How to Choose the Right Air Filter for Your Springfield, MO Home
If you’re someone who has allergies, then this is an important topic for you! One of the best ways to mitigate the effects of allergens inside your home is to use effective air filters in your HVAC system. Choosing the best air filter will ensure you’re able to stay comfortable in your home this allergy season. But with so many different types of HVAC air filters on the market, which one is the best? There are three main types of HVAC system air filters: traditional fiberglass, pleated fiberglass, and HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters.
Traditional Fiberglass Filters
These are the most basic filters and are the least effective when it comes to filtering out allergens. Fiberglass filters have been around for years. They are made of a thin layer of fiberglass that catches larger particles but allows smaller ones to pass through. So, they won’t restrict the airflow in your HVAC system as much as others but don’t do much air cleaning either. A typical fiberglass filter captures less than 10% of the pollutants in your home's airflow. These filters need to be replaced monthly but are affordable in comparison, making them a budget-friendly option. However, if you're an allergy sufferer, this filter may not provide the relief you need even though they are easier on your wallet.
Pleated Fiberglass Filters
These are an upgrade from traditional fiberglass filters and boast a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. They are constructed with a pleated design, which allows for more surface area to capture more particles, including the smaller ones. Pleated house filters will filter 45% of allergens in your home including, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. There’s also a version made with electrically charged materials that will actually attract particles to help clean your air even more. These filters need to be changed every three months and are a good mid-range option for homeowners looking for an upgrade from traditional filters. You will pay a bit more per filter but do the math since these don’t need changed monthly.
In addition to the type of air filter, it's also important to consider the MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter will be at capturing smaller particles. However, higher MERV ratings also mean more resistance to airflow, which can put a strain on your HVAC system. Depending on system size and design, filters with higher MERV ratings may not be compatible.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters
HEPA filters are the most effective when it comes to capturing allergens. These filters are designed to capture 98% of all particles that pass through them, including pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. They are made of densely packed fibers that trap particles and pollutants. While these filters are the most expensive, they only need to be replaced once a year and provide the most relief for allergy sufferers.
It's worth noting that not all HVAC systems can accommodate HEPA filters, as they require a certain level of air pressure to function. A HEPA filter’s extra dense design requires extra airflow power or even an extra fan which is why they need to be incorporated into a whole-house filtration system. If you're unsure if your current system can accommodate a HEPA filter, just give us a call we’re here to help!
Trane CleanEffects® Whole Home Air Cleaner
At SS&B we offer what we believe is the very best air cleaner available on the market today. The Trane CleanEffects Whole Home Air Cleaner uses advanced technology to remove up to 99.98% of airborne particles from your home’s air, capturing particles as small 0.1 microns, which is 1,000 times smaller than a human hair! What makes this important is that the particles that cause allergies are typically 0.3 microns or smaller. Filtration systems that do not filter out this size particle are far less effective! See more about our CleanEffects Air Cleaner by clicking here for more information and click here to see our video on how easy they are to maintain.
Selecting the appropriate air filter for your HVAC system is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living space, particularly for individuals with allergies or those looking to minimize dust in their home. While conventional fiberglass filters can be a cost-effective choice, they are not very effective at capturing allergens. Pleated fiberglass filters provide a good balance between cost and performance, but for maximum relief from allergens, other filter types should be considered. When selecting an air filter, it's important to consider your HVAC system's compatibility and the MERV rating for optimal performance. By choosing the right air filter, you can create a low-dust, healthy indoor environment all year long.
If you're in the Springfield, Missouri area, including Ozark, Nixa, Battlefield, Strafford, Republic, Rogersville, and Willard, we invite you to visit our showroom and speak with our friendly and knowledgeable team. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services and help you find the perfect heating and cooling solution for your home.
