Choosing The Right Air Conditioner Filter

The most important part of your whole air conditioning system is the air conditioner filter, as it controls how many airborne particles are kept out of your home and can prevent the system from damaging itself. Keeping the air conditioner filter maintained and in good working order will keep the air inside the room free from pollutants like airborne particles and dust. There are are few places where your filter could actually be located, such as in the wall, ceiling or (sometimes) furnace. Most of the air conditioner filters on the market today fall under one of five different types.

The basic type of filter is very inexpensive and lasts around one month. In most cases, this type of filter will remove 10% of the particles and pollutants from the air. These types are not recommended as they leave many particles free in your air.

The HEPA air conditioner filter is a very common type of filter. HEPA is an acronym for high efficiency particulate air and to be considered a HEPA filter, the filter must be shown to remove 99.97% of particles from the air that is being filtered. HEPA filters. For this reason are great for use in homes of those who have allergies.

A pleated air filter can catch as much as 40% of the particles in the air because of their design structure, which is much like a paper fan. Pleated air conditioner filters tend to be relatively affordable, and they can last anywhere from two to four months each.

Using an electric charge in order to attract particles of dirt, the electrostatic air filter is very efficient. Some models have an electric charge “built in” to the filter while others utilize air moving through layers within the system in order to create an electric charge and attract dirt. Although expensive, most electrostatic air conditioner filters need only be replaced once each year.

Electrostatic filters and whole electrostatic purification systems work in essentially the same way, so they are great for those with allergies.

Be sure to check your air conditioner filter at once a month, no matter which type you use. Also make sure to have your air conditioner filter and its internal coils looked at before the beginning of the summer months by a certified heating and cooling technician.

Not taking care of your air conditioner is something that is done far too often. Ensure that your air is save to clean with a quality air conditioner filter.