Selecting the right home air filter might spare you the expense of a whole house air purifier

In the past the main function of home air filters was the protection of the central heating/air conditioning unit from damage due to dust etc.
Technological development have improved home air filters so much, that the indoor air can be purified to a far greater degree than before. To what degree depends on the type and quality of the home air filter.

The simplest home air filter has a loose pad of coarse glass fibers, lightly coated with an adhesive to help large particles stick. Usually the pad is one inch thick, and is adequate for filtering larger particles, like lint and hair to protect the central heating/cooling unit.

Of higher quality are pleated filters, which have a finer mesh, and allows these home air filters to capture much smaller particles such as pet dander, spores and mold, and pollen. Most bacteria, let alone viruses are not filtered however. Neither are smoke or odors.

There are also electrostatic filters on the market. These home air filters get charged by the air as it rushes through the filter, or the fibers are already statically charged. Either way, the electrostatic charge causes the attraction of smaller particles than would be possible with a basic panel filter, or with a pleated filter.

By far the best home air filters are pleated filters that are also electrostatically charged. In this combination, the best quality ones rival the cleaning capability of dedicated air purifiers, and therefore are great value.

Some of the filters in the 3M filtrete filter range are in this class.

It’s very important to prevent the home air filter from becoming clogged, as it will adversely impact on the central heating unit’s heating ability, or even damage it. So make sure that the filter is cleaned or replaced every 2 to 3 months.

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

Whole House Purifiers | Replacement Filters