Your heating and cooling system’s air filters can have a significant on the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Air filter manufacturers are always trying to come up with new products that improve IAQ and keep costs low. When the time comes to replace your air filter (at least once every three months), know what options are available to you:
FIBERGLASS
These inexpensive, throwaway filters are commonly seen in home HVAC systems and can be found at most home improvement stores. Pieces of fiberglass are laid over each other to form the filter and are reinforced with metal grating. They are designed to prevent particulate damage to the system, but do not improve IAQ.
PLEATED
Similar to fiberglass filters, pleated filters are made of high quality fibers (cotton and polyesters). These are better at blocking dust and resisting airflow, and can filter out up to 45% of indoor pollution.
HEPA
HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate resistance, filters filter air very finely and can remove up to 85% of pollutants and allergens from the air. These are thicker and a bit more complex, so they will require professional installation.
WASHABLE
This variety of air filters actually rely on the build-up of dust to improve its efficiency. Because of this, they are not effective in improving IAQ. Made of aluminum mesh, they need to be rinsed monthly.
Courtesy of FacilitiesNet
