Q: Does it matter what type of air conditioner filter you use?
A: Selecting the proper air filter is critical to cleaning the air circulating in your home. However, the different filter mediums are not created equal. We have provided some information on the various types of air filters, starting from the lowest-performance filter medium to the highest-performing filters:
Spun fiberglass matte mounted in a cardboard frame: A spun fiberglass filter is the most commonly used filter today due to its low price. Each filter costs about $2.50 each.
Flat paper matte mounted in a cardboard frame: This filter is a significant improvement from the spun fiberglass. Each filter costs approximately $4 each.
Pleated paper mounted in a cardboard frame: The pleats increase the surface area exposed to the flowing return air. The larger the filter area, the more filtering occurs. Each filter costs approximately $4.50 each.
Electrostatic medium in a rigid plastic frame: These pleated filters are designed to be lifetime filters and are often referred to as reusable filters. The air movement over the monofilament medium electronically charges the dirt, dust, lint and hair particles you are trying to filter. It is not a good idea to purchase this filter unless you have the discipline to clean it at least once per month (every two weeks would be much better). Each filter costs approximately $50.
Electronic air filter: This filter is an attachment to your existing air conditioning unit that electronically zaps the dust particles as they pass through. This technology works similarly to the electric bug zappers many homeowners use on their patios back East. This filter requires regular cleaning and periodic maintenance by an authorized air conditioning technician. Only a qualified and trained technician should install this equipment. Each filter costs approximately $1,000 and up.
Note: Prices listed may not reflect current pricing.
Q: Which of the filters is best?
A: For the average home, we recommend choosing a 1-inch pleated filter for about $4. If you convert your unit from a spun fiberglass filter and the one-inch pleated filter causes your unit to have a whistling sound, return to the spun filter fiberglass. The whistling is a sign of air constriction.
A high-efficiency air filter (all the filters minus the fiberglass filter) will do a good job of trapping dust, pollen and other airborne particles before they can get into your air conditioning system’s air handler, which can blow the dirt back into your house.
Q: How important is it to change my filters?
A: Because filters do such a good job, they can quickly become covered with dirt, dust and dander. When the filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow to the air handler, causing your air conditioning system to work harder and become less energy efficient.
Prevent airflow problems by changing the air filter every month. Even if the manufacturer’s instructions say you can change it once a season, do it every 30 days.
Also, you may have an HVAC pro check your system’s ducts. If they are not sized correctly and you use a high-efficiency air filter, the system could be more likely to suffer from restricted airflow.
When replacing your HVAC system, consider upgrading your unit to one that requires a 4-inch paper pleated filter. These newer filters only require replacement once or twice a year. Your tech can do this with the recommended yearly or bi-yearly maintenance.
