When pollutants like dust, mold, pollen and pet dander get trapped inside your home, it can seriously diminish your indoor air quality. Fortunately, by choosing the right furnace filter for your heating system you can significantly reduce airborne particles and improve the air inside your home.
–The following section provides more information about the various types of furnace filters that are available so you can make an informed decision about which is the right choice for your home.
- Fiberglass furnace filters are effective at eliminating large particles like dust. However, they allow smaller particles like pollen and mold spores to pass through with ease. They are the least expensive style of filter, but they are also the least effective at removing debris from the air. Typically these filters are geared more toward protecting your furnace than protecting your health.
- Electrostatic filters have a static charge that attracts particles from the air. They are more effective than fiberglass filters and have the added benefit of not needing to be replaced. Instead, you can wash and reuse them.
- Pleated air filters are more effective than either fiberglass or electrostatic filters. The pleats help increase the surface area of the filter so it can trap more particles. These furnace filters are highly effective at removing allergens from the air and are one of the most popular choices for homeowners.
- HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most effective type of filter. Typically they are used in hospitals and labs where clean air is essential. HEPA filters usually are not recommended for residential use because they restrict air flow and over time can damage your furnace. If you do choose a HEPA filter, you should hire an HVAC expert to measure the air flow of your heating system to make sure it is not being restricted by the filter.
For expert advice on improving indoor air quality, contact the professionals at Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling now servicing 10 Indiana cities and their surrounding areas ( Anderson-Muncie, Bloomington, Broad Ripple-Indianapolis, Brownsburg, Columbus, Franklin, Greenfield, Kokomo, Lafayette, and Noblesville).
