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HVAC filters exist for different applications, and come in various sizes and MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) ratings. Today, Home Air Services, one of the area’s top HVAC companies , describes several types of filters to help you find the filter that will work best for you.

Reusable filters, also called washable filters, are among the most common types of HVAC filters. They’re usually more expensive than disposable filters, but they make up for this with their ability to be used again and again, rendering further filter purchases unnecessary. Reusable filters often have a low MERV rating of 1-4. Consult your HVAC manufacturer or the manual that comes with your unit, and keep in mind that a filter that’s not washed properly or is reinstalled while damp can attract mold and mildew.

These filters are on the low end of the MERV ratings, though not as low as reusable filters. These filters, which are one of the most frequently used according to air conditioning repair companies, contain layered fiberglass and feature a metal reinforcing grate framed by cardboard. These filters do protect the interior components of the unit, but don’t purify air very well.

Pleated media filters are disposable and carry a MERV rating between 5 and 13, though some high-efficiency models have a MERV rating of up to 16. The pleats to which the filter owes its name increase the surface area, improving its effectiveness. While not as effective as HEPA filters, they have less airflow resistance and are often quieter than similar filters.

HEPA filters possess the highest level of filtration, as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency will attest. They can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns or larger and catch 99.97% of airborne particles. Most HEPA filters are installed in HVAC units that carry a MERV rating of 17-20. Unfortunately, some residential properties cannot accommodate them due to their size and airflow restrictions unless installed by licensed HVAC installation contractors.

Home Air Services gives you the best HVAC filters. We aim to improve your indoor air quality with quality filters. Call us today at (301) 269-3004 or fill out our contact form.

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