Everything You Need to Know About Air Filters

Air filters are an essential part of any home HVAC system, vehicle maintenance, and even engine performance. They help to keep the air clean and free of airborne particles, allergens, and other contaminants. But with so many different types of air filters available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of air filters, their benefits, and how to choose the correct dimensions for your filter.

Types of Air Filters

There are several different types of air filters available on the market today.

The most common types are fiberglass air filters, pleated air filters, and high-efficiency filters. Fiberglass air filters are the most affordable option and are typically used in residential HVAC systems. They are made from a thin layer of fiberglass material that traps dust and other particles in the air. Pleated air filters are more expensive but offer better filtration than fiberglass filters.

They are made from a pleated material that traps more particles than fiberglass filters. High-efficiency filters are the most expensive option but offer the best filtration. They are made from a combination of materials that trap even the smallest particles in the air.

Benefits of Air Filters

Air filters can provide many benefits for your home or vehicle. They can help to reduce energy costs by keeping your HVAC system running more efficiently.

They can also help to improve indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens in the air. In addition, they can help to reduce the risk of oven overheating or a burning smell in your home by trapping grease and other particles in the air.

How to Choose the Correct Dimensions for Your Filter

When choosing an air filter for your home or vehicle, it's important to make sure you get the correct dimensions. The size of your filter will depend on the type of filter you choose and the size of your HVAC system or vehicle's engine. Most residential HVAC systems use a standard size filter such as 14x30x1 or 20x20x1. For vehicles, you'll need to check your owner's manual or contact a local HVAC technician for the correct size filter for your model number. In addition to size, you'll also need to consider the MERV rating of your filter.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is a measure of how effective a filter is at trapping particles in the air. The higher the MERV rating, the better filtration it will provide. Most residential HVAC systems use a MERV rating between 8 and 12.

When Should You Change Your Air Filter?

It's important to change your air filter regularly in order to maintain good indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system running efficiently. Most standard fiberglass and pleated air filters should be changed every 30-90 days depending on usage and environmental conditions.

High-efficiency filters may need to be changed more often depending on their MERV rating.

Where Can You Buy Air Filters?

Air filters can be purchased at most hardware stores or online retailers such as FilterBuy or Amazon. When purchasing online, make sure you get the correct size filter for your needs by checking the nominal size or real size listed on the product page. You can also purchase custom-sized air filters from FilterBuy if you need a specific size that isn't available in stores.

Conclusion

Air filters are an essential part of any home HVAC system or vehicle maintenance plan. There are several different types of air filters available on the market today including fiberglass, pleated, and high-efficiency filters.

It's important to choose the correct dimensions for your filter based on your HVAC system or vehicle model number as well as its MERV rating. Air filters should be changed regularly in order to maintain good indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system running efficiently. With so many different types of air filters available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs. But with this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to choose an air filter that will meet your needs and keep your home or vehicle running smoothly.