When it comes to furnace filters, the general consensus among HVAC professionals is that “the cheaper the better”. But is this really the case? It all depends on your unit, your home and the filter itself. If you have any questions about your air filter or other HVAC related queries, don't hesitate to contact us at E Dennis Air Conditioning & Heating. We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and service the entire Northwest Atlanta metropolitan area.
In the modern era of air filtration, pleated filters are superior to their fiberglass counterparts in almost every category. They are more efficient, safer for the air and HVAC unit, and not significantly more expensive. However, Nortek Environmental, Inc. recommends all of their customers to buy the cheapest fiberglass filters instead of the more expensive pleated filters.
The main reason for this is that they don't restrict air flow to your oven as much as pleated filters. An effective air filter combines filtering efficiency with airflow to create a product that is effective at removing particles from the air, but that does not create unnecessary demand on your HVAC engine by blocking the passage of air. It's an epidemic within the HVAC industry, and the easiest way for a technician to address this problem is to recommend an air filter that doesn't trap enough contaminants to create a blockage in your system when you never change. Pleated air filters are now constructed of synthetic materials that have smaller individual fibers, which are wound in such a way as to maximize airflow and filtration efficiency.
When trying to determine which air filter is best for you, it is first recommended to follow the recommendations suggested by the manufacturer. For more information on how to keep indoor air fresh and clean, and for more information on how to keep your HVAC system running efficiently, call TR Miller at (630) 357-4373 or visit their website. The filters themselves may be cheaper, but the cost of using them isn't much cheaper, and an HVAC breakdown caused by a fiberglass filter that moves your thumbs while huge particles pass through them is definitely not cheaper. When it comes to the health and comfort of your family, friends, and other guests, it's a good idea to get the most efficient air filter you can afford. As stated above, fiberglass air filters are commonly referred to as “rock traps” because of their abysmal ability to filter things. It can be connected to the HVAC unit, but it is not the same as a filter that goes inside the central HVAC unit near the turn.
For example, hospitals use filters with a rating of 16, but that's not necessary for your home environment, and using a filter with such a high rating will increase your energy costs. A Second Nature MERV 13 Health Shield filter will capture at least 50% of particles 0.3-1 microns in diameter. An electrostatic air filter is a washable air filter that uses static electricity to capture particles. Air filters are important for everyone, but especially for those suffering from allergies or respiratory diseases such as asthma and hay fever. So which of these varieties is best for your home? Well, since we just said “you get what you pay for”, you can probably guess that pleated air filters are better. When particles pass through the fiberglass air filter and enter the system, one of two things happens: either they pass through without being filtered or they get stuck in the filter material and cause a blockage in your system.
To avoid this problem and ensure optimal performance from your HVAC system, it's best to invest in a quality pleated air filter.