Furnace filters are an essential component to keeping your HVAC system working properly. The other major function of furnace filters is to filter the air in your home to ensure that the air in your home is clean from harmful contaminants. Unfortunately our homes are full of all sorts of harmful contaminates but the good news is that a good furnace filter will remove most harmful contaminants and some of the best furnace filters can remove almost 100% of contaminants.
What contaminants are typically in the air inside a home?
Dust from the outdoors
Cooking dust
Hair and skin dander
Pollen
Mold
Dust particles often consist of irritants and allergens such as bacteria, dust mites, pollen, fabric lint, plant and mold spores, human & pet dander, tobacco smoke and more. Breathing in these contaminants could make you sick and a person who has even slight allergies or asthma could suffer from a non-efficient furnace filter.
Two of the most effective and affordable furnace filters in the market today are electrostatic filters and pleated filters. Below you will read about the differences between the two filters.
Electrostatic Furnace Filters
Electrostatic air filters use static electricity to get the dirt of your air. The electrostatic charge attracts tiny, microscopic household dust particles to electrostatic furnace filters like a magnet.
Electrostatic filters last for decades
Can be easily cleaned out with a hose every few months or as needed
Energy savings benefit of at least 15% savings on your energy bills
Helps cut back on waste by lasting so long (compared to other filter types which need to be completely replaced each month).
Option of a permanent electrostatic furnace filter which can remove up to 100& of the most common dust and mold air contaminants
Pleated Furnace Filters
Pleated air filters are made with a material that is folded into pleats to provide a good air flow within your HVAC system.
One of the most popular furnace filter options
Cost less than electrostatic filters but need to be replaced more often
Removes dust and allergens from the air
Sufficient for those without severe allergies or asthma
Energy efficient in that it helps your furnace work more efficiently.
Marcy Tate is a content writer for Networx.com and has been working in the home improvement industry for over 10 years.
Find a local HVAC contractor to help you determine the best furnace filter for your HVAC system.