HVAC filter technologies explained

There are many types of HVAC filters currently on the market, including disposable panel filters, pleated filters, bag filters, and electrostatic filters.

In most buildings, the best HVAC filter is a medium-efficiency pleated filter, which adequately removes the larger particles that cause indoor air quality problems.

Pleated HVAC air filters can be made of a wide range of materials, including fiberglass, cotton, polyester, paper and synthetic materials.

Unlike traditional cotton/poly, synthetic materials in more modern HVAC filters resist shedding and don't absorb moisture, thereby hampering bacterial growth, and preventing shed fibers from getting into HVAC coils or getting released into the air.

Another advantage of using synthetic media in HVAC filters is that they can be made without the use of chemical binders, so that humidity will not affect the web structure and won't cause glue to soften and thus fibers to shed.

Unlike cotton/poly filter materials, which are made with a surface-loading structure, synthetic filter media can be made with a gradient density structure. The result is a solid mechanical foundation that maintains high efficiency over the useful life of the HVAC filter.

Finally, synthetic filter materials can have an electrostatic charge applied, which further improves the HVAC filter's efficiency, particularly with catching smaller particles.

For more information on related products, please choose from the following:

 Whole House Purifiers | Replacement Filters