Types of Available Furnace Filters for Your Home or Office
As the temperatures drop and snowfall becomes a real possibility, it’s more important than ever to figure out what kind of furnace filter is right for your home or office. After all, you don’t want to wait until your furnace filter needs to be changed to consider what models or styles of furnace filters might be right for you. If you are asking questions like “what are the different options for furnace filters?” and “how long does a furnace filter last?”, we’ve got you covered. Read the rest of the article below to find out the answers to these questions.
What are the different options for furnace filters?
While you may find other specialty filters rolling out on the market in the coming years, the most common furnace filters tend to remain the same. Fiberglass air filters and pleated air filters tend to be two of the most popular choices homeowners and commercial building owners make for their furnace filters. This is because they’re widely available.
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Fiberglass air filters are composed of sheets of fiberglass that a metal frame supports. If you are trying to buy furnace filters on a tight budget, you’ll be pleased to know that fiberglass air filters tend to be the least expensive option. Some would say that the lower price comes at a cost, as is the case with most cheaper items in home improvement. If you opt for this cheaper filter, you may end up paying for it in terms of lower efficacy and durability. Fiberglass air filters don’t clean the air as well as others, so they aren’t ideal.
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Pleated air filters are a step up in quality and filtering capabilities from fiberglass air filters. Polyester and cotton materials compose these filters, so they do a better job of capturing tiny air particles. Pleats lower the amount of air flowing through the filter but they do ensure that the air gets cleaned as it passes through the filter.
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Beyond the popular fiberglass air filters and pleated air filters, other furnace filters include electrostatic filters that utilize electrostatic charge to lure and capture unwanted particles from the air. Some of these models are disposable, while others can be washed and reused.
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Activated carbon filters have carbon that keeps particles and odor from infiltrating air. They’re most popular for reducing unpleasant scents.
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UV filters are great for ridding homes of bacteria and viruses, so they’re best for folks with immune system concerns. Still, they aren’t as effective at clearing dust and pollution out of the air. Washable air filters are great for the environment but sometimes they struggle to keep up with other filters in terms of performance.
How long does a furnace filter last?
Furnace filters can vary in how long they last. As a general rule, it’s best to replace them every 90 days. Depending on the filter’s wear and tear, you may need to replace it sooner.
Categorised in: Indoor Air Quality