Filters 

            Filters play an important part in the performance of your air conditioning system. Filters provide clean breathable air and can reduce allergens in the air. Often we forget that filters are designed to keep the components of your air conditioning system clean.  When your filters become clogged, dirty air can be carried directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. This will lower the efficiency of your system and raise the electrical cost to cool you home.   A dirty coil requires expensive cleanings and shortens the life span of your equipment.

            Filters come in many types and sizes.  Standard filters should be replaced on a monthly basis. It's also very important to use properly sized filters.  Neglecting to change your filters and/or using the wrong size filters can make your utility bills higher and possibly cause service calls.  In order to properly choose a filter, you must first consider what type of particulate you are trying to filter out. Then you find the filter or filtration system that best captures that type of particulate. The efficiency of a filter is called it's MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). MERV ratings range from 1 to 20.  The higher the number, the more efficient the filter is at removing particulate. A standard fiberglass filter is a MERV 4 or 5.  The higher MERV filters can also remove larger quantities of extremely small particles. Some can even remove particulate as small as the diameter of your hair. The higher MERV filters become even more efficient as the media becomes denser with particulate. Many higher MERV filters are changed less often, in many cases once a year.

 Types

 Washable

   These filters are made in many types of materials such as aluminum mesh, latex coated animal hair or foam rubber panel filters. The type of material will determine the efficiency of the filter.  Some do require an adhesive to be sprayed on them.  These filters can be washed to remove dirt. Do not forget to spray them if necessary.  Most of these filters have a MERV rating from 1 to 4.  It will remove 75-80% of particulates 10 microns or larger. Manufacturer recommends monthly filter changes.

 Fiberglass

   This is probably the most common filter on the market.  It is the least expensive to purchase and is available in local grocery markets, home improvement stores and department stores.  It offers a low MERV rating of 1 to 4.  Manufacturers recommend monthly filter changes.

 Electrostatic

   This filter works on static.  The air flow within the filter creates a small static charge that attracts small particulates from the air. It works like rubbing a balloon on your shirt to create a charge. These filters come in an array of designs and vary in MERV rating with most rated around 4.  Manufacturers recommend monthly cleaning.

 Polyester

   Polyester filters are cut and sized for a particular unit.  It comes with a MERV rating of 5.  A frame must be purchased and made to fit the system properly.

 Pleated and Cartridge

   Disposable pleated filters come with a cardboard frame and cotton-polyester blend media. Cartridge filters are graded density, viscous coated, cube or pocket filter with synthetic media.  These have a MERV rating of 5 to 13. They will capture up to 90% of particulate size 3.0 to 10.0 microns.  They will capture particulate like cement dust, pudding mix, hair spray and spores.

 Box

   Ridged style cartridges, 6 to 12 inches deep, have a MERV rating of 9 to 16.  They will capture up to 95% of the particulate in the 1 to 3 micron size, about the size of milled flour, lead dust, coal dust and humidifier dust.

 Electronic Air Cleaners

   This type of air cleaner uses electrical current to positively charge particulates. Because of this positive charge, the particulate adheres to the metal plates inside the housing of the air cleaner. The metal plate must be cleaned monthly.

   As you can see, choosing the correct filter or air cleaner to fit your needs it not as simple as knowing the correct size.  If you have concerns or questions, please call our comfort care representative.