteria and viruses from being inhaled by the people in the area.

Prevent Allergies

Air filters trap allergens like dust, pollen, mould or pet dander and prevent them from inducing allergy or asthma attacks.

Avoid Dust Buildup on Furniture and Curtains

Dust and dirt can accumulate on carpets, curtains or furniture, which is hazardous to health. Dusty place is unpleasant to look at.

AirClean Filters: An Innovative Way of Keeping the Air Clean

If you need a good filter for your air conditioner, try out AirClean Filters. They are designed to block pollutants that reduce air quality and cause AC systems to break down. What makes our product unique is that it has a high-grade G4 V-pleat filter capable of trapping particles that are 10 times smaller than what other traditional panel filters can offer. It covers 2.5 times the surface area and has 65% more airflow efficiency compared to other products. Contact us now to learn more.