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What Types Of AC Filters Can Be Found In The Marketplace?

Air conditioners are made of many vital parts and components that work together to deliver cooling performance in your home. One of these parts is the air filter. As its name suggests, the air filter's job is to remove dust and dirt particles from the unconditioned air that gets pulled into your home's AC system. This helps to prevent dirt from building up on the internal components of the unit. It also helps ensure that the air being supplied by your space-cooling equipment is not only cool but also clean and healthy. 

Several different types of air conditioner filters are available in the market. When choosing one, it is important to check its MERV. This stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filters are at cleaning the air.

Below are 4 common types of air conditioner filters you can choose from:

  • Standard Filters: They are the most common filters used in residential air conditioners. They're affordable, clean the air fairly well, and, on top of that, are easy to remove and replace. 
  • Pleated Filters: These filters derive their name from their unique design. They have pleats that help trap airborne particles more effectively than standard, non-pleated filters. They are beneficial to people who have allergies because they're better at removing dust, dirt, and pollen particles from the air. 
  • Washable Filters: These filters are very economical. You don't have to buy new ones each time you want to replace them. You can wash them, dry them, and install them back. This is a simple process that will cost you nothing unless you need to buy a new filter. 
  • HEPA Filters: Short for "high-efficiency particulate air" filters, HEPA filters are the most effective at cleaning the air. They can remove 99.97% of particulate matter present in the air. Due to its quality, it is generally more expensive compared to other filters and it uses the most amount of energy during AC operation. 

No matter what type of filters you choose, filter changes or cleanings are a must. However, some filters will require more frequent changes or cleanings than others. That said, the quality of the AC filter you choose will not only affect your AC maintenance regimen but also impact the health of your family. Therefore, choosing the right filter for your residential AC system is absolutely necessary. Contact an air conditioning contractor near you for help with making an informed purchase decision.


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