Breathe easier this winter with a high efficiency filter for your furnace. With so many choices out there, it is difficult to decide which one to use. At Boer Brothers Heating and Cooling, we will assist you with your furnace filter decision, by providing you with information about each filter type. Studies show that those who consistently change filters and select the right filter type are less likely to need a repair. The various filter options for residential and commercial furnaces are listed below by Bob Vila TV, along with the pros and cons of each:
“Disposable fiberglass
Pros: Very inexpensive, good for renters and those without allergies or asthma
Cons: Has little to no effect on cleaning the air”
The disposable fiberglass filters are a good choice for renters or people on a budget. They are made out of thick spun fiberglass, and are the most affordable of the filters. If you want a more effective solution, the disposable pleated is a great choice:
“Disposable pleated
Pros: Relatively inexpensive, can be made from green materials, blocks some small particles
Cons: Can add more resistance to air flow, making your system more expensive to operate”
The above filter, made from polyester and cotton paper, does a great job with mites and spores, however it needs to be changed frequently. The use of green materials this filter make it a healthy environmental choice.
“Disposable electrostatic
Pros: Affordable in standard sizes; good for homes with children, pets, or smokers
Cons: Custom sizes are expensive, higher costs if replaced regularly over several years”
The disposable electrostatic filter, containing self-charging electrostatic cotton or paper fibers, is almost twice the cost of the disposable pleated. But it does a great job of attracting small particles, eliminating even more allergens from the air.
“Permanent electrostatic
Pros: Little waste, more effective than pleated; a good option if you use a standard size
Cons: Less effective than electrostatic, custom sizes are expensive”
A wonderful choice for the environment, with very little waste and a machine-washable filter, this filter does an good job of filtering the air. If you use the permanent electrostatic filter, made of self-charging cotton fibers for 6-8 years, it will be a cost-effective choice.
“High-efficiency pleated
Pros: Used in hospitals, these screen out the smallest of particles. May be very helpful for those with respiratory problems or autoimmune disorders
Cons: Expensive – can only be installed in special housing due to thick size”
Hospitals and other commercial heating customers may find these filters, made of pleated synthetic cotton, to be the top option for their advanced filtering qualities. They are the most expensive, but they are the right fit if you are in an industry that may have a lot of unhealthy germs or allergens in the air.
Breathe healthier during the year with the right HVAC filters for your home or business. At Boer Brothers Heating and Cooling, we can help you choose your heating system filter. We also offer furnace repair in Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and surrounding areas, along with installation and maintenance for heating and cooling systems. Call us at 919-813-2556 for more information about our commercial and residential heating services.
(Source: How To: Choose The Right Furnace Filter, https://www.bobvila.com/, 2014)