Various Types Of Heating and cooling Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are the very first and most effective measure in protecting your heating and air conditioning system. Any Heating and cooling expert will tell you to change your filters frequently. Using fresh filters will drastically extend its life span and this preventative maintenance can save you money on repairs or down the road. Not to forget to mention, they help keep up the air quality in your home.

Although some products claim to be effective for ninety days or even longer, most professionals advise swapping your filters every thirty days. No matter what, you should inspect your filters regularly. The age of your Heating and cooling system and the degree of usage will ascertain how much deterioration a filter suffers. You'll know your filters need to be changed when it's layered in thick debris. When a filter is clogged up, not only is it no longer doing its job, it is decreasing the efficiency of your heating system as the dirt starts to absorb heat. It also turns into a fire hazard.

Also See Our Video On Furnace Repair & Local Heating & Air HVAC Companies In Sacramento

What filter is most effective for your home? There are a variety of filters to choose from dependant on your budget and required air quality.

Fiberglass Filters:
these are your traditional filters for a homeowner on a budget. They're composed of a number of layers of fiberglass mesh. These filter allergens by physically holding them in a dense net. While fiberglass filters are better than nothing, they are likely to clog quickly and allow a considerable percentage of smaller particulates pass through.

Electrostatic Filters:
these filters are crafted from a material that generates an electrostatic charge as air flows through them. This static acts like a magnet for dirt particles, attracting them and securing them into the filter. These are frequently considered more effective than fiberglass filters, especially for occupants with asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems. They should still be swapped out at least monthly to get their full benefit.

Electronic Filters:
these filters function by either drawing particles in with an artificially produced electrostatic charge, or by passing air through an ionizing device to charge the air around it and create an attraction between airborne particles and the filter. In either case, these filters are plugged into a power source and can be cleaned out instead of changed. These are generally thought to be the top of the line in filtration systems, and come with a increase in cost.

Specialty Filters:
there are a range of companies offering customized filters to tackle specific air quality problems. Some come pretreated with disinfectants so they not only trap particulate matter but also destroy airborne bacteria or viruses that pass through, making them a good choice for the immune-suppressed, or families with children or elderly residents. Filters filled with activated charcoal or carbon are available that can decrease foul odors if a residence has that problem. HEPA and micro-particle filters are normally thought of the best for enhancing air quality in the home, and can even be found as freestanding air purifiers if you don’t want to have one built into your HVAC.

In the long run your choice in air filter comes down to budget vs. quality. For most homeowners, a regular fiberglass filter will do the trick, but for homes with older ductwork or residents with particular respiratory needs, you may need to upgrade to a more effective and therefore more expensive alternate.

Need a Local Sacramento HVAC Heating & Air Company