Learning Center

Home Filters

Home HVAC Filters

The dust in your home is made up of pollen, plant and mold spores, pet dander, lint, bacteria and other contaminants. Regular daily activities within the home such as dusting, vacuuming and cooking can increase particulate concentrations. These particles, measured in microns, range in size from fairly large to microscopic. To better understand the size of a micron, note that a human hair is about 70 microns in diameter. The tiniest particles make up 99% of debris in the air circulating within your home. These can bypass the respiratory system's defense mechanisms—such as the nose, sinuses and windpipe—that are designed to filter out particles 3-5 microns in size and keep them from becoming lodged in our lungs. Health effects from breathing these particles can range from irritation of the eyes and/or respiratory tissues to more serious effects, such as decreased lung function and cancer. They can also cause allergic reactions and infectious diseases. One way to help lower the particle count in your home is to use better air filters and change them regularly.

Types of filters

Typically filters are disposable and made from materials such as fiberglass, metal, manmade or natural fibers. Factors that affect filter efficiency include fiber size, fiber density, airflow rate, and particle diameter.

Pleated filters are basically panel filters that have been pleated or folded to provide more surface area. These filters are typically more efficient than a panel filter by increasing the surface area for collecting particles. However, the flow velocity through the filter is reduced when the filter collects particles. It is important to change the filter on a regular basis so as not to restrict airflow.
High efficiency pleated filters have an electrostatic charge that is designed to capture small particles and allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, pet dander and smoke. These are the particles that make up 99% of your air, can aggravate allergies and asthma, and which contribute toward dust in your air and on your furniture. It is important to change them on a regular basis. Refillable high efficiency pleated filters are also available.

Maintenance is key

When selecting a filter, note that efficiency will change over time. As filters become loaded with particles, the available openings for air to flow through become smaller. The result is better filtration but less air movement, causing your furnace to work harder to move air through the system. Disposable filters need to be replaced on a regular basis to insure proper airflow.