What Type of Air Conditioner Filter Should I Use? - A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to air quality, the type of filter you use for your air conditioner is just as important as how often you change it. The Department of Health recommends using filters that are capable of eliminating at least 99.97% of allergens and pollutants from the air, including mold spores and dust as small as 0.3 microns. Common air filters include fiberglass filters, polyester filters, and ultra-efficient HEPA filters. To maintain good air quality and keep your home clean, you'll want to replace the filter at least two to three months apart. Air filters also help keep the furnace's coils and heat exchangers clean, which can extend the life of the oven and keep it running efficiently.

Replacing air filters regularly is the most important thing you can do to keep your central air conditioner running efficiently. The type of filter or filters you use will determine how often you should change them. A central air conditioner filter is usually made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper or cloth, enclosed in a rectangular cardboard frame. Generally, you should change the cheapest fiberglass filters every 30 days and the higher-quality pleated filters every 60 to 90 days. Electrostatic filters filter allergens better than pleated filters.

In other parts of the country, you may only have one main filter that fits into a slot on the side, top, or bottom of the air handling unit. The air passes through the filter (or filters) and the filter material traps contaminants before they can circulate around the house. Getting an exact fit is essential to having an effective air filter; an incorrect size won't fit and will cause the filter to stop working properly. If any of these situations apply to you, it's best to change your air filters more often.

Types of Air Conditioner Filters

When it comes to choosing an air conditioner filter, there are several types available on the market today. The most common types are fiberglass, polyester, and HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Fiberglass Filters

Fiberglass filters are the most affordable option for air conditioners. They are made from spun glass fibers that trap large particles such as dust and lint from entering your home's air supply. While they are effective at trapping larger particles, they do not do a good job at trapping smaller particles such as mold spores or pollen.

Polyester Filters

Polyester filters are more expensive than fiberglass filters but they are more effective at trapping smaller particles such as mold spores and pollen. They are also more durable than fiberglass filters and can last up to 90 days before needing to be replaced.

HEPA Filters

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most expensive option but they are also the most effective at trapping even the smallest particles from entering your home's air supply.

HEPA filters can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in size which makes them ideal for people with allergies or asthma.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Conditioner Filter?

The frequency with which you should change your air conditioner filter depends on several factors including the type of filter you use, how often you use your air conditioner, and whether or not anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma. For fiberglass filters, it is recommended that they be changed every 30 days while pleated polyester or electrostatic filters should be changed every 60-90 days. HEPA filters should be changed every 6-12 months depending on usage. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, it is recommended that you change your filter more frequently than what is recommended above. This will help reduce allergens in your home's air supply and improve overall air quality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of air conditioner filter is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality in your home. Fiberglass filters are the most affordable option but they do not do a good job at trapping smaller particles such as mold spores or pollen.

Polyester and HEPA filters are more expensive but they are more effective at trapping smaller particles which makes them ideal for people with allergies or asthma. It is recommended that you change your air conditioner filter every 30 days for fiberglass filters, every 60-90 days for pleated polyester or electrostatic filters, and every 6-12 months for HEPA filters depending on usage. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, it is recommended that you change your filter more frequently than what is recommended above.