HVAC Filters: Understanding the Differences and Selecting the Right One for Your HVAC System

If your home or office has forced heat and air conditioning, your HVAC system is doing a lot more than just heating or cooling. HVAC systems also play a significant role in controlling the dust level in your home or office by filtering the air. There are a variety of filter options available to choose from and it’s important to understand the difference between them. A basic low-cost fiberglass filter protects your furnace from large dust particles, while also providing maximum airflow, but does very little to reduce household dust. Pleated filters trap 80 to 95 percent of particles that are 5 microns and larger. Pleated filters are generally more expensive, and provide a good balance between cost and filtration efficiency. But if you, or someone in your household or office, struggle with allergies, you may want to consider using high-efficiency filters, which capture 99 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns (bacteria, viruses, fumes, and pollen). The trade-off is that there is generally a significant price increase with high-efficiency filters, and, because of a reduced airflow, you’ll need to run your furnace fan full time to get the maximum benefit from a high-efficiency filter. You’ll also need to change the filter more frequently to prevent damage to your furnace from the reduced airflow. Our technicians are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding furnace filters. Additionally, we can assist with selecting and installing the best filter to meet your needs. Annual maintenance of your HVAC system will also keep it running at maximum efficiency and extend the life of your system. Give us a call at (970) 381-4493 to schedule an HVAC diagnostic check-up.