Your home heating system needs air filters in order to run properly, and local Highlands Ranch HVAC companies – see denvertotalcomfort.com/highlands-ranch-hvac-contractor – provide various types of such filters, plus the installation and replacement services. What are the types of air filters used by HVAC systems?
Basic Filter Types
There are four main types, designed to retain different kinds of particles:
- Electrostatic filters catch dust and other small particles and are reusable. Just wash or vacuum them every 1-2 months.
- Pleated filters have a much wider adsorption surface (they can use electrostatic attraction or not). They are cheap and should be replaced monthly.
- High-efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filters are complex filters, specially designed to stop allergens.
- Activated carbon filters retain both particles and fumes.
MERV Ratings
The Maximum Energy Reporting Value (MERV) ratings (1 to 20) show how efficient filters are and what kinds of particles they are able to retain:
- MERV size 1-4 retains pollen, acarians, fibers.
- MERV size 5-8 is also good for spores, dander, dust bunnies.
- MERV size 9-12 catches flour, dust, nebulizer drops, as well as the dangerous Legionella germs.
- MERV size 13-16 retains all bacteria, most smoke, sneeze droplets.
- MERV size 17-20 is also effective against viruses and all smoke.
So, just ask your furnace repair Highlands Ranch CO HVAC contractor about the best air filters available!