Which Air Filter Should You Buy for Your Home?

Filters come in many forms, but when it comes to household air filters, you have three main options: pleated filters, fiberglass filters, and washable reusable filters. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks, so let's take a closer look at what they are. In terms of performance, the Molekule Air filter reduced particles from 0.3 microns in only 18.0% (ambient) and 26.4% (clean) in Auto mode. In Silent mode, it reduced 0.3 micron particles by 6.5% (ambient) and 7.2% (clean).

And in Dark plus Auto mode, with its primary PECO purification system turned off and its fan at the equivalent of a medium setting, it reduced them by 21.3% (ambient) and 18.0% (clean). These results suggest that the Molekule Air depends mainly on its physical prefilter, not its patented PECO mechanism, to remove particles. Indoor air quality is essential for any homeowner, especially if your household members have respiratory problems. The right HVAC filters can make the difference between clogged air full of contaminants and clean air that is healthy and easy to breathe. To get the best indoor air quality you deserve, you need to understand the different types of air filters for homes and their pros and cons. Some people need HVAC system filters that keep the air free of allergens and other contaminants, while others just need a basic filter to get the job done.

In general, high-efficiency filters that are also cost-effective are best for homes, but other considerations should include whether there are pets in the house, if mold or mildew is a threat, and how often filters should be changed. It's wise to talk to an HVAC professional before making any decisions about air filters. To help gather information and weigh your options, let's take a look at each type of filter and its features to narrow down the types that may be right for your home.

Pleated Filters

People living with allergies or other respiratory problems may benefit most from HEPA filters. A contractor needs to adjust these filters to fit your specific HVAC system. HEPA filters are designed to capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size.

Fiberglass Filters

Fiberglass filters are one of the most common types of air filters used in homes today.

They are inexpensive and easy to install but don't offer much protection against allergens or other airborne contaminants.

UV Filters

UV filters use short-wave ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. When air passes through the HVAC unit, UV lamps disinfect it with germicidal radiation. UV filters are excellent for killing microorganisms that could be hazardous to health, including mold spores. A potential danger of UV filters is that they can transform oxygen into ozone, which can be hazardous to health.

Even low amounts of ozone can cause coughing and chest pain, while higher amounts of ozone can worsen existing respiratory diseases, such as asthma. While UV filters are great at removing bacteria and viruses, they aren't as efficient when it comes to protecting against contaminants such as dust.

Electrostatic Filters

Using small cotton and paper fibers, electrostatic filters create static electricity that acts as a magnet for dust and other particles in the air. The magnetism is strong enough to prevent these particles from spreading throughout the house, making them one of the best options for those who need a filter that can combat allergens.

An additional advantage for electrostatic filters is that they are available both disposable and reusable. When it's time to change the filters, you can decide whether to wash and reuse them or throw them away and buy new ones.

Washable Filters

While certain types of air filters come with reusable and disposable options, washable filters are an eco-friendly way to save money. The starting price of this type of air filter for HVAC systems is high, but it should be considered as an investment that will last for many years.

The starting price is likely all you'll have to pay, as you can simply wash and reuse the filter over and over again instead of buying a new one every few months. Washable filters need to be maintained well to ensure they work as they should. As one of the main types of air filters, they come with maintenance instructions that must be followed. It is very important to ensure that the filter is completely dry before reattaching it.

Even the slightest amount of moisture that remains can cause mold and mildew to form on the filter and expel them into the air you breathe.

Media Filters

While these filters have a low MERV rating, they are a great long-term investment for someone who doesn't have strong preferences about HVAC filter types and doesn't need any special filters. When it comes to air filters for HVAC systems, media filters can provide more benefits than standard filters with high MERV ratings. Media filters provide the same level of filtration as a high MERV filter, but do so without the negative consequences of airflow or static pressure. In contrast, media filters have a larger surface area, which successfully avoids significant static pressure and provides better filtration. Media filters are very easy to maintain and ideal for filtering bacteria and other small airborne contaminants.

Filtered dirt seals in the media filter material so it doesn't escape back into your home's air supply.
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