Furnace filters are an essential part of your home’s HVAC system and prevent particles and contaminants from getting into the air that you breathe. These filters trap harmful substances like dust and pet dander, so they’re an important part of keeping your home smelling fresh and clean and your family safe from irritating allergies. Unfortunately, many people don’t know much about filters or what kind they should be using. We live in an era where technology is constantly evolving, and HVAC filters have been evolving rapidly as well. The market today is flooded with many different types of filters, each designed with specific functions for different types of HVAC systems.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF HVAC FILTERS

There are three main categories of HVAC filters: particulate filters, carbon filters, and hybrid filters. Particulate filters are designed to trap dust and other small particles in the air. Carbon filters work by absorbing organic materials, such as odors or chemicals, and are best used in ductwork that is not in a finished space such as a bedroom. Furnace filters are a combination of the two, designed for optimal performance in HVAC systems that are challenged by high levels of humidity, high particulate loads, or other factors. Each type of HVAC filter has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific situation.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF FILTER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Before you buy any filter, you’ll want to do some research on the best types for your system and your home. It’s best to start with your HVAC system’s owners manual, which should include recommendations for filter replacement schedules and proper filter types for the type of system in your home. The next step is to conduct a quick inspection of your HVAC unit to determine which type of filter might be recommended for your system. If you can’t get a visual inspection, you can also check the filter location on your unit with a diagram. Finally, you can always trust your senses. A musty or sour smell coming from your system, or a visible buildup of dust on your filter, are signs that it may be time to change your filter.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTER?

The frequency you change your HVAC filter depends on a variety of factors, including your home’s size, the type of unit you have, and the types of contaminants found in your area. There are three main types of HVAC filters — particulate filters, carbon filters, and hybrid filters. Particulate filters are designed to trap dust and other small particles in the air. Carbon filters work by absorbing organic materials, such as odors or chemicals, and are best used in ductwork that is not in a finished space such as a bedroom. Hybrid filters are a combination of the two, designed for optimal performance in HVAC systems that are challenged by high levels of humidity, high particulate loads, or other factors. Each type of HVAC filter has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific situation.

PARTICULATE FILTERS

Particulate filters trap large dust and other small particles like mold spores. HVAC systems that are particularly prone to dust and dirt deposits include those in larger homes, older buildings, or areas where construction work is currently underway. If you live in a dusty environment, a particulate filter could protect your HVAC system and your family from dust, dirt, and other pollutants in the air. Particulate filters are usually made of a paper-based material, like paper-based media. They trap dust and other particles by way of a process called “brick-mouthed self-cleaning,” meaning that dust gets trapped in the filter and then “brick-mouthed” when it exits the filter.

CARBON FILTERS

When used in ductwork, carbon filters can help remove smells from the air, reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and trap harmful gases like formaldehyde. These filters are best used in ductwork that is not in a finished space such as a bedroom. If you live in an older home that may have excess moisture and musty smells, a carbon filter could trap the excess moisture and harmful substances in the air. Carbon filters are usually made of a carbon-based material like activated carbon or coconut coir. They trap harmful substances by way of a process called “adsorption,” meaning that the harmful substances are attracted to the carbon’s surface and get trapped.

HYBRID HVAC FILTERS

Hybrid HVAC filters are a combination of particulate and carbon filters. They’re best used in HVAC systems that are challenged by high levels of humidity, high particulate loads, or other factors. If you live in an older home with excess moisture and musty smells, or if you live in a high-humidity area where excessive humidity can lead to higher energy bills, hybrid filters could trap excess moisture and harmful substances in the air. Hybrid HVAC filters are usually made of a combination of paper-based media and carbon-based materials. They trap dust and other particles by way of “brick-mouthed self-cleaning,” while trapping harmful substances by way of adsorption.

CONCLUSION

As you can see, there are a variety of HVAC filters available, but it’s important to choose the right one for your specific situation. You can inspect your HVAC unit to get an idea of the types of filters it may recommend, or you can trust your senses. If you notice a musty smell coming from your system, a visible buildup of dust on your filter, or a significant drop in efficiency, it may be time to change your filter.