The Various Types of Furnace Filters

Furnace Filter is very essential for your home to remove dust, pollen, air pollutants, pet dander, and other harmful airborne contaminants. The filter for your furnace serves a very crucial job in delivering warm air to the rooms in your home. Furnace filter is usually installed where the return duct enters your surface, and removes particulates from the air before it gets heated (or cooled in the case of an A/C). Some filters are so efficient to remove bacteria, viruses, smoke as well as fumes. So, there are various types of furnace filters available to improve your indoor air quality.

Here are the following 5 different types of furnace filters commonly used:-

Disposable Fiberglass

When we are talking about “Furnace filters”, disposable fibreglass is the most common option available for you. It is made of 1” thick spun fiberglass. It is very inexpensive and stops larger particles like dust, lint, debris, and litter from accumulating in your furnace system. This type of furnace filter considered better for renters and those people who are not suffering from allergies or asthma. But, this type of filter doesn’t filter out smaller items from getting through.

Disposable Pleated

They are relatively inexpensive and efficient as compared to fiberglass version. It is made from cotton paper and polyester and removes small particles like mites and spores. These filters are needed to be changed constantly to avoid clogging and resistance to air flow. If you don’t change this filter frequently it could create an airflow struggle and makes your system more expensive to operate.

Disposable electrostatic

These types of furnace filters are considered a good option for homes with pets, smokers, and children. They contain self charging electrostatic cotton of paper fibers that attract and trap smaller particles. These furnace filters are available in standard sizes as well as custom sizes. If your furnace requires a custom size, the cost of these filters can be high for you.

Permanent Electrostatic

These electrostatic filters are similar to their disposable version as they can attract and remove smaller particles. But, permanent options have a removable and machine washable filter that can be removed and reused. A safe static charge is produced by forcing air across the filter. This static charge trap and attracts airborne particles into the filter. Electrostatic filters are more effective than pleated and fiberglass filters, but they are more expensive in custom sizes. So, you can choose them according to your budget and needs.

High- Efficiency Pleated

This type of furnace filter can screen out the smallest particles. They are expensive and made from 4- 5” pleated synthetic cotton attached to a metal grid to stop fluttering or leaks. Due to its thick size, they can only be installed in special housing such as hospitals. It can be a perfect option for people with respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma.

Maintaining your furnace isn’t difficult. So, when choosing furnace filters, you have to keep in mind your budget as well as your needs and what features each particular style has to offer. In this way, you will be able to save your money in the long run and lead a healthy life.